Current
Academic Calendar
2024/25
Academic Calendar 2024/25
Agriculture
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English language proficiency requirements Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the with lower levels of language proficiency. |
Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.
3 credits
Horticulture Skills I
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Practical skills applicable to different horticultural sectors will be explored in this hands-on class. Activities will take place on CEP campus in the Agriculture outdoor classroom or greenhouse.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Introduction to Horticulture
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduction to plant anatomy and physiology; physical, biological, and chemical (hormones) control of plant growth; and postharvest handling. Overview of plant taxonomy and biological nomenclature. Develops knowledge base needed to continue studying major horticultural crop groups.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Horticulture Skills II
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Technical skills including tissue culture, sprayer calibration, pruning, and grafting will be practiced. Activities will take place in the lab, Agriculture outdoor classroom, or greenhouse.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Introduction to Agribusiness
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An introduction to effective business practices applied to agribusiness. Topics important to managing an agricultural operation will be covered including planning, decision making, budgeting, financial analysis, economics, and marketing. The use of computer applications in data management and record keeping will be emphasized.
3 credits
Introduction to Agriculture
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Gain basic knowledge of various common agricultural settings and environment. Expose and train students on machinery, automated equipment, control systems, and other electronic equipment used in agriculture while maintaining a safe working environment when dealing with organic material and livestock. Field trips may be required.
3 credits
Pest Biology and Identification
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An overview of the general biology of key groups of plant/livestock pests, including arthropods, weeds, and pathogens. Emphasis will be on identification using key features for each group of pests, life history strategies within each group, and the ecology of each group of pests. The role of agricultural practices in contributing to the build up of pest populations will be examined. Lab sessions and hands-on activities in the greenhouse, outdoor classroom or barns will be incorporated into weekly class meetings.
3 credits
On-Farm Occupational Health and Safety
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Safety hazards associated with agricultural production in a variety of settings (barns, greenhouses, fields) are explored. Hands-on technical skills are obtained, including safe operation of tractors and skid steers and fall and fire prevention. Managerial responsibilities for young and new worker training, safety supervision, emergency preparedness, and work-place wellness are also examined.
3 credits
Practicum I
Prerequisite(s): (Admission to one of the following with 9 credits in the program: an agriculture certificate, the Agriculture Technology diploma, or the Bachelor of Agricultural Science), a minimum GPA of 2.00, and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 183.
This is a three-week, on-the-job training course in agriculture. Students will work, without remuneration, for a selected host, in return for which valuable work experience and new skills will be acquired. Students’ grades for this course will be based on hosts’ evaluations, journal, and thank you letter.
3 credits
Fundamentals of Integrated Pest Management
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 163.
Integrated pest management (IPM) will be examined as a decision-making process for agricultural and non-agricultural settings. The use of pest scouting data and thresholds to make management decisions will be examined and practiced. A range of pest management strategies (chemical, biological, cultural – including different methods of breeding, physical) will be explored. Pesticide issues such as pesticide treadmill, resistance, secondary pest outbreaks, and environmental impact will be discussed. Hands-on barn, lab and greenhouse activities will be incorporated into lectures.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Introduction to Soils and Soil Fertility
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An introductory soils course that highlights the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. All aspects of soil science including genesis and functions are explored. Emphasis is on healthy soils as production media for crop (fruit, vegetable, ornamental, and forage) production.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Directed Studies in Agriculture I
Prerequisite(s): 9 university-level credits and instructor’s permission.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Designed for students interested in agriculture topics outside of the usual course offerings. Provides an opportunity for self-directed learning overseen by a faculty supervisor. Opportunities for hands-on technical learning may also be available depending on the project.
3 credits
Principles of On-Farm Food Protection
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): 6 credits of Agriculture.
Principles of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) are explored in depth to demonstrate the development of third-party audit programs for on-farm food safety and other aspects of production. Implementation of these types of programs including record keeping tools, management practices, and HACCP training methods will be demonstrated and used by students in hands-on practice in the on-campus greenhouses and barn.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Plants in the Landscape
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 124.
Identification, use, and maintenance of herbaceous and woody plants in the landscape will be explored in this class. Site selection and individual plant growing requirements will be emphasized.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Introduction to the Health of Farm Animals
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Biology and management of common livestock diseases is explored with a focus on prevention and diagnosis. The relationship between nutrition, housing, and welfare on disease susceptibility will be explored. Current and emerging practices for disease treatment will be examined. Theory will be combined with hands-on animal care in the on-campus CEP Demonstration Barn, both during and outside scheduled class time.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Equine Production and Management
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course covers feeding, breeding, and management for horse owners. Topics include equine medical disorders, lameness, nutrition, facilities, reproduction management of both the mare and stallion, and equipment. Discussion of the different equine sectors and field trips will be included.
3 credits
Management and Production of Beef, Sheep, and Goats
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Focuses on nutrition, genetics, welfare, common diseases, and housing of beef, sheep, and goats. Business opportunities and marketing will be explored for these unregulated commodities. Theory will be combined with hands-on animal care in the on-campus CEP Demonstration Barn, both during and outside scheduled class time.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Enterprise Project: Part I
Prerequisite(s): (C or better in AGRI 142 or BUS 100) and (CMNS 125 or equivalent).
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): CMNS 251
Students will develop a complete business plan designed to obtain support from investors and lenders for an independent agricultural venture. Students, in consultation with faculty, will prepare a market analysis, determine organizational structure, outline operational objectives including a production plan, and prepare financial projections for the first year of operations.
Note: Students are expected to complete AGRI 247 and AGRI 248 in the same academic year.
