Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Plant Science courses are offered through McGill's Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences located on the Macdonald Campus, the largest green space on the island of Montreal.
Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Within the听Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) program, you can study plants by specializing in plant biology, plant production, or professional agrology. Each of these specializations consists of 24-credits of courses focusing on a different aspect of plant science.
Students interested in taking the Plant Biology specialization can choose to major in Environmental Biology or Life Sciences. Students interested in the Plant Production or Professional Agrology specializations should major in Agro-Environmental Sciences.
Hands-on experience is central to our programs. We have unique facilities, including an on-campus farm with crop fields, orchards, and greenhouses听where you can practice and apply what you learn.
Students register in one major and at least one specialization. They may design their own program by choosing any major, and at least one specialization (see notes below for the majors in Environment and specializations in Agricultural Economics). By choosing two different specializations, students have the option of developing their own interdisciplinary interests. They may also choose to do a minor. The multidisciplinary specialization is designed for those interested in broad training. Note: Students choosing the major in Environment will select a concentration instead of a specialization. Note: Specializations in the Agricultural Economics major are restricted to Agricultural Economics students. All the required and complementary courses for the major must be completed in full. Within each specialization, at least 18 credits must be unique, i.e., they only count for that specialization and do not overlap with either the major or a second specialization. At least 12 credits must be from 400-level courses or higher. These programs are also available as honours programs for students after they have completed their U2 year if they meet the requirements. See individual programs for details. Graduates of programs marked with an asterisk (*) can be eligible for membership in the Ordre des agronomes du Qu茅bec and other provincial institutes of agriculture. Full program descriptions are listed at . Note: In the program description for each major is a suggested list of specializations that complement that major. Each specialization consists of 24 credits of courses (required and complementary) that provide a coherent package designed to prepare students for a future in a given discipline. Students will select at least one specialization. However, students wishing to broaden their training have the option of choosing to do two. Although the list of suggested specializations appears under each major in the programs section, students interested in other specializations should consult with their academic advisor. The following are specializations for the major programs listed above in Agricultural Economics, Agro-Environmental Sciences, Environmental Biology, Global Food Security, and Life Sciences (Biological and Agricultural). Complete descriptions of specialization programs can be found below:Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) (Overview)
Majors and Honours
Specializations
Major in Life Sciences or Major in Environmental Biology
Specialization: Plant Biology
The Plant Biology specialization emphasizes the study of plants, from their cellular structure to their role in the ecosystem.
You will examine the structure and development of plants in the context of their function as the primary producers on earth. You will learn about the physiology and biochemistry of plants from the basics of photosynthesis to the production of chemical compounds used for defense against herbivores, pests and pathogens.
You will also develop skills in plant identification, plant propagation, and molecular methods for studying plants and fungi. You will learn how natural selection has shaped the diversity of plants, explore the dynamics of plant communities in the ecosystem, and appreciate the role of plants in society as the source of food, fiber, fuel, medicinal compounds and ornamental.
Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) This specialization emphasizes the study of plants from the cellular to the organismal level. The structure, physiology, development, evolution, and ecology of plants will be studied. Most courses offer laboratory classes that expand on the lecture material and introduce students to the latest techniques in plant biology. Many laboratory exercises use the excellent research and field facilities at the Morgan Arboretum, 51吃瓜网Herbarium, Emile A. Lods Agronomy Research Centre, the Horticultural Centre and the Plant Science greenhouses as well as 51吃瓜网field stations. Students may undertake a research project under the guidance of a member of the Plant Science Department as part of their studies. Graduates with the specialization may continue in post-graduate study or work in the fields of botany, mycology, molecular biology, ecology, conservation, or environmental science. For information on academic advising, see: Plant Structure and Function. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The general anatomy and physiology of vascular plants with emphasis on how physiological processes influence function. 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. Plant Ecophysiology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 This course investigates the complex interactions between plants and their environment, focusing on the mechanisms underlying plant physiological processes. Plasticity of plants to their ecological environment; topics include phytoremediation, plant stress responses, plant-symbiosis and plant-insect interactions. 15 credits of complementary courses selected from: Fundamentals of Population Genetics. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Population genetics mechanisms in mammals, birds and plant. Factors influencing gene, genotype, and phenotypic frequencies. Effects of different types of selection, Hardy-Weinberg, linkage and recombination, polymorphisms and heterozygosity, population size, random drift and inbreeding on gene and genotype frequencies. Relationship between quantitative genetic parameters and gene frequencies. Bioinformatics for Genomics. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Bioinformatics methods and reasoning in relation to genomics, proteomics and metabolomics strategies with an emphasis on functional genomics data. The course will cover introduction to UNIX, Perl programming, data processing and integration, file parsing, relational database design and implementation, angled towards solutions relevant for genomics. Phylogeny and Biogeography. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Topics in the interface of evolution, phylogenetics, and biogeography, including tree thinking, phylogeny estimation, and the processes that generate and maintain biodiversity. The major scientific discoveries that demonstrated how Earth鈥檚 history affects the evolution of organisms, including the unheard voices of evolutionary biology. Biology of Fungi. Terms offered: Winter 2026 This course describes the various groups of fungi and explores in depth their biology and physiology, their ecological niches and the role in various ecosystems and their benefits and uses in industry and biotechnology. 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. 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. 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. Plant Ecology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. 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.Plant Biology (B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.)) (24 credits)
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Program credit weight: 24Program Description
Required Courses (9 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
PLNT 353 Plant Structure and Function. 3 PLNT 358 Flowering Plant Diversity. 3 PLNT 426 Plant Ecophysiology. 3 Complementary Courses (15 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
ANSC 326 Fundamentals of Population Genetics. 3 BINF 511 Bioinformatics for Genomics. 3 ENVB 313 Phylogeny and Biogeography. 3 PLNT 304 Biology of Fungi. 3 PLNT 305 Plant Pathology. 3 PLNT 310 Plant Propagation. 3 PLNT 435 Plant Breeding. 3 PLNT 460 Plant Ecology. 3
For more information, contact Professor Mehran Dastmalchi, Specialization Coordinator, Plant Biology
Major in Agro-Environmental Sciences
Specialization: Plant Production
The goal of this specialization is to give students an excellent background in the knowledge and skills relating to the biology and physiology, breeding, propagation, and management of domesticated plants. The plant industry, in both rural and urban settings, is a sector of growing importance to Canadian and global economies.
