Sustainable Agriculture Systems (B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.))
Offered by: Plant Science (Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Program credit weight: 69
Program Description
The B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.); Major in Sustainable Agricultural Systems focuses on the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to drive positive change in the agricultural sector, ensuring that it supports healthy communities and a thriving planet, including ecological stewardship, innovative farming practices, and the promotion of food security through sustainable methods. The Major includes practical field experiences and collaborative opportunities. Along with the Specialization in Professional Agrology, this Major will allow eligibility to become a member of the Ordre des agronomes du Québec (OAQ).
Required Courses (48 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AEMA 204 | Data Analytics for Biosystems | 3 |
Data Analytics for Biosystems Terms offered: Winter 2026 Techniques and tools used to analyze agricultural and environmental data using some common programs (Microsoft Excel, Python, R, Jupyter Notebook, RStudio). | ||
| AEMA 310 | Statistical Methods 1. | 3 |
Statistical Methods 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 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. | ||
| AGEC 200 | Principles of Microeconomics. | 3 |
Principles of Microeconomics. Terms offered: Fall 2025 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. | ||
| AGEC 231 | Economic Systems of Agriculture. | 3 |
Economic Systems of Agriculture. Terms offered: Winter 2026 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. | ||
| AGRI 215 | Agro-Ecosystems Field Course. | 3 |
Agro-Ecosystems Field Course. Terms offered: Fall 2025 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. | ||
| AGRI 310 | Internship in Agriculture/Environment. | 3 |
Internship in Agriculture/Environment. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Internship on working farms or in other appropriate businesses of the agri-food/environment industries. | ||
| AGRI 340 | Principles of Ecological Agriculture. | 3 |
Principles of Ecological Agriculture. Terms offered: Winter 2026 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. | ||
| ANSC 250 | Introduction to Livestock Management | 3 |
Introduction to Livestock Management Terms offered: Fall 2025 Introduction to the scientific principles underlying animal livestock production as it relates to the consumer food chain. The world- wide demand for animal products, various areas of management (reproduction, nutrition, breeding, health, and welfare) that are used to provide those products by examining both conventional means as well as new and evolving technologies. How these techniques relate to some of the major production systems (dairy, beef, pig, and broiler and egg production) – primarily in a Provincial/Canadian context. | ||
| BREE 329 | Precision Agriculture. | 3 |
Precision Agriculture. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The course provides an overview of the principle concepts of precision agriculture. It focuses on equipment, software and the information management systems for mastering the essential steps when adopting and developing economically viable and environmentally sound solutions for modern farms and other agribusiness enterprises. | ||
| ENVB 210 | The Biophysical Environment. | 3 |
The Biophysical Environment. Terms offered: Fall 2025 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. | ||
| ENVR 201 | Society, Environment and Sustainability. | 3 |
Society, Environment and Sustainability. Terms offered: Fall 2025 This course deals with how scientific-technological, socio-economic, political-institutional and behavioural factors mediate society-environment interactions. Issues discussed include population and resources; consumption, impacts and institutions; integrating environmental values in societal decision-making; and the challenges associated with, and strategies for, promoting sustainability. Case studies in various sectors and contexts are used. | ||
| LSCI 204 | Genetics. | 3 |
Genetics. Terms offered: Fall 2025 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. | ||
| LSCI 211 | Biochemistry 1. | 3 |
Biochemistry 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids; enzymes and coenzymes. Introduction to intermediary metabolism. | ||
| LSCI 230 | Introductory Microbiology. | 3 |
Introductory Microbiology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The occurrence and importance of microorganisms in the biosphere. Principles governing growth, death and metabolic activities of microorganisms. An introduction to the microbiology of soil, water, plants, food, humans and animals. | ||
| PLNT 200 | Introduction to Crop Science | 3 |
Introduction to Crop Science Terms offered: Fall 2025 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. | ||
| SOIL 315 | Soil Nutrient Management. | 3 |
Soil Nutrient Management. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Plant nutrients in the soil, influence of soil properties on nutrient absorption and plant growth, use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. | ||
Complementary Courses (21 credits)
