Bioresource Engineering

Bioresource Engineering

Location

Location

  • Department of Bioresource Engineering
  • Macdonald Campus
  • 21,111 Lakeshore Road
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC H9X 3V9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7838
  • Email: gradstudies.macdonald [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: mcgill.ca/bioeng

About Bioresource Engineering

About Bioresource Engineering

The Department offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. research programs in various areas of bioresource engineering including:

  • Bio-production engineering
    • biomass production engineering;
    • precision agriculture and sensor systems engineering;
    • smart production systems engineering; and
    • irrigation and drainage engineering.
  • Bio-process engineering
    • post-harvest technologies engineering;
    • food process engineering;
    • food quality, safety, and security engineering;
    • food and bioprocess engineering;
    • bio-inspired multifunctional metamaterials; and
    • meta-structures engineering.
  • Bio-environmental engineering
    • ecological engineering;
    • sustainable bioresource consumption and supply chain engineering
    • hydrology and water engineering and management;
    • water resource and environmental systems engineering; and
    • soil and water ecology engineering.

The Department has well-equipped laboratories for conducting research in all these areas.

The interdisciplinary nature of bioresource engineering often requires candidates for higher degrees to work in association with, or attend courses given by, a number of other departments at both the McGill University Macdonald Campus and the Downtown Campus.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Thesis) (45 credits)

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.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Thesis): Environment (45 credits)

**This program is not offered in the 2023-2024 academic year.**

The Environmental option is coordinated through the Bieler School of Environment (BSE). 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.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Integrated Water Resources Management (45 credits)

Integrated Water Resource Management 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 practising 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.

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

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.

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environment (45 credits)

**This program is not offered in the 2023-2024 academic year.**

The non-thesis Environment option is aimed at individuals already employed in industry or seeking to improve their skills in specific areas with the coordination of the Bieler School of Environment.

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environmental Engineering (45 credits)

The Environmental Engineering program emphasizes interdisciplinary fundamental knowledge, practical perspective, and awareness of environmental issues through a wide range of technical and non-technical courses offered by collaborating departments and faculties at the University.

The primary objective of the program is to train environmental professionals at the advanced level. The program is thus designed for individuals with a university undergraduate degree in engineering. Through this program, students will master specialized skills in their home disciplines and acquire a broader perspective and awareness of environmental issues.

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Integrated Food and Bioprocessing (45 credits)

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, fibre, 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 fibre, 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.

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.

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

**This program is not offered in the 2023-2024 academic year.**

The Ph.D. Bioresource Engineering: Environment – 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, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Bioresource Engineering Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Bioresource Engineering Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

The general rules of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies apply. Candidates should indicate in some detail their fields of special interest when applying for admission. An equivalent cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0/4.0 (second class–upper division) or a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2/4.0 during the last two years of full-time university study is required at the bachelor's level. High grades are expected in courses considered by the academic unit to be preparatory to the graduate program. Experience after the undergraduate degree is an additional asset.

Note: Candidates for the M.Sc. (non-thesis) program with concentration in Integrated Water Resources Management are required to have a Bachelor's degree but this does not need to be an engineering degree. Non-engineering students with a demonstrated interest in water resources management are encouraged to apply. Related disciplines could include, for example, geography, international development studies, sociology, anthropology, mathematics, environmental studies, biology, natural resources management, and engineering, among others.
Note: Candidates for the M.Sc. Applied program (general or general with Environment option) must meet the qualification of professional engineer in a Canadian professional engineering association such as the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ), either before or during their M.Sc. Applied program.
Note: Candidates for the M.Sc. Applied program with concentration in Environmental Engineering shall have completed an undergraduate degree in engineering.
Note: Candidates for the M.Sc. Applied program with concentration in Integrated Food and Bioprocessing shall have graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a Bachelor of Technology, and possess a strong knowledge in the following core engineering areas: fluid mechanics, heat and/or mass transfer, thermodynamics, and engineering mathematics (including statistics).

