Students will study the integrated application of food crop production principles and practices at the certified organic, KPU Farm. They will focus on late winter and spring operations including planning seasonal operations and plantings, equipment assessment and maintenance; procuring seed and plants; establishing orchard and field plantings; perennial crops canopy management; soil, nutrition, irrigation and pest management regimes and farm safety. Note: This course is only offered in the spring term.

Level: UG

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Food systems and food sovereignty are deeply connected to Indigenous well-being and relationship to the land, both historically and in the present. Food systems and agriculture are also intertwined with the history of colonialism in Canada. At the same time, Indigenous knowledge and land stewardship practices have provided the foundation for many areas of sustainable agriculture including agroecology, organic agriculture, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture. This course will use a land-based learning approach to explore Indigenous food systems as an integral part of sustainable agriculture. Using examples from local First Nations as well as cases across Canada, students will learn about historic and contemporary factors that impact Indigenous food systems and food sovereignty and consider the significance of reconciliation in the context of food systems. This course is cross-listed with INDG 1130. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.

Level: UG

Cross-listing: INDG 1130

Attribute: SCIH

Agriculture is one of the fundamental ways in which humans interact with the natural world, and has a crucial role to play in a sustainable future. This class will cover the history of agriculture and the current food system through the lens of sustainability. We will explore how the dominant paradigm of modern agricultural production developed, connecting structural and historical processes to current issues. We will also learn about movements for sustainable and just food systems and their potential to address climate change and other issues of global concern.

Level: UG

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will build on the crop production principles and practices of integrated crop production covered in AGRI 1100. They will focus on spring and summer operations including work scheduling; transplant production; planting, transplanting, and direct seeding; fertility management; equipment use and maintenance; irrigation; pest management; weed management; warm season cover cropping; harvest; post-harvest management; marketing, and record keeping. Note: This course is only offered in the summer term.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 1100

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will explore fundamental concepts of sustainable agriculture and food systems through hands-on activities on the research and education farm, in the agriculture lab as well as in the classroom. They will be introduced to the many facets of our food system from basics of soil science, crop production, food quality, processing and distribution. These concepts of sustainable agriculture and food science will be considered through the lens of environmental stewardship, food self-reliance, food justice, health and ethics.

Level: UG

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will visit and observe agri-food system farm processing and distribution enterprises in British Columbia. They will assess the function and operation of these enterprises and identify challenges and opportunities for advancing agri-food system sustainability. Students will explore ways to define, assess, and interpret factors that contribute to agri-food system sustainability. They will learn how factors interact and learn to weigh these factors in holistic agri-food system sustainability assessments, decision making, and planning processes.

Level: UG

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will continue to build on organic crop production principles and practices learned in previous Applied Organic Agriculture courses. They will focus on fall operations including work scheduling, late season planting, season extension, fertility management, equipment use and maintenance, pest management, cool season cover cropping, harvest, post-harvest management, farm winterization activities, marketing and record keeping.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 1200

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will participate in a combination of classroom instruction and field observation/evaluation of honey bees. Students handling, or in close proximity to bees will be required to wear protective equipment and may be required to life equipment weighing up to 20 Kg. Students will participate in colony inspection, equipment assembly and honey collection during the course. The emphasis of the course will be hands-on seasonal management of honey bees, primarily in agricultural systems for the purpose of maintaining colony health and pollinating crops.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher

Attribute: SCIH

Students will study basic crop plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, growth and development, breeding and genetics. They will also study environmental (biotic and abiotic) and agroecosystem management interactions and their effects on crop growth, yield and quality.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1110

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

The goal of this course is to prepare students as future agricultural professionals to apply the soil science knowledge learned in this course to the challenges of contemporary land management. This course will introduce the fundamental concepts related to soil science, discuss key characteristics of soils and ecology, and management of soils with an emphasis on understanding soil as a living system, in the context of the agroecosystem and as a precious natural resource. Students will study soil formation and development processes, physical and chemical characteristics of soils, soil biodiversity and soil food webs, and major biogeochemical cycles. We will also cover concepts related to soil fertility and nutrient management, soil water management, soil conservation, and plant nutrient uptake in agroecosystems.