6-12 credits [3-6 credits from two of the following three groups]; courses chosen from these groups may not be the same as those chosen in the student’s specialization [i.e., no double-counting of credits of the Specialization and this Major is permitted]:
Field Crops and Horticulture
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PLNT 302 | Forage Crops and Pastures. | 3 |
Forage Crops and Pastures. Terms offered: Fall 2025 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. | ||
| PLNT 305 | Plant Pathology. | 3 |
Plant Pathology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 The theory and concepts of plant pathology, including the disease cycle, infection, symptoms, resistance, epidemiology and control. The biology and taxonomy of pathogens will be studied, including fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. Techniques of inoculation, isolation of pathogens from diseased plants, disease diagnosis and pathogen identification will be demonstrated. | ||
| PLNT 307 | Agroecology of Vegetables and Fruits. | 3 |
Agroecology of Vegetables and Fruits. Terms offered: Fall 2025 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. | ||
| PLNT 353 | Plant Structure and Function. | 3 |
Plant Structure and Function. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The general anatomy and physiology of vascular plants with emphasis on how physiological processes influence function. | ||
| PLNT 434 | Weed Biology and Control. | 3 |
Weed Biology and Control. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A study of the biology of undesirable vegetation as related to the principles of prevention and physical, biological, managerial and chemical control. Emphasis on the environmental impact of the different methods of weed control. | ||
| PLNT 435 | Plant Breeding. | 3 |
Plant Breeding. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Principles and practices of plant breeding, including reproduction of crop plants; plant hybridization; sources of genetic variation; selection methods used for self- and cross-pollinated crops and for clonally reproduced crops; breeding for diseases and pest resistance; applications of biotechnology in plant breeding. | ||
Global Food Security
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AEIS 230 | Indigenous Health & Nutrition | 3 |
Indigenous Health Nutrition Terms offered: Winter 2026 Examination of the histories impacting the contemporary nutrition, environment, and health of the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island by integrating Western and Indigenous knowledge systems with best practices in supporting Indigenous decision-making. Topics include: Indigenous knowledge systems and methodologies, Treaties and Reconciliation, Residential and Day schools, food sovereignty, environmental contamination and climate change, community-based participatory research, Indigenous access to health care, reflexivity and cultural safety, media advocacy strategies. | ||
| AGEC 430 | Agriculture, Food and Resource Policy. | 3 |
Agriculture, Food and Resource Policy. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Examination of North American and international agriculture, food and resource policies, policy instruments, programs and their implications. Economic analysis applied to the principles, procedures and objectives of various policy actions affecting agriculture, and the environment. | ||
| AGEC 442 | Economics of International Agricultural Development. | 3 |
Economics of International Agricultural Development. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The course deals with economic aspects of international development with emphasis on the role of food, agriculture and the resource sector in the economy of developing countries. Topics will include world food analysis, development project analysis and policies for sustainable development. Development case studies will be used. | ||
| AGRI 411 | Global Issues on Development, Food and Agriculture. | 3 |
Global Issues on Development, Food and Agriculture. Terms offered: Winter 2026 International development and world food security and challenges in developing countries. Soil and water management, climate change, demographic issues, plant and animal resources conservation, bio-products and biofuels, economic and environmental issues specially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Globalization, sustainable development, technology transfer and human resources needs for rural development. | ||
| AGRI 493 | International Project Management. | 3 |
International Project Management. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Principles and practice related to management of agriculture, nutrition and environmental projects within an international context. Case-studies and workshops drawing on expertise of development professionals from government and the private sector address techniques and resources for successful planning, implementation and evaluation within a multi-sectoral framework. | ||
| NUTR 341 | Global Food Security. | 3 |
