Sustainable Agriculture and Environment University of British Columbia

Overview

The Sustainable Agriculture and Environment programme at the University of British Columbia provides students with the scientific foundation and practical skills needed to address global food security and ecological health. This interdisciplinary degree focuses on protecting vital natural resources while developing resilient food production systems. Students explore the complex relationships between soil, water, air, and biodiversity within managed landscapes.

Why Sustainable Agriculture and Environment at the University of British Columbia?

Students benefit from world-class facilities, most notably the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at the UBC Farm. This unique on-campus living laboratory allows for direct experiential learning and research in a real-world setting. The faculty offers a diverse range of hands-on opportunities, including access to rooftop gardens and community-based projects across Vancouver. The curriculum is designed to help students work toward professional designations while tackling urgent environmental challenges like climate change and habitat loss.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 54443 per year
• National fee: CAD 6484 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates biological sciences with social and economic perspectives on food systems. Modules may include:

• Land, Food and Community
• Biology of the Cell
• Structure and Bonding in Chemistry
• Soil Science
• Vascular Plants
• Atmospheric Environments
• Community Food Security
• Entomology
• Soil Biology
• Microeconomics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Sustainable Soil Management
• Wine Grape and Berry Biology
• Wildlife Management in Forests and Agricultural Environments

Careers with Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

Graduates are prepared for professional roles in agricultural production, environmental consultancy, and resource management. The programme provides the academic requirements for several regulated professional designations in Canada. Graduates may pursue careers as Professional Agrologists, Registered Professional Biologists, or Applied Biology Technicians. Opportunities also exist in geosciences and urban agriculture planning, focusing on creating sustainable and food-secure futures for diverse communities.