Level: UG

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will consider the roles that environment, society and economics has played in the development of the current global economic model. They will critically examine the impacts of the dominant economic system on the environment and human well-being. They will study key principles and concepts of ecological and sustainable economics in comparison to classical and neo-classical economics. Students will examine alternative economic perspectives and case studies that demonstrate alternative economic models that consider planetary boundaries and human well-being.

Level: UG

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will study common plant, insect, mite, bacterial, fungal, viral and vertebrate pests, and associated injury and or disease caused to common fruit and vegetable crop plants cultivated in the Pacific Northwest. They will study the agro-ecological basis for plant pest occurrence and plant response to infestation/infection. Students will study cultural, behavioral, biological, physical and chemical pest management methods and tools based on maintaining or enhancing agro-ecosystem integrity, function and sustainability. They will learn to identify/ diagnose arthropod, plant and microbial pests/ disease and develop appropriate integrated pest management strategies and action plans. They will also learn to distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic plant disease.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 2190 and BIOL 2322

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

This course provides an introduction to the concept of a food system as an interconnected web of activities, processes, structures, resources, and people involved in providing human nourishment. Using case examples from British Columbia, we will examine the underlying logic, values, and function of food systems, and their implications for communities and the environment. We will consider how food systems outcomes are shaped by regional policies such as supply management and the Agricultural Land Reserve, and how food systems contribute to issues of international interest such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 1150

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will visit and observe agri-food system farm processing and distribution enterprises in British Columbia. They will assess the function and operation of these enterprises and identify challenges and opportunities for advancing agri-food system sustainability. Students will explore ways to define, assess, and interpret factors that contribute to agri-food system sustainability. They will learn how factors interact and learn to weigh these factors in holistic agri-food system sustainability assessments, decision making, and planning processes. Note: This course may include field trips that happen outside of regular class hours, including overnight trips and additional course fees.

Level: UG

Attribute: SCIH

Students will understand and manage agricultural soils. They will learn soil conservation techniques, how to avoid losses through erosion, reduce the degradation of soil and the prevention and elimination of environmental pollution. They will learn how to increase soil fertility and health using appropriate soil amendments, organic fertilizers, cover cropping and tillage techniques. Learning to manage different soil types, students will understand how to optimize soil biological health and nutrition, soil water conservation, and water management such as irrigation and drainage.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 2220

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will examine the history of agroecology as a science, practice, and social movement and consider the vision it suggests for a more sustainable food system. Students will explore the role that agroecology plays in the transformation of food systems. They will study the interactions of the components of this discipline including: agricultural, ecological, economic, social, cultural, and political.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2322

Attribute: SCIH

The study of agriculture-business and food systems facilitates transdisciplinary learning and research that is intimately linked to the understanding of sustainability and the cultures that they are embedded in. This Field School will provide opportunities for students to implement problem solving and critical thinking methodologies to help students develop an understanding of the important role that agriculture and food systems play in connecting all aspects of the economy, business, environment and society as well as the value of regional food systems. Students will visit farms and food related businesses locally, nationally and/or internationally. When studying food systems, students will compare and contrast financing, marketing, pricing and logistics of food production. NOTE: Students will spend two weeks at the Field School site in addition to class sessions on campus before and after travel. Students must be nineteen years or older at the start of the course. Students may earn credit for only one of DESN 2500, AGRI 2500 or BUSI 2500 as they are identical courses.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): 30 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher

Cross-listing: DESN 2500

Attribute: SCIH

Students will examine the unique aspects of small scale agricultural businesses and understand the diversity of agricultural businesses. They will compare and contrast small scale operations with commodity-based large scale agricultural enterprises to differentiate between the two business models. By interpreting financial statements, identifying business goals, conducting farm inventories, producing agricultural maps, and researching product markets, students will critique numerous agricultural enterprises.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, or permission from instructor

Attribute: SCIH

Students will produce a business plan for a small scale agricultural business. Starting with business goals, students will identify local agricultural market opportunities, determine products to sell, design agricultural operations, estimate revenues, and research costs. Through explaining the importance of research, record keeping, and generating accounting statements, students will prepare for future conversations to request funding.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3120 or permission from instructor

Attribute: SCIH

Students will examine the unique aspects of small scale agricultural business operations. They will study the critical factors involved in business development and management such as: goal setting, farm mapping and planning, business plan development, record keeping, employee management and marketing.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, or permission of instructor.

