Note: This is the 2020鈥�2021 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .
Program Requirements
Students can use their electives to complete the Honours program. The courses credited to the Honours program must be in addition to any required or complementary courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the student's Major and Specialization.
In addition to satisfying the Honour requirements, students must apply for the Honours program in March or April of their U2 year. It is the responsibility of the student to find a professor who is willing to support and supervise the research project. No student will be accepted into the program until a supervisor has agreed to supervise the student. Applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 3.3 to enter the Honours program and they must earn a B grade (3.0) or higher in the courses making up the Honours program. Students are required to achieve a minimum overall CGPA of 3.3 at graduation to obtain honours. The Honours program consists of 12 credits of courses that follow one of two plans listed below.
Students who meet all the requirements will have the name of their program changed to include the word "Honours."
A brief description of the Honours project activities involved will be documented and signed by the Program Director of the student's Major, the supervisor of the Honours project, and the student.
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 Qu茅bec (OAQ).
Program Prerequisites
Refer to "Faculty Information and Regulations" > "Minimum Credit Requirements" in this eCalendar 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 2020
Instructors: Dastmalchi, Mehran (Fall)
2 hour lecture and 3 hour lab
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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 2020, Winter 2021
Instructors: Dutilleul, Pierre R L; Hoyos-Villegas, Valerio (Fall) Dutilleul, Pierre R L; Hoyos-Villegas, Valerio (Winter)
Two 1.5-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab
Please note that credit will be given for only one introductory statistics course. Consult your academic advisor.
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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 2020
Instructors: Baker, Laurence B B; Thomassin, Paul (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 2021
Instructors: Doidge, Mary (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 2020
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (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 2020
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 2020
Instructors: Kallenbach, Cynthia (Fall)
Fall
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken SOIL 210
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ENVB 301 Meteorology (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : The physical processes underlying weather. Topics include: the atmosphere - its properties (structure and motion), and thermodynamics (stability, heat and moisture); clouds and precipitation; air masses and fronts; mid-latitude weather systems and severe weather.
Terms: Fall 2020
Instructors: Strachan, Ian (Fall)
Fall
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken NRSC 201
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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: Fall 2020
Instructors: Charron, Jean-Benoit (Fall)
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken BIOL 202.
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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 2020, Winter 2021
Instructors: Cestari, Igor; Long, Thavy (Fall) Long, Thavy; Salavati, Reza; Cestari, Igor (Winter)
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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 2021
Instructors: Faucher, Sebastien (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MICR 230.
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SOIL 315 Soil Nutrient Management (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 2020
Instructors: Whalen, Joann (Fall)
Complementary Courses (18 credits)
3 credits from the following:
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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 2020
Instructors: Smith, Donald L (Fall)
3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
Prerequisite: AEBI 210
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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 2020
Instructors: Seguin, Philippe (Fall)
3 credits from the following:
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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 2021
Instructors: Mustafa, Arif (Winter)
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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 2020
Instructors: Duggavathi, Raj; Mustafa, Arif (Fall)
Honours Courses
12 credits of Honours Plan A or Plan B
Honours Plan A
Two 6-credit Honours research courses in the subject area of the student's major, chosen in consultation with the Program Director of the student's Major and the professor who has agreed to supervise the research project.
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FAES 401 Honours Research Project 1 (6 credits)
Overview
Faculty of Agric & Envir Sci : Students will prepare a Literature Review, Progress Report and deliver a Proposal Seminar as well as begin work on the research project. Completion of the project will take place in FAES 402, Honours Research Project 2.
Terms: Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Summer 2021
Instructors: Bede, Jacqueline; Cue, Roger; Thomassin, Paul; Burgos, Sergio; Elliott, Kyle (Fall) Thomassin, Paul; Whalen, Joann; Cue, Roger; Bede, Jacqueline; Burgos, Sergio; Elliott, Kyle (Winter) Karboune, Salwa (Summer)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Restrictions: This course is intended for senior undergraduate students (U3) in the final year of their Honours program.
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FAES 402 Honours Research Project 2 (6 credits)
Overview
Faculty of Agric & Envir Sci : Honours Research Project 2 is the completion of the project begun in FAES 401 and requires a Progress Report, a Final Project Report and a Project Presentation.
Terms: Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Summer 2021
Instructors: Bede, Jacqueline; Cue, Roger; Thomassin, Paul; Burgos, Sergio; Elliott, Kyle (Fall) Bede, Jacqueline; Whalen, Joann; Cue, Roger; Thomassin, Paul; Burgos, Sergio; Elliott, Kyle (Winter) Karboune, Salwa (Summer)
Prerequisites: FAES 401 and permission of instructor
Restrictions: This course is intended for senior undergraduate students (U3) in the final year of their Honours program.
Honours Plan B
A minimum of two 3-credit Honours project courses and 6 credits in 400- or 500-level courses, from the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, selected in consultation with the Program Director of the student's Major. The topic of the Honours project must be related to their Major and selected in consultation with the Program Director of the student's Major and the professor who has agreed to supervise the project.
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FAES 405 Honours Project 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Faculty of Agric & Envir Sci : Students will prepare a Literature Review, Progress Report and deliver a Proposal Seminar as well as begin work on the research project. Completion of the project will take place in FAES 406, Honours Project 2.
Terms: Fall 2020, Winter 2021
Instructors: Cue, Roger; Thomassin, Paul; Burgos, Sergio; Elliott, Kyle (Fall) Cue, Roger; Whalen, Joann; Thomassin, Paul; Burgos, Sergio; Elliott, Kyle (Winter)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Restrictions: This course is intended for senior undergraduate students (U3) in the final year of their Honours program.
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FAES 406 Honours Project 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Faculty of Agric & Envir Sci : Honours Project 2 is the completion of the project begun in FAES 405 and requires a Progress Report, a Final Project Report and a Project Presentation.
Terms: Fall 2020, Winter 2021
Instructors: Cue, Roger; Thomassin, Paul; Burgos, Sergio; Elliott, Kyle (Fall) Cue, Roger; Whalen, Joann; Thomassin, Paul; Burgos, Sergio; Elliott, Kyle (Winter)
Prerequisites: FAES 405 and permission of instructor
Restrictions: This course is intended for senior undergraduate students (U3) in the final year of their Honours program.
Specialization
Choose at least one specialization of 18-24 credits.
Specializations designed to be taken with the Agro-Environmental Sciences Major:
- Animal Production
- Ecological Agriculture
- Plant Production
- Professional Agrology*
- Soil and Water Resources - this specialization is not offered.
* Membership to the OAQ requires students successfully complete one of the above specializations in addition to the Professional Agrology Specialization.
Electives
To meet the minimum credit requirement for the degree.
