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Graduate funding

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies-Graduate Funding is responsible for the awarding and processing of many fellowships in support of McGill’s graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Graduate programs

The Department of Bioresource Engineering is home to an interdisciplinary program that integrates engineering, design, and the biological sciences. We apply engineering principles to the enhancement and sustainability of the world’s natural resources. Bioresource engineers work to steward the environment and natural resources (water, soil, plants, animals), create systems to produce crops, livestock, and biomass, and transform agricultural commodities and biomass into food, fibre, fuel, and biochemicals.

Our department's research focuses on the following areas:

  • Ecological engineering
  • Soil and water resources management
  • Mechatronics and robotics
  • Food engineering and bio-processing
  • Post-harvest technology
  • Plant and animal environments
  • Waste management
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Agricultural machinery

 

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Thesis)

This option for the M.Sc. degree is oriented toward individuals who intend to develop a career in bioresource engineering research. The research areas include: plant and animal environments; ecological engineering (ecosystem modelling, design, management and remediation); water resources management (hydrology, irrigation, drainage, water quality); agricultural machinery, mechatronics and robotics; food engineering and bio-processing; post-harvest technology; waste management and protection of the environment; bio-energy; and artificial intelligence.

Program details for Bioresource Engineering (Thesis) (M.Sc.) (45 credits)

Application deadlines

Applicant Fall Winter
Canadian/permanent resident March 15 September 1
International January 15 July 15

Program Coordinator: Erin Minnett


Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is a one-year program providing an essential approach for sustainable management of our natural watershed resources. The 13-credit internship is a central feature of this master’s program. The degree gives students the unique opportunity to study the biophysical, environmental, legal, institutional, and socio-economic aspects of water use and management, in an integrated context. The degree is directed at practicing professionals who wish to upgrade and/or focus their skill set to address water management issues.

As a graduate from this program, you will be well suited to opportunities in diverse fields of employment, such as water resources consulting, international development project management, research with governments or universities, public policy and governance development, and climate change impact assessment.

The typical duration of this program, if completed on a full-time basis, is 12 months:

  • Program sequence, fall term admission: Fall/Winter/Summer (September to August of following year) with no scheduled breaks. Fall term is the recommended and traditional program starting time. 
  • Program sequence, winter term admission: Winter/Summer-Scheduled Break/Fall/Winter (January to April of the following year)

Program details for Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Integrated Water Resources Management (M.Sc.) (45 credits)

Application deadlines

Applicant Fall Winter
Canadian/permanent resident March 15 September 1
International January 15 July 15

    Program Director: Prof. Jan Adamowski

    Program Coordinator: Maude Bélanger


Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Integrated Food and Bioprocessing (IFB)

This graduate program will provide students with the tools to understand how food and agricultural production interact to better manage agricultural, food, and biomass systems for the adequate supply of wholesome food, feed, fiber, biofuel, and any other bio-based material. This course-based program will present students with the skills needed to assess existing production, delivery, and quality management systems; introduce improvements; and communicate effectively with policy makers and with colleagues in multi-disciplinary teams.

The goals of this program are to provide up-to-date world class knowledge on techniques for adequate process design and management of biomass production strategies for the delivery of quality food, natural fiber, biochemicals, biomaterials, and biofuels, in a sustainable and environment-friendly way that benefits all. Training activities will include laboratory research and/or industrial/government internships.

The typical duration of this program, if completed on a full-time basis, is 12 to 16 months. Fall term admissions only.  The research project/internship is carried out over 12 weeks, typically in the summer term, and goes toward the fulfillment of two 6-credit courses for a total of 12 credits, constituting full-time enrolment in that term. Students may receive remuneration for research project/internship work but this is not guaranteed.

Candidates for the M.Sc. Applied, Integrated Food and Bioprocessing program shall have graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering or a Bachelor of Technology, with a strong knowledge in the following core engineering areas: fluid mechanics, heat and/or mass transfer, thermodynamics, and engineering mathematics (including statistics).

Program details for Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Integrated Food and Bioprocessing (M.Sc.A.) (45 credits)

Application deadlines

Applicant Fall Winter
Canadian/permanent resident March 15 September 1
International January 15 July 15
 

Program Director: Prof. Michael Ngadi

Program Coordinator: Maude Bélanger


Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environmental Engineering

The M.Sc. Applied, Environmental Engineering option emphasizes interdisciplinary fundamental knowledge, practical applications in diverse environmental contexts, and the functional skills needed for solving environmental problems. This option is for individuals with a university undergraduate degree in engineering who wish to train at an advanced level.