Attribute: SCIH

Learn to examine agriculture’s role as a producer and consumer of energy in the context of the ecosystem, food system and economy. Potential management options to improve agricultural energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and produce energy on farms through solar, wind, hydro, biopower, and biofuel technologies will also be explored.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 1150 and AGRI 2250

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH, QUAN

Learn about the damaging insects, pathogens, weeds, and other organisms considered pests in agro-ecosystems. Natural enemies of pest organisms will also be introduced. Topics will include common characteristics of pest and beneficial organisms, taxonomy, anatomy, life cycles, habitat needs, and survival strategies.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 2100 and BIOL 2322

Attribute: SCIH

Students will learn the fundamental principles of agricultural experimental design and analysis and prepare an applied research proposal.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): MATH 1115, and either (a) AGRI 1150 and AGRI 1299, or (b) AGRI 2100

Attribute: SCIH

Students will survey the evolution of agricultural pest management paradigms and the ecological impacts of changing approaches over time. Practical examples will be used to distinguish between cultural, physical, biological, behavioural, and chemical pest management strategies, and the ecological impacts of each. Current and historical case studies will guide critical assessment of the promise and reality of Integrated Pest Management, Genetic Modification, Sterile Insect Release, and emerging pest management technologies. Restrictions on pest management tactics imposed by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency and the Canadian organic standards, and the practical impacts of these rules, will be considered in light of the regulations' guiding principles and intent.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3220

Attribute: SCIH

Students will study introductory and general principles and practices utilized for small and large animal production, with an emphasis on small scale, low input, integrated methods and objectives. They will study breeds and breeding, nutrition and health, reproduction, sheltering, growth and development, behavior, egg, meat and milk production, and integration of stock with cropping systems on sustainable farms.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): 60 credits

Attribute: SCIH

Students will study the principles and practices utilized to cultivate vegetable crops, emphasizing but not limited to southwest British Columbia production (topics include adapted and novel crops and cultivars, field preparation, seeding, soil and nutrition management, water management, pest management, crop plant growth and development, crop maturation and harvest and post-harvest handling). They will also study integrated cropping system planning and management.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 2190 and AGRI 2220

Attribute: SCIH

Students will study the principles and practices utilized in tree, small, bush, and cane fruit crops and nut crops cultivated in British Columbia (topics will include adapted and novel crops; climatic requirements; site selection and preparation; propagation; orchard, grove and patch planning and establishment; canopy management; pest, water, and fertility management; plant growth and development; crop maturation and harvest; and post-harvest handling and storage).

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 2190 and AGRI 2220

Attribute: SCIH

Students will study the integrated application of food crop production principles and practices in a laboratory farm setting. They will focus on late winter and spring operations including planning seasonal operations and plantings, equipment assessment and maintenance; procuring seed and plants; establishing orchard and field plantings; perennial crops canopy management; soil, nutrition, irrigation and pest management regimes.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 2190, AGRI 2220 and AGRI 2240

Attribute: SCIH

Students will build on the crop production principles and practices of integrated crop production covered in AGRI 3290. They will focus on spring and summer operations including work scheduling; transplant production; planting, transplanting, and direct seeding; fertility management; equipment use and maintenance; irrigation; pest management; weed management; warm season cover cropping; harvest; post-harvest management; and record keeping.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3290

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will explore the interactions of plant communities with their environment across plant life cycles and the implications of this interaction on the quantity and quality of crop yield. They will examine definitions of productivity as it relates to sustainable land use. Students will learn biochemical, physiological and ecological principles important to the growth and development of crops and interaction with the environment.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 2190 and AGRI 2220

Attribute: SCIH

Students will continue to build and design their applied research project from AGRI 3225. They will complete the development of a research proposal which includes a justification, detailed workplan and budget for the project and implement the research.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3225

