Explore our Programs

  • by College or School:
  • by Interest:
  • by Academic Discipline:
  • by Keyword:

Need Help?

If you need help choosing a program, contact a college advisor.

Academic Support

Learning Communities: a small group of students who share common courses, interests, and/or residence.

Transition Programs: unique programs for first year students transitioning from high school to university.

Academic Help: specialized help for math, academic writing, and study skills.

Food and Bioproduct Sciences

You can begin this program at an
off-campus site through a satellite campus or regional partner.

Food and Bioproduct Sciences (FABS) is a unique multi-disciplinary program that incorporates the knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, microbiology and engineering to the production of food and bioproducts from plants, animals and microorganisms.


Program Options

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Food and Bioproduct Sciences

  • B.S.A.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Admission requirements depend on your situation. Tell us about yourself:

Your education

Where did you attend school?

    • Province
View Requirements

What is Food and Bioproduct Sciences?

This multi-disciplinary program provides opportunities for students to understand a number of important issues facing Canada’s agri-food sector, including but not limited, to improvement of traditional foods and food processing; development of novel functional foods and nutraceuticals using advanced technologies; and conversion of underutilized agriculture materials into value-added bioproducts. This focus is in keeping with a contemporary emphasis on non-fossil fuel, climate change and the environment, water safety and quality, food safety and quality, and health and wellness. The program also reflects the tight integration of microbiology and food and bioproduct sciences with respect to production, quality assurance and safety.

As a department, we are committed to developing sustainable environmental solutions for the production, utilization, and handling of agriculturally based commodities while adding value to the Canadian agri-food industry. Our goal is to improve the nutritional, quality and safety aspects of the foods we consume and to utilize our biological resources in the fullest manner possible.

Food and Bioproduct Sciences: Is it for you?

    In-depth training in the integration of microbiology, and food and bioproduct sciences with respect to production, quality assurance and safety occurs at all levels of the program.  A major emphasis is on the laboratory skills needed to develop new products and to ensure the ongoing quality of existing production systems.
    The BSA degree with a major in Food and Bioproducts Science provides training in food and bioproducts as well as a broad background in 21st Century agriculture.  Graduates can be found at all levels of the food and bioproducts sector.

AgBio offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program.  The small class sizes in third and fourth year and supportive atmosphere allows students to get to know their instructors and fellow students and to build a network of personal and business contacts.

As well, the College's strong ties with industry and reputation for producing well-rounded, quality graduates means that many businesses turn here first when recruiting employees.

Graduates are eligible to receive P.Ag. status for practise in the profession of agrology.

Sample Classes

Food Additives and Toxicants

Introduction to the types of food additives currently used in the food industry and the function(s) of these chemical compounds. The safety of and toxicological information will be presented and discussed. The overarching questions on the need for food additives, and their safety will be presented, while discussing the types and concentrations.

Dairy Science and Technology

Examines the chemistry and processing of dairy products. Lectures will cover the fundamental aspects of milk with respect to chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition and engineering, as well as its application in a wide variety of dairy products.

Product Development

Provides an understanding of the processes involved with developing products for food and non-food applications, stemming from the idea/concept stage, to prototype development and testing consumer acceptability. Emphasis will be placed on a team approach for effectively planning and executing the development of a new product for the marketplace.

Career Opportunities

BSA graduates with a major in Food and Bioproducts occupy leadership positions within the agri-food industry, developing new products, packaging and processing methods to improve the quality, self life, and nutritional aspects of foods; investigating new methods to improve the safety of foods; working to expand utilization of bioproducts for human and other uses, and in quality control within food companies across North America and Europe.  A major in Food and Bioproduct Sciences will provide students with opportunities as

  • food safety inspector
  • quality assurance technician
  • research technician
  • product specialist
  • product development technician

As well as in-depth training in food and bioproducts, the BSA provides a broad background in 21st Century Agriculture.  Graduates can be found at all levels of the food and bioproducts sector.

 

A Stepping Stone

Numerous opportunities exist beyond a Bachelor’s degree if you wish to continue your education. Students in Master’s and/or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees are highly sought after by industry, government and academia to fill senior positions.