DEPARTMENT HOME

OVERVIEW

PROGRAMS & COURSES

FACULTY & STAFF

RESEARCH

GRADUATE STUDENTS

GRADUATE PROGRAM

LINKS

FAQs

Agroecology Program:

What is "Agroecology"?

Agroecology is really the study of managed ecosystems. The discipline evolved from two needs:
1. The need to consider sustainable ecological principles in agricultural systems, and
2. The recognition that classical ecology programs often do not focus on managed ecosystems, such as those manipulated by agriculture.

Why should I take a degree in Agroecology instead of some other field?

First, our students receive a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Agroecology. Therefore, students receive fundamental grounding in science disciplines, as they would in other Bachelor of Science programs. But the B.Sc. in Agroecology will interest students who:

- Want to study how managed ecosystems work.
- Care about the future of our environment, and recognize that we need to operate our
food and material production systems in a sustainable manner.
- Have an interest in getting a well-rounded education, but would like the freedom to specialize in areas such as management of pests, livestock or land resources.
- Value the learning environment of small class sizes and the personal attention of dedicated instructors.

Does Agroecology appeal more to students from farm backgrounds, or can urban students enrol?

We have students from both rural and urban environments. This creates a fantastic blend of ideas and experiences.

What careers are available for Agroecology graduates?

Our graduates are prepared for a wide variety of careers in industry, government and non-government organizations (NGOs). Many of our students go on to graduate work to get a more specialized education that creates additional career opportunities. Some of our graduates are highlighted on our web page. Here is a graph showing where our graduates have gone:

The high percentage of students going on to graduate school (Master's degree) is partly because our students get enthused with further education while doing their major projects in the program. After completing their Master's degree, they are very attractive candidates for jobs with government and industry. Students who do not do graduate work are still sought after by many organizations. There are actually more employment opportunities than students!

Do employers know what "Agroecology" means?

Degrees in Agroecology are very common in the U.S.A. and are becoming more widely known in Canada. For example, one Canadian university has renamed their whole agriculture program as "Agroecology", and have altered the curriculum to include more ecology! This trend to a more holistic view of managed ecosystems means that employers will be increasingly recognizing a B.Sc. in Agroecology as one of the best assets that a student can have.

Can I transfer from another program into Agroecology?

Yes! Agroecology students often transfer from other programs. Depending on the courses that you have already taken, you may be able to do this while getting full credit for your previous courses. Talk with a student advisor about your options. Many students do not realize that Agroecology is a great area until they have completed their second year in another program.

How many students have graduated from this program?

Our first graduates were in 1998. Our annual graduation numbers have been:

YEAR	NUMBER OF
	STUDENTS
1998	3
1999	15
2000	12
2001	9
2002	8
2003	8
2004	2
2005	3

Is there a co-op option in Agroecology?

Yes, the co-op option is available in Agroecology. It consists of three 4-month work terms. Two of these can be during the summer. This option provides excellent work experience (plus pay). This program will extend your degree time by one semester (slightly longer if you take more work terms in winter).

What areas of Agroecology can I specialize in?

The basic program concentrates on providing you with the foundation to specialize in many areas. You can design your own mixture of courses. Common streams are: crop production ecology, environmental policy and law, general ecology, insect biology, pesticides, pest management, water resources, land resource management, livestock management and aquaculture.

What types of major projects do fourth-year students do?

These projects are wide ranging. Some students do projects involving laboratory studies or field collection of data followed by analysis and interpretation. Other students do reviews of regulations, markets, or other systems with the aim of making recommendations, or assessing the adequacy of current regulations or procedures. Some past examples are:

- The ecological, agronomic and economic impacts of increased use of irrigation in Manitoba
- Sustainability of long-term straw removal
- Effect of long-term alfalfa on denitrification potential with depth
- The effects of climate change on crop production in western Canada
- Sustainability of developing a forage land base for dispersal of hog manure
- Development of a local market for bison meat
- Environmental issues facing Manitoba's dairy industry
- Forest fragmentation and biodiversity
- Long term changes in insect assemblages: a search for evidence of effects of climate change
- Composting bioremediation of diesel fuel contaminated soil
- In search of nitrogen fixing bacterial endophytes of native grass species
- Tillage practices and their impact on soil-landscape variability

Who do I contact for more information?

For general information on the program, contact the Program Chair:

Dr. Brian Amiro
Room 363 Ellis Building
Telephone 474-9155
Email: Brian_Amiro@umanitoba.ca

To discuss you course selections and options, contact the Student Advisor:

Dr. Neil Holliday, Department of Entomology
Room 214A Animal Science/Entomology Building
Telephone 474-6020
Email: Neil_Holliday@umanitoba.ca

You can also contact some of the Course Instructors directly:

Dr. David Lobb, Department of Soil Science
301 Ellis Building
Telephone 474-9319
Email: lobbda@ms.umanitoba.ca

Dr. Gary Johnson, Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics
379 Agriculture Building
Telephone 474-9795
Email: Gary_Johnson@umanitoba.ca

Dr. Kim Ominski, Department of Animal Science
225 Animal Science Building
Telephone 474-9468.
Email: ksignat@ms.umanitoba.ca

Dr Mario Tenuta, Department of Soil Science
307 Ellis Building
Telephone: 474-7827
Email: tenutam@ms.umanitoba.ca

Dr. Karin Wittenberg, Department of Animal Science
224 Animal Science Building
Telephone 474-9139.
Email: KM_Wittenberg@umanitoba.ca