Bachelor of Science (Agroecology)

Environmental issues have never been so important. The 6 o’clock news and the morning headlines report on the latest developments – whether it’s rising fuel costs, endangered wildlife, weather disasters or global warming. Because the environment has a huge impact on the agri-food industry, there are opportunities in areas such as developing environmentally-friendly weed, insect or disease controls, educating and assisting farmers in land and soil conservation and protecting Canada’s wildlife and water supply.

Agroecology is for those with a passion for our planet, including management and conservation of the environment and our natural and agricultural resources. Students learn the biological and physical components of ecosystems, and how we can achieve economically-sustainable agricultural production while conserving resources and maintaining environmental integrity.

THE PROGRAM
Length: 4 YEARS -- (University 1 + 3 YEARS)

Agroecology is “the study of agriculture from an ecological perspective” (Altieri 1983).  It includes the study of the management and conservation of the environment and our natural and agricultural resources, while producing food. Students learn the biological and physical components of ecosystems, and how we can achieve economically-sustainable agricultural production while conserving resources and maintaining ecosystem integrity.

Courses taken by Agroecology majors include:

• Biochemistry
• Statistical Analysis
• Crop Production
• Animal Production
• Principles of Ecology
• Genetics
• Community Ecology
• Soils and Landscapes
• Environmental Economics
• Agroecology
• Applications in Agroecology
• Project in Agroecology
• Agricultural Business Management

As well, students have the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge in ecology, pest management, land and water resource management, specific areas of agricultural production, toxicology, and environmental policy and economics. Students have a large flexibility in choosing electives, which is especially attractive to students transferring to the B.Sc. Agroecology from other programs.

Two new courses available as free electives are:

• Urban agriculture
• Organic Crop Production