Program description
Plant Biotechnology uses applied biology and chemistry to develop advanced knowledge of crop plants and their pathogens. Plant Biotechnologists develop new technologies for crop improvement.
The Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Plant Biotechnology provides students with a solid background in genetics, pathology, the physiology of plant growth, and the development of crop plants for food, feed and industrial uses. It also introduce students to the fundamentals and applications of the advanced biotechnologies currently being used in crop development industries and research.
Program options
Degree options
B.Sc. Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Plant Biotechnology - 4 years
Plant Biotechnology is also available as a minor in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. It is also open to students in other programs.
Minor options
- Animal Systems
- Entomology
- Food Science
- Soil Science
- Programs in other faculties
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Interesting courses
- Issues in Agricultural Biotechnology
- Principles of Ecology
- Principles of Plant Improvement
- Fundamentals of Plant Pathology
Co-op programs
The Cooperative Education option integrates academic study with practical work experience in industry, government and the farming profession. To obtain the co-op designation, students must complete three 4-month work terms. Two of these can be during the summer. This program option will extend your degree time by one semester (slightly longer if a student takes more work terms in winter).
Exchange and travel opportunities
Exchange opportunities exist for agriculture students to study abroad in countries such as Sweden, Mexico, France, the U.S., China and India.
Professional opportunities
- Research Lab Technical Assistant
- Crop Disease Diagnostician
- Crop Extension Communicator
Note
Students graduating from the Plant Biotechnology program find employment opportunities with seed companies, research organizations producing new varieties, federal and provincial departments of agriculture involved in regulation, extension or crop development. Many of these roles in private industry can lead to corporate leadership positions.
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
- Manitoba high school graduation with five full credits at the Grade 12 level, in courses designated S, G, or U.
- A minimum 85% average over the following, with no less than 60% in each course:
- English 40S
- Pre-Calculus Math 40S or Applied Math 40S
- Chemistry 40S, Physics 40S, Biology 40S, or Computer Science 40S
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or approved Bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Math 40S (min. 60%) or Applied Math (min. 70%), Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S are required
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
Ours is the only program at the University of Manitoba to focus on the development of food crops from the molecular level to the crop plant in the field. The program provides students with the flexibility for general or specialized study in plant genetics, physiology and pathology. Knowledge gained provides students with the ability to identify and develop strategies that improve crop productivity and quality. Similar programs exist at other agricultural colleges, but ours stands out because of our focus on regional crops and the expertise of our professors.
The University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry Campus is also the location of the Cereal Research Centre of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, and the provincial Agriculture Services Complex.
Important Links
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Department of Plant Science
Graduate studies in the Department of Plant Science