Qualifying Students

Some applicants whose academic degrees and standing entitle them to serious consideration for admission to graduate studies, but who are considered inadequately prepared in the subject selected may be admitted to a Qualifying program if they have met the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0. The course(s) to be taken in a Qualifying program will be prescribed by the academic unit concerned. Qualifying students are registered in graduate studies, but not as candidates for a degree. Only one Qualifying year is permitted. Successful completion of a Qualifying program does not guarantee admission to a degree program.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available but limited and highly competitive. It is suggested that students give serious consideration to their financial planning before submitting an application. Normally, a student will not be accepted unless adequate financial support can be provided through a scholarship/award and/or by the student's supervisor. Academic units cannot guarantee financial support via teaching assistantships.

English Language Proficiency

For graduate applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized Canadian or American (English or French) institution or from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, documented proof of English proficiency is required prior to admission. For a list of acceptable test scores and minimum requirements, visit mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/international/proficiency.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate Admissions and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:

  • Acceptance to all programs depends on a staff member agreeing to serve as the student’s supervisor and the student obtaining financial support.
  • The GRE – not required, but highly recommended.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the Department of Bioresource Engineering and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate McGill departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Bioresource Engineering Faculty

Bioresource Engineering Faculty

Chair
Viacheslav I. Adamchuk
Graduate Program Director
G.S. Vijaya Raghavan
Associate Graduate Program Director
Zhiming Qi
Emeritus Professors
Robert S. Broughton; Robert Kok
Professors
Viacheslav I. Adamchuk; Jan Adamowski; Chandra A. Madramootoo; Michael O. Ngadi; Valérie Orsat; Shiv O. Prasher; G.S. Vijaya Raghavan
Associate Professors
Abdolhamid Akbarzadeh Shafaroudi; Grant Clark; Mark Lefsrud; Zhiming Qi
Assistant Professors
Benjamin Goldstein; Idaresit Ekaette; E. Miezah Kwofie; Shangpeng Sun
Adjunct Professors
Marie-Josee Dumont; Boris Tartakovsky
Faculty Lecturers
Fernando Altamura; Alice Cherestes; David Titley-Peloquin
Research/Academic Associates
Yvan Gariepy; Li (Laura) Liu; Sarah MacPherson
Technical
William Boyd Dumais
Professor Post-Retirement
Arun Mujumdar
Affiliate Members
Georges T. Dodds; Maxime Leduc; Wietske Medema; Marian V. Simpson
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Thesis) (45 credits)

This option for the M.Sc. degree is oriented toward individuals who intend to develop a career in bioresource engineering research.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Thesis) (45 credits).

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Thesis): Environment (45 credits)

**This program is currently not offered.** ...

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Thesis): Environment (45 credits).

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Integrated Water Resources Management (45 credits)

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

The non-thesis option is aimed toward 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 enter the engineering profession at a higher level. ...

For more information, see Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis) (45 credits).

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environment (45 credits)

**This program is currently not offered.** ...

For more information, see Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environment (45 credits).

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environmental Engineering (45 credits)

This inter-departmental graduate program leads to a master's degree in Environmental Engineering. The objective of the program is to train environmental professionals at an advanced level. The program is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in engineering. This non-thesis degree falls within the M.Eng. and M.Sc. programs which are offered in the...

For more information, see Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Environmental Engineering (45 credits).

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Bioresource Engineering (Non-Thesis): Integrated Food and Bioprocessing (45 credits)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Bioresource Engineering

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree will normally register for the M.Sc. degree first. In cases where the research work is proceeding very satisfactorily, or where the equivalent of the M.Sc. degree has been completed previously, candidates may be permitted to proceed directly to the Ph.D. degree.

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Bioresource Engineering.

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

**This program is currently not offered.** The Ph.D. in Bioresource Engineering 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.

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Bioresource Engineering: Environment.

Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)
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