Attribute: SCIH

Students will engage in intensive study of a specific topic, as determined by the student and supervising faculty, and approved by the department. Students will study under the supervision and mentorship of a faculty member with requisite expertise in the area of study. Students will delineate learning objectives, develop a detailed study plan, conduct studies and submit a report(s). Note: Students may repeat this course, to study different topics, for up to 6 credits total.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher

Attribute: SCIH

Students will carry out the study of a specific subject in sustainable agriculture under the direct supervision of a faculty member who will delineate learning objectives. The student will develop a detailed study plan, conduct studies and submit a report(s) or satisfactorily complete other means of evaluation which will include exams. Note: Students may repeat this course, to study different subjects, for up to 9 credits total.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): Both (a) 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, and (b) permission of instructor.

Attribute: SCIH

Students will apply practical field skills in the management of organic field crops on a diversified farm. They will contribute to crop establishment, management, harvest, marketing, and agricultural pest and beneficial organism monitoring and management. Cultural, physical, behavioural, and biological pest control strategies will be emphasized and integrated. Chemical control will be avoided if possible, and limited to products allowed for use in organic production systems. Field and laboratory observations will be combined with an understanding of organisms' ecological needs and interactions to develop agroecosystem management strategies that reduce pest pressure and enable organic production. Students will also provide mentorship to junior students in the Applied Organic Agriculture II course. Note: This course is only offered during the summer term.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 2100 and AGRI 3230

Attribute: SCIH

Students will continue to build on integrated crop production principles and practices learned in previous Agro-Ecosystems Management courses. They will focus on fall operations including work scheduling, late season planting, season extension, fertility management, equipment use and maintenance, pest management, cool season cover cropping, harvest, post-harvest management, and record keeping.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3390

Attribute: SCIH

In this course, students will reflect on the skills and capacities they have developed in the Sustainable Agriculture program, and consider their next steps and contributions to this field. This exploration will be facilitated through various means including extensive writing and reflection, meeting professionals in the field and learning about work opportunities. Alongside instructors and professionals, each student will define a question they would like to explore. They will reflect and compile a portfolio that demonstrates how the skills and knowledge can be applied in the agricultural sector.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 4100

Attribute: SCIH

Students will identify and participate in an approved internship in the agriculture and food systems sector for a minimum of 120 hours with supervision from a Sustainable Agriculture faculty member. Students will work toward completing specific outcomes and maintain records of their experience and upon completion will prepare a written report and give an oral presentation on their experience.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): 15 credits, including AGRI 1150

Attribute: SCIH

In this class we will explore how agroecology has developed as a transnational social movement for more democratic, equitable, and sustainable agri-food systems. Students will analyze and lead discussions on a series of selected case studies from around the world, examining the barriers and successes that grassroots farmer movements have faced. We will consider the role of national and international governments, trade, civil society, farm workers, rural and urban communities, and social groups in shaping these movements, as well as the role of geographic and environmental factors. Students will then research and present their own case study, focusing on a grassroots group of their choosing that is working to make change in the food system.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): Both of (a) AGRI 1150 or POST 1100 or PHIL 1111 and (b) 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher

Attributes: ASTR, SCIH

Students will complete, analyze, and present their applied research project from the previous research project course.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3399

Attribute: SCIH

Students will engage in intensive study of a specific topic, as determined by the student and supervising faculty, and approved by the department. Students will study under the supervision and mentorship of a faculty member with requisite expertise in the area of study. Students will delineate learning objectives, develop a detailed study plan, conduct studies and submit a report(s). Note: Students may repeat this course, to study different topics, for up to 6 credits total.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): Both (a) 75 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, and (b) permission of instructor.

Attribute: SCIH

Students will carry out the study of a specific subject in sustainable agriculture under the direct supervision of a faculty member who will delineate learning objectives. The student will develop a detailed study plan, conduct studies and submit a report(s) and/or satisfactorily complete other means of evaluation which will include exams. Note: Students may repeat this course, to study different subjects, for up to 9 credits total.

Level: UG

Prerequisite(s): Both (a) 90 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, and (b) permission of instructor.

Attribute: SCIH