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Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)

Within the Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) program, you can study plants by specializing in plant biology, plant production, or professional agrology. Each of these specializations consists of 24-credits of courses focusing on a different aspect of plant science.

Students interested in taking the Plant Biology specialization can choose to major in Environmental Biology or Life Sciences. Students interested in the Plant Production or Professional Agrology specializations should major in Sustainable Agricultural Systems.

Hands-on experience is central to our programs. We have unique facilities, including an on-campus farm with crop fields, orchards, and greenhouses where you can practice and apply what you learn.

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) (Overview)

Students register in one major and at least one specialization. They may design their own program by choosing any major, and at least one specialization (see notes below for the majors in Environment and specializations in Agricultural Economics). By choosing two different specializations, students have the option of developing their own interdisciplinary interests. They may also choose to do a minor. The multidisciplinary specialization is designed for those interested in broad training.

Note: Students choosing the major in Environment will select a concentration instead of a specialization.

Note: Specializations in the Agricultural Economics major are restricted to Agricultural Economics students.

All the required and complementary courses for the major must be completed in full. Within each specialization, at least 18 credits must be unique, i.e., they only count for that specialization and do not overlap with either the major or a second specialization. At least 12 credits must be from 400-level courses or higher.

These programs are also available as honours programs for students after they have completed their U2 year if they meet the requirements. See individual programs for details.

Majors and Honours

Graduates of programs marked with an asterisk (*) can be eligible for membership in the Ordre des agronomes du Québec and other provincial institutes of agriculture.

Agricultural Economics^*
Agro-environmental Sciences^*
Environmental Biology
Global Food Security
Life Sciences (Biological and Agricultural)
Environment – see Major in Environment - B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) and B.Sc.

Full program descriptions are listed at B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) Major and Honours Programs.

Note: In the program description for each major is a suggested list of specializations that complement that major.

Specializations

Each specialization consists of 24 credits of courses (required and complementary) that provide a coherent package designed to prepare students for a future in a given discipline. Students will select at least one specialization. However, students wishing to broaden their training have the option of choosing to do two. Although the list of suggested specializations appears under each major in the programs section, students interested in other specializations should consult with their academic advisor.

The following are specializations for the major programs listed above in Agricultural Economics, Agro-Environmental Sciences, Environmental Biology, Global Food Security, and Life Sciences (Biological and Agricultural).

Complete descriptions of specialization programs can be found below:

Major in Life Sciences or Major in Environmental Biology

Specialization: Plant Biology

The Plant Biology specialization emphasizes the study of plants, from their cellular structure to their role in the ecosystem.

You will examine the structure and development of plants in the context of their function as the primary producers on earth. You will learn about the physiology and biochemistry of plants from the basics of photosynthesis to the production of chemical compounds used for defense against herbivores, pests and pathogens.

You will also develop skills in plant identification, plant propagation, and molecular methods for studying plants and fungi. You will learn how natural selection has shaped the diversity of plants, explore the dynamics of plant communities in the ecosystem, and appreciate the role of plants in society as the source of food, fiber, fuel, medicinal compounds and ornamental.

Program information not available.

For more information, contact Professor Mehran Dastmalchi, Specialization Coordinator, Plant Biology

Major in Agro-Environmental Sciences

Specialization: Plant Production

The goal of this specialization is to give students an excellent background in the knowledge and skills relating to the biology and physiology, breeding, propagation, and management of domesticated plants. The plant industry, in both rural and urban settings, is a sector of growing importance to Canadian and global economies.

Program information not available.

Specialization: Professional Agrology

Agrology focuses on the science and technology required for agricultural production; Students in this major wishing to become members of the Order of Agrologists of Quebec (OAQ) must complete two specializations.

Program information not available.

For more information, contact Professor Valérie Gravel, Specialization Coordinator, Professional Agrology

Discover your next adventure!

McGill offers a variety of unique opportunities including courses, field study opportunities and exchanges abroad, as well as undergraduate internships.

Tropical Plants