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Plant Science (BSc Agr, DipTech)

Cultivate knowledge in plant biology and agriculture. 

Program Types
Bachelor
Diploma
Faculty
Unit
Location
Program Start
September and January
Program Options
Honours
Major
Minor

Why choose this program?

Plants play a key role in the well-being of humans and animals by providing nutrition, and by contributing to a healthy and beautiful environment. Plants are a source of food, feed, fiber, fuel, and pharmaceuticals. When you understand plants, you will have the power to tackle issues related to food quality, safety and security, clean air, and clean water. Here you’ll gain the skills to contribute to one of our world’s greatest problems: finding ways to sustainably feed our planet’s fast-growing population.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to be a Professional Agrologist by becoming a member in the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists or another provincial association of agrologists.

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

BSc. (Agr) Degree Major in Plant Science

  • Minimum overall average: 75%

  • Academic English 12

  • Pre-calculus Math 12*

  • Three additional academic subjects

*If you don't have the appropriate pre-calculus math class, but are otherwise qualified, you may be admitted with the stipulation that you take the relevant non-credit introductory studies class in first year prior to registering in the degree level class.

Diploma in Technology Plant Science

  • Minimum overall average: 60%

  • Academic English 12

  • Academic Math 11

  • Academic Chemistry 11

  • One of: Academic Biology 10 or Academic Science 10

  • Four additional academic Grade 12 subjects

This program may employ a competitive average for admission purposes; meeting minimum posted requirements does not guarantee admission.

Financial information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you. 

Program options

You can study Plant Science as a major in the Bachelor of Science, Agriculture program. It is also available as a minor to students who would like to study Plant Science as a secondary concentration to another program offered on campus.

If you’re interested in research or further studies at the graduate level, you can pursue the honours stream. Honours students research and write a paper on a topic of their choice under the supervision of a faculty mentor.


The following Plant Science program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

  • Bachelor of Science with Major

  • Bachelor of Science with Honours

  • Minor in Plant Science 

  • Diploma in Technology Plant Science

  • Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture

What you will learn

Plant Science will give you the knowledge and skills to research and investigate real-world problems associated with food security, quality, and wellness. You’ll also dive into contemporary issues related to environmental integrity, biotechnology, plant breeding, sustainable crop production and more.

Sample courses may include:

  • Agricultural Ecosystems

  • General Chemistry I

  • Principles of Microeconomics or EGLA

  • Introduction to Soil Science

  • Cell Biology

  • Genetics

  • Weed Science

  • General Entomology

  • Principles of Plant Pathology

  • Plant Ecophysiology, Electives

When you study Plant Science at Dalhousie, you’ll gain a solid understanding of plants, their uses and management all while studying at Dalhousie's beautiful Agricultural Campus in Truro, N.S.

Careers

With our four-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a major in Plant Science, you will be prepared for a variety of careers. Your training will provide experience for a diverse job market, in positions in university research labs, provincial and federal government service agencies, extension services, urban agriculture and community organizations, private industry in agribusiness, consulting, farming, processing, or marketing.

Future studies may include programs at the graduate level in agriculture or science.