Global Food Security. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Food insecurity is one of the most critical issues humanity has faced in history. The magnitude of this phenomenon, reflected in its worldwide presence and in the number of individuals affected, makes it an imperative component of all nations' and of all internaltional agencies' agendas. Its complexity of determinants and its numerous consequences require the involvement of multipe disciplines and sectors. McGill undergraduate students as future professionals tackling global issues require an integrated and multidisciplinary training on food security. | ||
Livestock
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANSC 301 | Principles of Animal Breeding. | 3 |
Principles of Animal Breeding. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The qualitative and quantitative aspects of genetics as they apply to the economic improvement of domestic mammals and birds. Topics include: animal domestication, animal cytology, Mendelian traits of economic importance, principles of population genetics, statistical tools to describe populations, environmental effects, selection and mating systems. | ||
| ANSC 303 | Farm Animal Internship | 3 |
Farm Animal Internship Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Internship in farm animal production, including day-to-day activities of production, reproduction and health management, and exposure to major livestock species such as dairy cows, poultry, swine. The internship includes supervised- independent farm management activities and training by experienced livestock technicians. | ||
| ANSC 324 | Developmental Biology and Reproduction. | 3 |
Developmental Biology and Reproduction. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Focus on the hormonal, cellular and molecular aspects of reproduction and development (gametogenesis, folliculogenesis, fertilization, embryonic and foetal development, parturition, lactation period, periods before and after puberty). Emphasis on underlying cellular mechanisms and their regulation by hormones and the environment. | ||
| ANSC 433 | Animal Nutrition and Metabolism. | 3 |
Animal Nutrition and Metabolism. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Introduction to fundamental aspects of animal nutrition, including gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology; nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism; nutrient functions and requirements of livestock species; evaluation of feedstuffs and their use in ration formulation; and feeding strategies. Laboratory classes will include hands-on experience on feed analyses, gastrointestinal tract dissections, nutritional experiments and demonstrations in livestock species as well as computer-based ration balancing exercises. | ||
| ANSC 458 | Advanced Livestock Management | 3 |
Advanced Livestock Management Terms offered: Fall 2025 Overview of the major Canadian livestock industries with particular emphasis on dairy, pork, broilers, and layers. Building on introductory livestock management and advanced nutrition, breeding, and reproductive physiology, current and evolving IofT practices for the production of consumer animal products. | ||
| ANSC 555 | The Use and Welfare of Animals. | 3 |
The Use and Welfare of Animals. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Understanding the roles in which animals are used by Society, especially in food production, companionship, research, and recreation; application of the scientific approaches that are used in assessing and improving animal welfare; and use of ethical approaches that are invoked in the use of animals, often in controversial contexts. An interdisciplinary course, based on active participation and discussion-method learning. | ||
0-15 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANSC 312 | Animal Health and Disease. | 3 |
Animal Health and Disease. Terms offered: Winter 2026 An introduction to the pathogenesis and control of diseases in farm animals. Immune response and other protective mechanisms. Implications of animal diseases and drug therapy for product safety and public health. | ||
| ANSC 323 | Mammalian Physiology. | 3 |
Mammalian Physiology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A study of the organization, functions and regulation of various organ systems in mammals. The nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems are discussed. | ||
| ANSC 514 | Coding for Production Data | 3 |
Coding for Production Data Terms offered: Fall 2025 An introduction to various methods used for advanced data analysis and their application within the agricultural and environmental sciences, including both classical approaches and machine learning methods; uni- and multivariate analysis; and supervised and unsupervised methods. A special focus on identifying advantages and weaknesses of the various approaches, selecting appropriate methods for specific problems, and avoiding pitfalls. Application of concepts to real- life data. | ||
| ANSC 560 | Biology of Lactation. | 3 |
Biology of Lactation. Terms offered: Fall 2025 An interdisciplinary approach to the study of mammary development, the onset of lactation and its cessation, comparing the differences in mammalian species in mammary development from embryological, pre- and post-pubertal and pre- and post-partum aspects. Lactation at the cellular and biochemical levels. | ||
| BREE 217 | Hydrology and Water Resources. | 3 |