Offered by: Plant Science听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills relating to the biology and physiology, breeding, propagation, and management of domesticated plants. The plant industry, in both rural and urban settings, is a sector of growing importance to Canadian and global economies. Graduates are prepared for employment in horticulture or in field crop development, production, and management, in government services, extension, teaching and consulting; or for graduate and postgraduate studies. When taken in conjunction with the Major Agro-Environmental Sciences and the specialization in Professional Agrology, this specialization conforms with the eligibility requirements for the Ordre des agronomes du Qu茅bec. For information on academic advising, see: http://www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/studentinfo/advising 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. 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. 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. Plant Structure and Function. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The general anatomy and physiology of vascular plants with emphasis on how physiological processes influence function. 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. 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. 6 credits of complementary courses selected from: 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. Biocontrol of Pest Insects. Terms offered: Winter 2026 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Plant Production (B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.)) (24 credits)
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Program credit weight: 24Program Description
Required Courses (18 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
PLNT 200 Introduction to Crop Science 3 PLNT 305 Plant Pathology. 3 PLNT 310 Plant Propagation. 3 PLNT 353 Plant Structure and Function. 3 PLNT 434 Weed Biology and Control. 3 PLNT 435 Plant Breeding. 3 Complementary Courses (6 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
AGRI 340 Principles of Ecological Agriculture. 3 ENTO 352 Biocontrol of Pest Insects. 3 PLNT 302 Forage Crops and Pastures. 3 PLNT 307 Agroecology of Vegetables and Fruits. 3 PLNT 312 Urban Horticulture. 3 PLNT 322 Greenhouse Management. 3 SOIL 535 Soil Ecology. 3
Specialization: Professional Agrology
Agrology focuses on the science and technology required for agricultural production; Students in this major wishing to become members of the Order of Agrologists of Quebec (OAQ) must complete two specializations.
Offered by: Plant Science听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) The Specialization in Professional Agrology focuses on agricultural legislation, professional conduct, and working in the professional agrology industry.听 This Specialization may be taken with the Major in Sustainable Agricultural Systems.听 Taken in addition with a Specialization in Field Crops and Horticulture, Global Food Security, or Livestock, the eligibility requirements for the Ordre des agronomes du Qu茅bec will be met. For information on academic advising, see: . 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. Agrology Internship. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Professional internship (stage) under the supervision of a practicing agrologist. Agrology Internship. Terms offered: Fall 2025 See AGRI 410D1 for course description. 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 Qu茅bec agricultural industry, how to deal with clients, colleagues, and understanding legal and regulatory aspects of the profession in Qu茅bec. Agri-Food Industry Project. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Interdisciplinary team project in the agri-food industry. 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. 18 credits from one of the following specializations; students must be enrolled in the Major in Sustainable Agricultural Systems: 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. 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. 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. Plant Structure and Function. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The general anatomy and physiology of vascular plants with emphasis on how physiological processes influence function. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 51吃瓜网undergraduate students as future professionals tackling global issues require an integrated and multidisciplinary training on food security. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.Professional Agrology (B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.)) (24 credits)
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Program credit weight: 24Program Description
Required Courses (9 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
AGRI 330 Agricultural Legislation. 1 AGRI 410D1 Agrology Internship. 1.5 AGRI 410D2 Agrology Internship. 1.5 AGRI 430 Professional Practice in Agrology. 2 AGRI 490 Agri-Food Industry Project. 3 PLNT 430 Pesticides in Agriculture. 3 Complementary Courses (18 credits)
Field Crops and Horticulture
Course
Title
Credits
PLNT 302 Forage Crops and Pastures. 3 PLNT 305 Plant Pathology. 3 PLNT 307 Agroecology of Vegetables and Fruits. 3 PLNT 353 Plant Structure and Function. 3 PLNT 434 Weed Biology and Control. 3 PLNT 435 Plant Breeding. 3 Global Food Security
Course
Title
Credits
AEIS 230 Indigenous Health & Nutrition 3 AGEC 430 Agriculture, Food and Resource Policy. 3 AGEC 442 Economics of International Agricultural Development. 3 AGRI 411 Global Issues on Development, Food and Agriculture. 3 AGRI 493 International Project Management. 3 NUTR 341 Global Food Security. 3 Livestock
Course
Title
Credits
ANSC 301 Principles of Animal Breeding. 3 ANSC 303 Farm Animal Internship 3 ANSC 324 Developmental Biology and Reproduction. 3 ANSC 433 Animal Nutrition and Metabolism. 3 ANSC 458 Advanced Livestock Management 3 ANSC 555 The Use and Welfare of Animals. 3
For more information, contact Professor Val茅rie Gravel, Specialization Coordinator, Professional Agrology
Discover your next adventure!
51吃瓜网offers a variety of unique opportunities including courses, field study opportunities and exchanges abroad, as well as undergraduate internships.
听
