Agriculture, Bachelor of Science

Program Information
Credential: 
Bachelor's Degree
Duration: 

1 year at RDC - 3 years at U of A or U of L

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Jane MacNeil
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
University Transfer Program

One-Year University Transfer Program:

Students in BSc Agriculture will choose a major from Agricultural and Resource Economics, Animal Science, Crop Science, or Sustainable Agricultural Systems.

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

The Program

The RDC program is a modified first year of study that provides credit for the first year of Bachelor of Science Agriculture. It is strongly recommended that students complete all junior requirements before taking senior courses.

Transfer Features

The courses in this program can be transferred in full to BSc Agriculture at University of Alberta. Refer to University of Alberta calendar for the complete listing of courses under the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences. Please note that these credits are U of A credits.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.

1. Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1
  5. Subject from Group A, B, C, or D

OR

2. Mature Student

You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school for at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1

Note:  In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Program Content
University of Alberta

Please note that these credits are U of A credits.

One core program for all majors:

  • ECON 201/ECON 202 (6 credits)
  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits)
  • MATH 202 (or MATH 203)/STAT 251 (6 credits)
  • 2 of: BIOL 217, BIOL 218, BIOL 317, BIOL 318 (6 credits)
  • 1 Elective (3 credits)
  • 1 of: BUS 303, COMM 271 or COMM 361 (3 credits)
Year 1 Course Descriptions

BIOL 217

An introduction to cellular and molecular biology. Topics include: biological macromolecules; membrane stucture and function; cellular structure; bioenergetics and energy flow; respiration and photosynthesis; cell division and the cell cycle; DNA structure and replication; transcription and translation; recombinant DNA and genetic regulation. Prerequisite: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order.

BIOL 218

An introduction to how the diverse organisms on this planet have been affected by their ennvironment and how the current environment is the product of the activities or organisms. The course also examines how evolution has operated over long time periods to produce major groups of organisms and how evolutionary origins are reflected in their classsification. The principles that underlie our understanding of the major lineages will be discussed using examples from bacteria; fungi; protists; animals; and plants. A description of the involvement of organisms in major ecosystem processes leads to an evaluation of the stability of those systems and of human impact on the processes. Prerequisite: Biology 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order

BIOL 317

The chromosomal and molecular basis for the transmission and function of genes. The construction of genetic and physical maps of genes and genomes. Strategies for the isolation of specific genes. Examples of regulatory mechanisms for the expression of the genetic material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Note: Credit will not be given for BIOL 317 and BIOL 297 Prerequisite: BIOL 217

BIOL 318

Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment in a hierarchy of levels of organization: individuals; populations; communities; and ecosystems. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive survey of general concepts that can stand alone or serve as preparation for advanced courses in ecology. Laboratory exercises focus on the scientific method; experimental design; critical thinking and scientific writing. Prerequisite: BIOL 218

BUS 303

An introduction to the factors that influence human behavior in organizations. Topics include perception; personality; values; group behaviour; leadership; politics; and power. Students will be encouraged to use this information to better understand themselves and how they make choices in organizations.

COMM 271

This course provides an overview of the development and key theoretical areas whithin the field of Communications Studies; with focus on how communication can serve as an agent of social and cultural change. Major topics to be studied include language; rhetoric; mass media; cultural studies; interpersonal and oral communication; and organizational communication. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1

COMM 361

This course focuses on helping students communicate more effectively through their writing and speaking. Students will examine classical and contemporary rhetoric to gain an appreciation of the history and theory of the rhetorical tradition. Students will also put theory into practice through construction of essays and speeches. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent Note: Students cannot receive credit for both Comm 361 and Comm 369

ECON 201

Scarcity and choice. Methods used in economic science. Specialization; markets; and exchange. Supply and demand. Roles of consumers; firms and resource owners in competitive and monopolistic markets. International trade. Government intervention. Emphasis is on Canadian problems; issues; policies; and institutions. Credit will not be granted for both ECON 100 and ECON 201. Note: It is recommended that you have grade 12 level Math or equivalent as background.

ECON 202

Defining and measuring aggregate economic variables. National income and monetary theory. Government monetary and fiscal policies. Unemployment and inflation . Exchange rates and balance of payment. Emphasis in on the Canadian economy. Prerequisite: ECON 201 Note: Credit will not be granted for both ECON 101 and 202. Note: It is recommended that you have grade 12 level Math or equivalent as background.

ENGL 219

The focus is on formal preparation for university level essay writing and the skills related to critical reading; interpretation; and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or English 095 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

MATH 202

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and integration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 Note: You should take MATH 203 if you have at least 70% in Math 31.

MATH 203

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and intergration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30 and 31 or the equivalent. Note: Not recommended if you have less than 70% in Math 31.

STAT 251

Data collection and presentation; descriptive statistics. Probability distributions; sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Point estimation and hypothesis testing. Correlation and regression analysis. Goodness-of- fit and contingency table. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in any of STAT 241; PSYC 309; SOCI 311; or BUS 306.