Note: This is the 2010–2011 edition of the eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or click here to jump to the newest eCalendar.
Program Requirements
This specialization focuses on the principles underlying the practice of ecological agriculture. When coupled with the Major in Environmental Biology, agriculture as a managed ecosystem that responds to the laws of community ecology is examined; when combined with the Major Agro-Environmental Sciences and the specialization in Professional Agrology, this specialization focuses more directly on the practice of ecological agriculture and conforms with the eligibility requirements of the Ordre des agronomes du Québec. It is suitable for students wishing to farm and do extension and government work, and those intending to pursue postgraduate work in this field.
Specialization Coordinator: Dr. Caroline Begg
Academic Adviser: Dr. Julie Major
Raymond Building, Room 2-021c
Telephone: 514-398-8380
Required Courses (9 credits)
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AGRI 210 Agro-Ecological History (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Introduction to the environmental consequences of agriculture through time, relating the cultural diversity of agronomic practices to regionally varied ecological processes.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- 3 lectures
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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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AGRI 340 Principles of Ecological Agriculture (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : 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.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (Winter)
- 3 lectures and one 2-hour seminar
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken AGRI 250
Complementary Courses (15 credits)
15 credits of Complementary courses selected from:
*Note: Offered in alternate years.
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AGEC 333 Resource Economics (3 credits)
Overview
Agricultural Economics : The role of resources in the environment, use of resources, and management of economic resources within the firm or organization. Problem-solving, case studies involving private and public decision-making in organizations are utilized.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Thomassin, Paul (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisites: AGEC 200 or equivalent
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AGRI 310 Internship in Agriculture/Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Internship on working farms or in other appropriate businesses of the agri-food/environment industries.
Terms: Fall 2010, Summer 2011
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (Fall) Begg, Caroline B (Summer)
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken AGRI 201D1/D2.
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AGRI 435 Soil and Water Quality Management (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Management of soil and water systems for sustainability. Cause of soil degradation, surface and groundwater contamination by agricultural chemicals and toxic pollutants. Human health and safety concerns. Water-table management. Soil and water conservation techniques will be examined with an emphasis on methods of prediction and best management practices.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Clark, Grant (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
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ENTO 352 Biocontrol of Pest Insects (3 credits)
Overview
Entomology : Modern concepts of integrated control techniques and principles of insect pest management, with emphasis on biological control (use of predators, parasites and pathogens against pest insects), population monitoring, and manipulation of environmental, behavioral and physiological factors in the pest's way of life. Physical, cultural, and genetic controls and an introduction to the use of non-toxic biochemical controls (attractants, repellents, pheromones, antimetabolites).
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Dunphy, Gary Brian; Boivin, Guy (Winter)
- Winter
- Restriction: Not open to students who have previously taken ENTO 452
- 3 lectures
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ENTO 446 Apiculture (3 credits)
Overview
Entomology : Theory and practice of beekeeping. Social insects; development of social behaviour; co-evolution of flowering plants and social insects; life and behaviour of honeybees; insect pollination; honey production; properties of honey; practical beekeeping. Demonstrations and written assignments essential.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
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MICR 331 Microbial Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology (Agric&Envir Sc) : The ecology of microorganisms, primarily bacteria and archaea, and their roles in biogeochemical cycles will be discussed. Microbial interactions with the environment, plants, animals and other microbes emphasizing the underlying genetics and physiology. Diversity, evolution (microbial phylogenetics) and the application of molecular biology in microbial ecology.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Driscoll, Brian T (Winter)
- Winter
- Restriction: Not open to students who have successfully completed NRSC 331
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NUTR 512 Herbs, Foods and Phytochemicals (3 credits)
Overview
Nutrition and Dietetics : An overview of the use of herbal medicines and food phytochemicals and the benefits and risks of their consumption. The physiological basis for activity and the assessment of toxicity will be presented. Current practices relating to the regulation, commercialization and promotion of herbs and phytochemicals will be considered.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Johns, Timothy A (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 lectures and a project
- Prerequisites (Undergraduate): FDSC 211 or LSCI 211 or BIOL 201 or BIOC 212
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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.
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PLNT 312 Urban Horticulture (3 credits) *
Overview
Plant Science : Selection, use and care of plants in urban environments for the benefit of urban populations: landscape design, turf and green space management, green roofs, design and management of community gardens.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Wees, David (Winter)
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PLNT 315 Herbs and Medicinal Plants (3 credits) *
Overview
Plant Science : Biochemistry and ecophysiology of the active ingredients in medicinal plants. Links between cultivation practices and plant compounds. The effect of propagation and environmental factors on active compounds are examined using greenhouse experiments, followed by quantification of active ingredients by analytical techniques and analysis of bioactivity.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Prerequisite: AEBI 210 or PLNT 201 or permission of instructor.
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PLNT 434 Weed Biology and Control (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : 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.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Watson, Alan K (Winter)
- 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
- Prerequisite: PLNT 201 or AEBI 210
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PLNT 460 Plant Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : Theory and practice of plant ecology with an emphasis on the interaction between patterns and ecological processes and the dynamics, conservation and management of plant populations and communities over a range of temporal and spatial scales.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: de Blois, Sylvie (Fall)
- 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
- Prerequisite: AEMA 310 or permission of instructor.
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SOIL 326 Soils in a Changing Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Soil Science : Soil processes responsible for soil formation will be studied and the impact of changes to the physical and chemical environment will be discussed.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Hendershot, William H (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
- Prerequisite: A previous course in soil science, geography, geology or permission of instructor.
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SOIL 335 Soil Ecology and Management (3 credits) *
Overview
Soil Science : The physical and chemical environment of soil organisms; survey of soil microflora and fauna; processes and optimal agronomic systems of management consistent with the goals of ecological agriculture.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Winter
- 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
- Prerequisites: SOIL 210 or ENVB 210
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SOIL 445 Agroenvironmental Fertilizer Use (3 credits) *
Overview
Soil Science : A sustainable, agroenvironmental approach to nutrient management planning at the farm scale, consistent with guidelines and laws governing fertilizer use in Quebec and other jurisdictions.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Whalen, Joann Karen (Winter)
- Winter
- Prerequisite: SOIL 315.
Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences—2010-2011 (last updated Jan. 19, 2011) (disclaimer)