Hydrology and Water Resources. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Introduction to water resources and hydrologic cycle. Precipitation and hydrologic frequency analysis. Soil water processes, infiltration theory and modeling. Evapotranspiration estimation methods and crop water requirements. Surface runoff estimation as a function of land use modifications. Estimation of peak runoff rates. Unit hydrograph. Design of open channels and vegetated waterways. | ||
| BREE 327 | Bio-Environmental Engineering. | 3 |
Bio-Environmental Engineering. Terms offered: Fall 2025 An introduction to how humans affect the earth's ecosystem and projections for the needs of food, water, air and energy to support the human population. Ecologically-reasonable coping strategies including biofuels, bioprocessing, waste management, and remediation methods. | ||
| ENTO 330 | Insect Biology. | 3 |
Insect Biology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Introduction to entomology, including the the importance and diversity of insects; insect morphology, anatomy and physiology; insect sensory systems; reproduction; metamorphosis; insect classification and survey of the orders and common families. | ||
| FDSC 200 | Introduction to Food Science. | 3 |
Introduction to Food Science. Terms offered: Fall 2025 This course enables one to gain an appreciation of the scope of food science as a discipline. Topics include introductions to chemistry, processing, packaging, analysis, microbiology, product development, sensory evaluation and quality control as they relate to food science. | ||
| PLNT 310 | Plant Propagation. | 3 |
Plant Propagation. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Principles and practical aspects of plant propagation are examined. The course consists of two parts. The first third deals with sexual propagation; the production, processing storage certification and analysis of seeds. The remaining two-thirds deals with vegetative propagation; cutting, budding, grafting, layering, and tissue culture. | ||
| PLNT 312 | Urban Horticulture. | 3 |
Urban Horticulture. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Selection, use and care of plants in urban environments for the benefit of urban populations: landscape design, turf and green space management, urban trees, green roofs and walls, design and management of community gardens, urban agriculture. | ||
| PLNT 322 | Greenhouse Management. | 3 |
Greenhouse Management. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The production of major flower and vegetable crops in greenhouses. Includes greenhouse design, heating, ventilation, lighting, hydroponics, irrigation, fertilization, scheduling and integrated pest management. | ||
| PLNT 358 | Flowering Plant Diversity. | 3 |
Flowering Plant Diversity. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Principles of classification and identification of flowering plants and ferns, with emphasis on 35 major families of flowering plants and the habitats in which they grow. | ||
| SOIL 535 | Soil Ecology. | 3 |
Soil Ecology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Exploration of the unique soil habitat for organisms with a focus on the variables that affect the abundance, diversity and interactions of soil biota and, in turn, their influence on soil physicochemical properties, biogeochemical cycles and other factors impacting ecosystem sustainability. Topics include survey of soil fauna, soil food webs, microbial ecology, biological carbon and nitrogen cycling, plant-soil interactions, and the effects of human activities and management on soil ecology, including synthesizing concepts and a critical analysis and interpretation of primary scientific literature in soil ecology. | ||
0-9 credits from the following [for students who to apply to the Ordre des agronomes du Quebec]:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AGRI 330 | Agricultural Legislation. | 1 |
Agricultural Legislation. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A study of Quebec legislation of importance to the agricultural sector, with emphasis on the reasons why these laws were implemented and on their net effects on this sector. Some Canadian laws will be covered but only inasmuch as they affect Quebec agriculture. | ||
| AGRI 410 | Agrology Internship. | 6 |
Agrology Internship. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Professional internship (stage) under the supervision of a practicing agrologist. | ||
| AGRI 430 | Professional Practice in Agrology. | 2 |
Professional Practice in Agrology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 This course introduces students to the professional aspects of the practice of agrology. Topics include understanding the responsibilities of agrologists, the broad context and functioning of the Québec agricultural industry, how to deal with clients, colleagues, and understanding legal and regulatory aspects of the profession in Québec. | ||
| PLNT 430 | Pesticides in Agriculture. | 3 |
Pesticides in Agriculture. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Pesticide science concentrating on pesticide discovery, pesticide chemistries, pesticide development, pesticide technologies, mitigation of risks due to pesticides use, national and international pesticide regulations, registrations, and compliances. | ||
Electives
To meet the minimum credit requirement for the degree.