3 credits
Enterprise Project: Part II
Prerequisite(s): C or better in AGRI 247.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will stress test their financials for agribusiness operations developed in AGRI 247, and complete financial projections for years two to five. Marketing plans, including social media strategy, will be finalized. Students will compile their revised background research and information into their business plan, and present the business plan to the class and a panel of external agricultural mentors.
Note: Students are expected to complete AGRI 247 and AGRI 248 in the same academic year.
3 credits
Ruminant Animal Health
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 237.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
The principles of disease infection, treatment, and prevention in ruminant livestock are introduced. Topics also include animal physiology, the principles of ruminant nutrition, reproduction and obstetrics, the incidence of respiratory ailments, nutritional and infectious disease, and health management of dairy and beef cattle and small ruminants.
Note: Field trips will be required.
3 credits
Management and Production of Poultry and Swine
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Focuses on nutrition, genetics, welfare, and common diseases of poultry and swine. Differences in the marketing of supply managed versus unregulated commodities will be explored. Theory will be combined with hands-on animal care in the on-campus CEP Demonstration Barn, both during and outside scheduled class time.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Agriculture Seminar Series
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Through the lens of guest speakers with diverse ways of knowing, knowledge systems, backgrounds, and experiences, students will be challenged to consider diverse perspectives in agriculture and to identify, describe, and reflect on the opportunities and challenges these present to agricultural systems. Students will gain skills in written and oral communications as well as group and collaborative work, and will deepen their understanding of agricultural systems.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Practicum II
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 192, admission to the Agriculture Technology diploma, a minimum GPA of 2.00, and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course follows AGRI 192 and provides agriculture technology diploma students with a second three-week on-the job training course in agriculture. Students will work without remuneration for a selected host, in return for which valuable work experience and new skills will be acquired. Students’ grades will mainly be based on hosts’ evaluation, journal, and thank you letter.
Note: Only full-time students who have successfully completed their current semester’s courses and have a minimum GPA of 2.00 are eligible to participate.
3 credits
Field Techniques in Integrated Pest Management
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 163 and AGRI 203.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Focus is on the practice of integrated pest management (IPM), i.e. detection, diagnosis, and management of pests (arthropods, weeds, diseases, vertebrates) common to any agricultural production system (field, greenhouse, indoor, housed animals, or pastured animals). Students will conduct hands-on research (pest survey or production evaluation). Communication and extension practice including developing training modules, posters, and information sessions. Students will participate in weekly scouting of greenhouse and/or barn pests on UFV Chilliwack campus.
Note: Field trips outside of class time, including to the Pacific Agriculture Show, will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Sustainable Soil Management
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 204.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Agricultural management impacts soil quality. This course presents current concepts to assess, protect, and enhance the health and productivity of soils and the delivery of soil ecosystem services in socio-economic and cultural contexts.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Vegetable Crop Production: Science and Practice
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 124.
Principles and practices of field production of vegetable crops will be explored using a combination of theory and hands-on practice in the on-campus greenhouse and outdoor classroom. Biology of commonly-grown field vegetable crops and management practices from pre-planting through to post-harvest handling are explored. Emphasis is placed on practices that reduce contribution and/or increase adaptation to climate change.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Fruit Crop Production: Science and Practice
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 124.
Both commercial production and traditional production practices by Indigenous peoples (pre-contact and contemporary) of fruit crops will be explored. Topics include biology of the crop groups, site selection factors, field preparation, variety selection, cultivation practices, post harvest physiology, storage, and marketing. The current use of robotics, automation, and data science will be examined for the production of commodities.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Protected Crop Production: Science and Practice
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 124 and AGRI 129.
Technical aspects of the design, operation, environmental control, monitoring, and irrigation systems design of greenhouse and other protected crop systems (e.g. vertical farming and mushroom). Production requirements of crops from variety to selection to post-harvest handling are explored. This course combines theory with hands-on practice in on-campus greenhouses and other growing facilities.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Nursery Production and Propagation: Science and Practice
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 124 and AGRI 129.
Operations and management of a commercial nursery are explored in this course. Topics include propagation techniques, growing methods, commonly used equipment, relevant legislation, and legal obligations. Production needs of different types of plants are explored using a combination of theory and hands-on practice, with students working in the on-campus greenhouse during most classes.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Forage Crop Production: Science and Practice
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 237 or 30 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Focuses on common production techniques and use of commonly grown forage crops, with both theory and hands-on practice in the CEP on-campus greenhouse. Emphasis on maximizing the use of homegrown forages to meet the nutritional requirements of livestock.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Dairy Herd Management: Science & Practice
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 237 or 30 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 254.
Overview of the principles of dairy animal reproductive physiology, nutrition, and herd health. The science and economics of milk production from farm to shelf will also be taught. Theory will be combined with hands-on animal care in the on-campus CEP Demonstration Barn, both during and outside scheduled class time.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Agroecology
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): AGRI 204.
Explores the science of agroecology as the foundation for ecologically, economically, and socially responsible food production. Evidence-based exploration of the environmental impact of current, historic, and emerging practices for the production of both plant and animal-based food.
Note: Field trips to local farms will be required outside of class time throughout the second half of the semester. Please check with the department for details.
3 credits
Directed Studies in Agriculture II
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 24 credits of AGRI, BIO, or GEOG, and instructor's permission.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides an opportunity to address an agriculture-related problem using scientific or social science research methods. Students will either develop their own projects or take on a portion of an existing project overseen by a faculty supervisor.
3 credits
Directed Studies in Agriculture III
Prerequisite(s): B+ or better in AGRI 390 and instructor’s permission.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides an opportunity to independently explore an agriculture related problem. Students develop their own projects overseen by a faculty supervisor. Students perform independent primary research to develop a manuscript for a peer-reviewed agriculture-related journal.
Last updated: November 1, 2024