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Program Requirements
This Major is focused on the idea that agricultural landscapes are managed ecosystems, and that humans engaged in agriculture must maintain the highest possible environmental standards while providing food and other bioproducts to the marketplace. The Major core focuses on the basic and applied biology of cultivated plants, domestic animals, arable soils, and the economics of agriculture. Students then choose one or two specializations in these or connected disciplines that reflect their interests and career goals.
The program has a strong field component that includes hands-on laboratories, visits to agricultural enterprises, and opportunities for internships. Classes and laboratories exploit the unique setting and facilities of the Macdonald Campus and Farm, which is a fully functioning farm in an urban setting that exemplifies many of the issues at the forefront of modern agricultural production. Graduates of this program are eligible to become members of the Ordre des agronomes du Québec.
Program Director: Professor Roger Cue
Academic Adviser: Dr. Julie Major
Raymond Building, Room 2-201c
Telephone: 514-398-8380
Program Prerequisites
Refer to "Faculty Information and Regulations" > "Minimum Credit Requirements" in this publication for prerequisites and minimum credit requirements.
Required Courses (36 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 2010
Instructors: Singh, Jaswinder (Fall)
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken PLNT 201 or PLNT 211
- 2 hour lecture and 3 hour lab
-
AEHM 205 Science Literacy (3 credits)
Overview
English (Agric & Envir Sc) : Development of English language and information literacy. Problem-based approach using science topics from specializations offered by the Faculty will be central to skill development. The course includes how to research and compose work in scientific format and will encourage a reader-oriented style.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011
Instructors: Newman, Carole; Waters, Natalie Heather (Fall) Newman, Carole; Waters, Natalie Heather (Winter)
- Students whose first language is not English are encouraged to register for ESLN 299, ESL: Academic English Seminar, or equivalent, prior to starting their program.
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AEMA 310 Statistical Methods 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics (Agric&Envir Sci) : Measures of central tendency and dispersion; binomial and Poisson distributions; normal, chi-square, Student's t and Fisher-Snedecor F distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing; simple linear regression and correlation; analysis of variance for simple experimental designs.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011
Instructors: Dutilleul, Pierre R L; Bona, Kelly Ann (Fall) Dutilleul, Pierre R L (Winter)
- Two 1.5-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab
-
AGEC 200 Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)
Overview
Agricultural Economics : The field of economics as it relates to the activities of individual consumers, firms and organizations. Emphasis is on the application of economic principles and concepts to everyday decision making and to the analysis of current economic issues.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Naseem, Anwar (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 lectures
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AGEC 231 Economic Systems of Agriculture (3 credits)
Overview
Agricultural Economics : The structure and organization of Canada's agriculture-food system, the operation, financing, linkages, and functions of its components. Focus to be on management of the various components and the entire system, types of problems confronted now and in the future.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Baker, Laurence B B (Winter)
- Winter
- 3 lectures
- Prerequisite: AGEC 200 or equivalent
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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 2010
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B; Cue, Roger I (Fall)
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PLNT 215.
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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 2010
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 2010
Instructors: Mousavi-Torbati, Khosro; Begg, Caroline B (Fall)
- Fall
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken SOIL 210
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LSCI 204 Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Life Sciences : The course integrates classical, molecular and population genetics of animals, plants, bacteria and viruses. The aim is to understand the flow of genetic information within a cell, within families and in populations. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving based learning. The laboratory exercises will emphasize the interpretation of genetic experimental data.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Charron, Jean-Benoit (Winter)
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken CELL 204.
- Pre- or Co-requisite: FDSC 211 or LSCI 211
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LSCI 211 Biochemistry 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Life Sciences : Biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids; enzymes and coenzymes. Introduction to intermediary metabolism.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011
Instructors: Salavati, Reza (Fall) Jardim, Armando (Winter)
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken FDSC 211
- Co-requisite: FDSC 230
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LSCI 230 Introductory Microbiology (3 credits)
Overview
Life Sciences : The occurrence and importance of microorganisms (especially bacteria) in the biosphere. Principles governing growth, death and metabolic activities of microorganisms. An introduction to the microbiology of soil, water, plants, food, man and animals.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Winter
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MICR 230.
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SOIL 315 Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Use (3 credits)
Overview
Soil Science : Plant nutrients in the soil, influence of soil properties on nutrient absorption and plant growth, use of organic and inorganic fertilizers.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Whalen, Joann Karen (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 lectures and one lab
- Prerequisites: SOIL 210 or ENVB 210 or permission of instructor
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
6 credits of complementary courses selected as follows:
One of:
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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 2010
Instructors: Smith, Donald L (Fall)
- 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
- Prerequisite: PLNT 211
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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 2010
Instructors: Seguin, Philippe (Fall)
- Prerequisites: PLNT 201 or AEBI 210 or AEBI 211 or WILD 200
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PLNT 331.
One of:
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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 2011
Instructors: Wade, Kevin; Phillip, Leroy E (Winter)
- Winter
- Prerequisite: ANSC 250 - Principles of Animal Science, or permission of instructor.
- Restrictions: Not open to students having taken ANSC 450 or ANSC 452. Restricted to U2 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 2010
Instructors: Duggavathi, Raj (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisite: ANSC 250 - Principles of Animal Science, or permission of instructor.
- Restrictions: Not open to students having taken ANSC 454 or ANSC 456. Restricted to U2 or higher.
Specialization
Choose at least one specialization of 18-24 credits
Specializations designed to be taken with the Agro-Environmental Sciences Major:
- Animal Health and Disease
- Animal Production
- Ecological Agriculture
- Entomology
- International Agriculture
- Professional Agrology
- Soil and Water Resources
Electives
To meet the minimum credit requirement for the degree.
Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences—2010-2011 (last updated Jan. 19, 2011) (disclaimer)