The interdisciplinary character of the option provides a unique opportunity for students. A wide range of technical and non-technical courses are offered by collaborating departments and faculties at McGill. Through these courses, students will master specialized skills in their home disciplines and acquire a broader perspective and awareness of environmental issues.

The typical duration of this program, if completed on a full-time basis, is 16 to 20 months (summer term optional). Fall term admissions only.  The research project/internship for this program can be carried out over 6 or 12 weeks. For a 12-week research project or internship, the student must register for both BREE 671 (6 cr.) and BREE 672 (6 cr.) for a total of 12 credits, constituting full-time enrolment in that term. Students may receive remuneration for research project/internship work but this is not guaranteed.

Program details for Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environmental Engineering (M.Sc.A.) (45 credits)

Application deadlines

Applicant Fall Winter
Canadian/permanent resident March 15 September 1
International January 15 July 15

Program Directors:jonathan.maisonneuve [at] mcgill.ca ( Prof. Jonathan Maisonneuve)

Program Coordinator: Maude Bélanger


Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis)

The non-thesis option is aimed at individuals already employed in industry or seeking to improve their skills in specific areas (soil and water, structures and environment, waste management, environment protection, post-harvest technology, food process engineering, environmental engineering) in order to attain a higher level of engineering qualification. Candidates must be qualified to be members of a Canadian professional engineering association such as the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) and must maintain contact with their academic adviser in the Department of Bioresource Engineering before registration to clarify objectives, investigate project possibilities, and plan a program of study.

Program details for Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis) (M.Sc.A.) (45 credits)

Application deadlines

Applicant Fall Winter
Canadian/permanent resident March 15 September 1
International January 15 July 15

Program Director: Prof. Viacheslav Adamchuk

Program Coordinator: Maude Bélanger


Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environment

The M.Sc. in Bioresource Engineering; (Thesis) Environment is a research program offered in collaboration with the Bieler School of Environment. As a complement to the unit’s expertise, the program considers how various dimensions (scientific, social, legal, ethical.) interact to define environment and sustainability issues.

Program details for Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environment (M.Sc.A.) (45 credits)

Application deadlines

This program is not currently being offered.


Program Directors: viacheslav.adamchuk [at] mcgill.ca (Prof Viacheslav Adamchuk)

Program Coordinator: Maude Bélanger


Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Bioresource Engineering

This is a research-based degree and is offered in the following areas: plant and animal environments; ecological engineering (ecosystem modelling, design, management and remediation); water resources management (hydrology, irrigation, drainage, water quality); agricultural machinery, mechatronics and robotics; food engineering and bio-processing; post-harvest technology; waste management and protection of the environment; bio-energy; and artificial intelligence.

Program details for Bioresource Engineering (Ph.D.)

Application deadlines

Applicant Fall Winter
Canadian/permanent resident March 15 September 1
International January 15 July 15

Program Coordinator: Erin Minnett


Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Bioresource Engineering: Environment

The Ph.D. Bioresource Engineering: Environment – MSE Option is coordinated through the Bieler School of Environment. This option is intended for students who want to take an interdisciplinary approach in their graduate research on environmental issues. Students will learn how to transfer knowledge into action and develop an appreciation for the roles of science, politics, economics, and ethics with regard to the environment.

Programs details for Bioresource Engineering: Environment (Ph.D.)

Application deadlines

This program is not currently being offered.


Program Coordinator: Erin Minnett


Graduate information session

Watch our most recent graduate information sessions to learn more about our department, faculty, research, and students.

 

Looking for a research supervisor?

Explore our faculty profiles to find your area of interest.

Teaching assistantships

Explore our list of department teaching assistant positions.

Careers

Graduates of the Bioresource Engineering program are highly sought after in industry, engineering consulting, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Discover what you can do with your Bioresource Engineering degree.

 

 

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Mac Campus student life

Macdonald Campus offers a variety of extracurricular activities for Bioresource Engineering graduate students:

» Macdonald Manufacturing Modeling and Design (M3D)
» Mac Robotics Club
» Macdonald Campus Graduate Students' Society (MCGSS)

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