Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture degree is unique to North America and is distinguished from other agriculture degree programs by providing a broad scope of study related to sustainable food production as an integral and fundamentally critical element of sustainable human existence. Through a distinctive and exceptional combination of classroom and farm-based learning, the program offers a comprehensive perspective on:
- The science of agro-ecosystem design and stewardship;
- Innovative and ecologically sound crop production methods;
- Sustainable farm business management; and,
- The economic, social, and environmental challenges facing our food system
Learning Outcomes
The curriculum is designed in recognition of the need for both practical and academic training within the new powerful movement in sustainable agriculture. Students will be immersed in a setting which fosters experiential learning and exploring personal interests and inclination. During our four year Bachelor degree program, students will work to realize three major learning outcomes:
- The ability to grow fruit and vegetable crops within a sustainable ecological context. A full spectrum of experiential field-based agricultural courses are offered in Year 3 which, by necessity, follows a complete crop cycle beginning in the spring and extending through summer into the fall. These applied courses function as a mechanism to bring the theoretical concepts and principles of sustainable agro-ecosystem design, function and management to practical realization.
- Develop the business, sales and marketing skills necessary to manage a sustainable agricultural farming business. The development of these skills is facilitated by the inclusion of a broad base of foundational courses supplemented by a multidisciplinary business management course in Year Four.
- Develop practical, problem solving and research skills as well as an understanding of government, economic and business environments and policies needed to address issues of and advance sustainable agri-food systems, as related to employment in government, non-government organizations and the private sector.
Who Studies Sustainable Agriculture?
Individuals interested in gaining a practical understanding of sustainably growing food for their communities as well as those who wish to see this type of local-regional agriculture and food system integrated fully into society. This program will appeal to students who recognize that environmental stewardship and community involvement are critical to our food system and who wish to be part of a new approach to agriculture. Students looking for creative, hands-on work on farms and in the community will thrive in this program.
Career Opportunities
Sustainable, local food production is a rapidly developing component of sustainable community/ regional planning and development is on the minds of the public and governments alike. Program graduates will be sought after in areas as diverse as planning, resource management, politics, government, non-government organizations, related business, and production agriculture.
Faculty's website: kpu.ca/science
Department's website: kpu.ca/science/agriculture
Admission Requirements
The Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, apply to this program.
Declaration Requirements
Students intending to graduate with this Faculty of Science and Horticulture degree must declare the credential by the time they complete 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. At the time of declaration, the student must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- In good academic standing with the University
- Completion of a minimum of 24 credits of undergraduate coursework, including the following:
- 3 credits of ENGL at the 1100 level or higher
Curricular Requirements
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture consists of 120 credits of course work, including 27 credits of electives. A minimum of 15 credits of electives must be chosen from subject areas other than AGRI, including at least 3 credits at the 3000-level or above.
| Year 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AGRI 1150 | Sustainable Agriculture for the 21st Century | 3 |
| AGRI 1299 | Food System Field Analysis | 1 |
| BIOL 1110 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 1210 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
| ENGL 1100 | Introduction to University Writing | 3 |
| ENVI 1106 or CHEM 1110 | Environmental Chemistry I or The Structure of Matter | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
PHIL 1110 | Introduction to Moral Philosophy | |
PHIL 1112 | Introduction to Environmental Ethics | |
POST 1100 | Sustainability and Ethics | |
| Select 9 credits of electives 1 | 9 | |
| Credits | 31 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| AGRI 2190 | Plant Science | 3 |
| AGRI 2220 | Soil Stewardship and Management | 4 |
| AGRI 2230 | Sustainable Human Economy | 3 |
| AGRI 2240 | Ecologically Based Pest Management | 3 |
| AGRI 2250 | Agriculture and Food Systems | 3 |
| BIOL 2322 | Ecology | 4 |
| MATH 1115 | Statistics I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
POLI 1120 | Canadian Government and Politics | |
POLI 1125 | Introduction to Political Science | |
POLI 2100 | Sustainability and Government | |
| Select 6 credits of electives 2 | 6 | |
| Credits | 32 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| AGRI 3225 | Experimental Design & Analysis | 3 |
| AGRI 3260 | Animal Agriculture | 3 |
| AGRI 3270 | Vegetable Crop Production | 3 |
| AGRI 3280 | Fruit and Nut Crop Production | 3 |
| AGRI 3290 | Agroecosystem Management I | 3 |
| AGRI 3390 | Agro-Ecosystems Management II | 6 |
| AGRI 3398 | Crop Physiology and Ecology | 3 |
| AGRI 3399 | Research Project I | 3 |
| Select 3 credits of electives | 3 | |
| Note: Courses in Year Three follow the agricultural season and progression of agricultural practices. | ||
| Credits | 30 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| AGRI 3135 | Business of Agriculture | 6 |
| AGRI 4190 | Agro-Ecosystems Management III | 3 |
| AGRI 4298 | World Trends in Agriculture | 3 |
| AGRI 4299 | Research Project II | 3 |
| AGRI 4295 | Internship | 3 |
| Select 9 credits of electives, with at least 3 credits at the 3000-level or above. | 9 | |
| Credits | 27 | |
| Total Credits | 120 |
- 1
Students who need to upgrade in order to meet the prerequisites for ENVI 1106 or MATH 1115, which is required in Year Two, may use MATH 1112 or MATH 1117 as an elective.
- 2
The following two courses are recommended: PHYS 1400 and GEOG 2250.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture.
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