Agricultural Biology
Discover the past, present and future of flora and fauna. Advance agriculture and protect the environment. From agronomy to zoology, learn biology with a practical twist. These are just a few of the opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Agricultural Biology at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Agricultural Biology?
Agricultural Biology provides students with a comprehensive background in the life sciences and the ability to apply scientific principles to biotechnology, wildland ecology and management, physiology and behaviour of domestic animals, genetics and evolution.
Because of the flexible nature of the program, it is possible for students to choose a major in Agricultural Biology combined with a minor in a related area such as Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology, Crop Science, Horticulture or Plant Ecology.
This program is ideal for students who are interested in science and research. Whether your background is rural or urban, the Agriculture suffix on your Bachelor of Science gives you an edge in the job market that no other college can offer. And when you finally wear that gold ring on your pinkie finger, you can be reminded that you got the best education and had the greatest time getting it!—Faye Dokken,
B.S.A.
Career Opportunities
B.S.A. graduates majoring in Agricultural Biology are well qualified to serve as technical assistants in basic biological science research projects, applied government or university studies, and private agricultural-biotechnological companies like Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. These projects often include both laboratory and field components. As well, Agricultural Biology graduates have been employed as extension agrologists, field and aquatic biologists, and sales representatives.
Moreover, the emerging biotechnology industry will require a wide range of people with an understanding of science to manage growth in this area. Many companies (e.g. Dow Agrisciences Canada Inc., Philom Bios Inc., Bioriginal Food & Science Corporation, Performance Plants Inc., Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization and Prairie Plant Systems) recruit employees who have a background in agriculture and who are knowledgeable in the applications of biotechnology.
The U of S Advantage
The University of Saskatchewan is home to a growing cluster of institutions, companies, scientists and researchers, that make this a preferred place to be: the Canadian Light Source synchotron, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, POS Pilot Plant, Saskatchewan Research Council, Plant Biotechnology Institute and Innovation Place.
The College of Agriculture & Bioresources at the U of S provides a learning environment with an innovative, hands-on approach to education, offered in world-class teaching facilities. In this unique environment, students learn from top-notch faculty, some who are teacher-scholars, teacher-practitioners and researchers.
Small class sizes in the College of Agriculture & Bioresources and friendly supportive faculty are a plus. In addition to technical instruction, students will receive essential leadership and professional training including computer skills, business writing skills and public speaking experience. The College offers hands-on learning where you will learn how to use tools to examine real-world problems and situations.
Choose Your Program!
Course work will stress situations that are relevant to the flora, fauna and agriculture of Saskatchewan. Closely associated with the University are government and private research institutions with considerable expertise in biotechnology, weed, plant disease, insect pest management, and wildlife (especially waterfowl) ecology. These institutions provide, through their student employment programs, major opportunities to gain experience in these areas.
After a first year of general courses, students have the option of specializing in Agricultural Biology. Beginning in the second year, students take a concentration of courses related to their major, and a variety of required and elective courses. Students can enhance their studies by participating in co-operative work terms and study abroad options. Students may also complete a program minor in a related area, such as biotechnology or range management. A minor is a great way to broaden your career options.
A Major in Agricultural Biology
Students majoring in Agricultural Biology earn the following degrees:
- B.S.A. Four year
- B.S.A. Honours
Students who begin their studies in other colleges, such as Arts & Science, may also transfer into this program.
A Stepping Stone...
Suitably qualified graduates may proceed to post-graduate studies leading to the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. These individuals will be able to develop careers as independent researchers in government and private laboratories, as academics within the university and technical college system, and as entrepreneurs.
A B.S.A. degree in Agricultural Biology is an extremely useful and marketable starting point for studies in other areas such as business, communications, education, international studies, finance, journalism, law or politics.
Outstanding Students & Faculty
- Cheryl (Armstrong) Cho, B.S.A. ’98, was the College’s top graduate. Cheryl, a past recipient of the T.C. Vanterpool Memorial Prize in plant pathology, has now completed her M.Sc. and is employed in the Department of Plant Sciences.
- Michael Langenberger graduated with High Distinction in 1997 and then completed an M.Sc. degree investigating insect pollination of caraway. Michael received the A.R. Brooks Memorial Prize in entomology and is currently employed with Saskatchewan Health in Regina.
- Kristy Jackson, B.S.A. 2000, works with Cabi Bioscience in Switzerland.
Laboratory & Research Facilities
As agriculture students, your home base is the state-of-the-art Agriculture building, a prominent feature of the beautiful U of S campus. Here, you will have access to outstanding laboratory, multi-media and study facilities and exceptional student resources, such as the CIBC Centre for Agricultural Entrepreneurship.
Other highlights include:
- North America’s largest indoor plant growth facility
- A state-of-the-art 2,200 square metre greenhouse complex
- 120 hectares of crop research land adjacent to the U of S campus
- Nearly 1,000 hectares of crop research land within a 20 kilometre radius of Saskatoon
- The W.P. Fraser Herbarium, housing one of Canada’s largest collections of native plants
- Molecular biology and nutrition laboratories
- Small and large animal intensive research facilities
- A metabolic research facility
- An aquaculture (fish farming) research facility
- A germ-free research facility
Getting Involved!
As members of the College of Agriculture & Bioresources, students can participate in one of the most active and recognized student groups on campus. Liven up your student experience by joining in one of the many university-based athletic, academic or social clubs. Whether you’re a rodeo enthusiast, budding entrepreneur, fierce debater or amateur water polo player, you’ll find something here that matches your interests.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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