The Department of Bioresource Engineering at McGill University took roots in 1907, when agricultural engineering began as a manual training program offered in the Schools for Teachers, Household Science, and Agriculture. By 1914, the program was formally recognized as the Department of Manual Training and Agricultural Engineering.
George E. Emberley, the department’s first engineering lecturer, played a key role in shaping its early years. He taught courses in forging, farm machinery, drainage, and surveying. In 1918, thanks to Emberley’s leadership, the name was simplified to the Department of Agricultural Engineering.
Louis G. Heimple succeeded Emberley and served as chair until 1951. His successor, Professor Angus Banting—nephew of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin—brought national distinction to the department until his early retirement.
Professor Jim Cooper taught shop practice, welding, metal work, in addition to other agricultural machinery courses.