Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

About

Food and Bioproduct Sciences 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.

Quick facts

• 4-year degree
• Full or part-time program
• You can enter this program directly from high school
• You can begin this program off-campus

What you will learn

This multi-disciplinary program provides opportunities for you to understand a number of important issues facing Canada’s agri-food sector including:

• The improvement of traditional foods and food processing,
• Development of novel functional foods and nutraceuticals using advanced technologies and the 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.

Careers

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, shelf 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 provides opportunities such 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.

Graduates of our programs will not only leave with excellent industry-endorsed scientific training but also with a foundation of marketable career skills.

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.

Tuition estimates

Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2018-2019 Canadian dollar rates).

Fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.

The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,000-$2,000 per year.

Program option

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A) Food and Bioproduct Sciences degree is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources:

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Four-year

Deadlines

You can also begin this program in May or July. The application deadline is February 15, 2019, documents are due March 1st.

At the heart of Saskatoon, on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis, is the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask is one of the top research-intensive, medical-doctoral universities in Canada, and is home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, like water and food security. Study and discovery are enhanced by our outstanding facilities, including the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, VIDO-InterVac, the Global Institute for Food Security, the Global Institute for Water Security and the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation.

Guided by our University Plan: The University the World Needs, we work together across disciplines and with our communities to find creative solutions to the most pressing global challenges. Our graduates, recognized for their strong work ethic, resourceful nature, and determination, are leading change here at home and around the world.

Spaces on our main campus in Saskatoon support the interdisciplinary focus of our study and work, including the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre, an intercultural gathering place that helps integrate Indigenous culture on campus, and the Health Sciences Building, which incorporates eight health science fields in a practical, hands-on learning environment.

USask students come from around the world, and can become part of the USask family in communities throughout Saskatchewan, where we offer a range of programming, from introductory classes all the way through full degree programs in some disciplines.