Program Requirements
This Minor program is designed to allow students in non-agricultural production majors to receive credit for courses in agricultural production and to stimulate "cross-over" studies. The Minor can be associated with existing major programs in the Faculty, but in some instances it may require more than 90 credits to meet the requirements of both the Major and the Minor.
Students are advised to consult their major program adviser and the Academic Adviser of the Minor in their first year. At the time of registration for their penultimate year, students must declare their intent to obtain a Minor Agricultural Production. With the agreement of their major program adviser, they must submit their program of courses already taken, and to be taken in their final year, to the Academic Adviser of the Agricultural Production Minor. The Academic Adviser of the Agricultural Production Minor will then certify which courses the student will apply toward the Minor and that the student's program conforms with the requirements of the Minor.
Notes:
1. Most courses listed at the 300 level and higher have prerequisites. Although instructors may waive prerequisite(s) in some cases, students are urged to prepare their program of study well before their final year.
2. Not all courses are offered every year. For information on available courses, consult Class Schedule at http://www.mcgill.ca/minerva. Complete listings can be found in the "Courses" section of this eCalendar.
For information on academic advising, see: http://www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/studentinfo/advising
General Regulations
To obtain a Minor in Agricultural Production, students must:
a) ensure that their academic record at the University includes a C grade or higher in the courses as specified in the course requirements given below.
b) offer a minimum total of 24 credits from the courses as given below, of which not more than 6 credits may be counted for both the Major and the Minor programs. This restriction does not apply to elective courses in the Major program.
Required Courses (12 credits)
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AEBI 210 Organisms 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : The biology of plants and plant-based systems in managed and natural terrestrial environments. The interactions between autotrophs and soil organisms and selected groups of animals with close ecological and evolutionary connections with plants (e.g., herbivores and pollinators) will be explored in lecture and laboratory.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Dastmalchi, Mehran (Fall)
3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab, per week.
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ANSC 250 Principles of Animal Science (3 credits)
Overview
Animal Science : Introduction to the scientific principles underlying the livestock and poultry industries. Emphasis will be placed on the breeding, physiology and nutrition of animals raised for the production of food and fibre.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Wade, Kevin (Fall)
Fall
3 lectures and one 2-hour lab
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ENVB 210 The Biophysical Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : With reference to the ecosystems in the St Lawrence lowlands, the principles and processes governing climate-landform-water-soil-vegetation systems and their interactions will be examined in lecture and laboratory. Emphasis on the natural environment as an integrated system.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Mousavi-Torbati, Khosro (Fall)
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PLNT 300 Cropping Systems (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : Application of plant science and soil science to production of agronomic and horticultural crops. Use and sustainability of fertilization, weed control, crop rotation, tillage, drainage and irrigation practices.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Smith, Donald L (Fall)
3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
Prerequisite: AEBI 210
Complementary Courses (12 credits)
12 credits chosen from the following list in consultation with the Academic Adviser for the Minor:
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AGRI 215 Agro-Ecosystems Field Course (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Through case studies and field trips, students will examine the problems and constraints within the Canadian agro-ecosystem, including the interrelationships among food production, the environment, agricultural policy and social issues. Research in this field of study will also be introduced.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (Fall)
This course carries an additional charge of $65.29 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips to agricultural enterprises. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.
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AGRI 340 Principles of Ecological Agriculture (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Focus on low-input, sustainable, and organic agriculture: the farm as an ecosystem; complex system theory; practical examples of soil management, pest control, integrated crop and livestock production, and marketing systems.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (Winter)
3 lectures and one 2-hour seminar
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken AGRI 250
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ANSC 451 Dairy and Beef Production Management (3 credits)
Overview
Animal Science : Overview of the Canadian Dairy and Beef industries with emphasis on products, environment, management systems, reproductive technologies, health, genetic improvement, automation, information recording and use of housing facilities and equipment. Field trips to dairy and beef farms as well as processing units included for illustration and application of concepts.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Duggavathi, Raj; Burgos, Sergio (Winter)
Prerequisite: ANSC 250, or permission of the instructor.
Restrictions: Open to U2 students or higher.
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ANSC 458 Swine and Poultry Production (3 credits)
Overview
Animal Science : Application and integration of biological principles of genetics, physiology, anatomy, nutrition, and health of poultry and swine production systems in Canada. Major factors and practices affecting productivity at the different stages of swine and poultry production. Field trips to farms and related enterprises.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: ANSC 250, or permission of the instructor
Restrictions: Open to U2 students or higher.
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PLNT 302 Forage Crops and Pastures (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : Ecology, management, and physiology of forage crops with emphasis on establishment, growth, maintenance, harvesting, and preservation; value as livestock feed in terms of nutritional composition and role in environmental conservation.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Seguin, Philippe (Fall)
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PLNT 307 Agroecology of Vegetables and Fruits (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : Application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of selected vegetable and fruit agroecosystems. Includes selection of varieties and management from seedling to harvest to storage.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Gravel, Valérie (Fall)
Prerequisite: AEBI 210 or permission of the instructor
