Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences

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Admission to the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences is competitive. The number of high school and transfer admissions or readmissions to the Faculty may be limited in any given year depending on the number of applicants and their qualifications. Presentation of the minimum application requirements does not guarantee admission. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their academic records.

BSc in Agricultural/Food Business Management

Entrance to this program normally takes place after one year of university (or equivalent) preprofessional studies. The minimum entrance requirement is successful completion of ★24 transferable to the University of Alberta. The minimum admission grade point average is 2.3 (refer to Transfer from a Postsecondary Institutions ).

Students may prepare for the BSc in Agricultural/Food Business Management by completing their first year in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences or in another Faculty or postsecondary institution.

Students interested in Agricultural Business Management may begin in the BSc in Agriculture program. Recommended first year courses are ★3 BIOL or CHEM, ECON 101  and ECON 102 , ★6 ENGL, Free electives (★6), MATH 113  or MATH 114 , PL SC 221  and STAT 151 .

Students interested in Food Business Management may begin in the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science program. Recommended first year courses are BIOL 107  or BIOL 108 , CHEM 101  and CHEM 261 , ECON 101  and ECON 102 , ★6 ENGL, MATH 113  or MATH 114 , NU FS 100  and STAT 151 .

Some required courses in the BSc in Agricultural/Food Business Management program have high school prerequisites. Students are expected to make up any deficiencies before admission to the program. These courses include Chemistry 30, Biology 30 and Mathematics 30-1.

BSc in Agriculture, BSc in Animal Health, BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, BSc in Forestry, and BSc in Nutrition and Food Science (General Program)

See BSc Honors in Food Science, BSc Honors in Nutrition, BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Dietetics Specialization, and BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science and Technology Specialization.

See also Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

1. High School Requirements

Subject Requirements

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. Chemistry 30
3. Biology 30
4. Mathematics 30-1
5. Subject from Group A, B, C or Macroeconomics 30 and Microeconomics 30, or a minimum of five credits in Career and Technology subjects at the Advanced level from the following strands: Agriculture, Foods, Forestry, or Wildlife.

2. Nonmatriculated Applicants

Subject Requirements

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

Other Requirements

See general nonmatriculated requirements Nonmatriculated Applicants .

3. Transfer Applicants
   Please refer to Postsecondary Transfer Applicants  and Transfer Applicants.

BA in Environmental Studies

This program is offered jointly by the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Arts. Students can apply for admission to either Faculty.

1. High School Applicants

Subject Requirements

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
3. Biology 30
4. Subject from Group A (Social Studies 30 or 30-1 recommended)
5. Subject from Group A or C

2. Nonmatriculated Applicants

Subject Requirements

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
3. Biology 30

Other Requirements

See also general nonmatriculated requirements Nonmatriculated Applicants .

3. Transfer Applicants

Please refer to Postsecondary Transfer Applicants  and Transfer Applicants.

BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences/BA in Native Studies Combined Degrees

This program consists of ★150 to fulfill both degree requirements. To gain admission to the five-year program students can apply to either the Faculty of Native Studies or the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.

Students will remain in the Faculty to which they were admitted for the duration of their program. See BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences/BA in Native Studies Combined Degrees  and BA in Native Studies/BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences Combined Degrees .

1. High School Applicants

Subject Requirements

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. Chemistry 30
3. Biology 30
4. Mathematics 30-1
5. Subject from Group A (Social Studies 30 or 30-1 recommended), B, C or Macroeconomics 30 and Microeconomics 30, or a minimum of five credits in Career and Technology subjects at the Advanced level from the following strands: Agriculture, Community Health, Foods, Forestry, or Wildlife.

2. Nonmatriculated Applicants

Subject Requirements

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. Biology 30
3. Chemistry 30
4. Mathematics 30-1

An interview process may be required for mature students who lack formal requirements but present academic potential and/or relevant work experience.

3. Transfer Applicants

Students may transfer into the Combined Degrees program provided that they have successfully completed at least ★24 transferable to the University of Alberta with a GPA of 2.0 or greater and meet all admission requirements. See Transfer Applicants.

Other Requirements

See also general nonmatriculated requirements Nonmatriculated Applicants .

BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences-Bilingual/Baccalauréate ès sciences (sciences de l’environment et de la conservation-bilingue)

Effective September 2015, there will be no further admissions to BSc ENCS program. Students who entered the program prior to September 2015 must complete all program requirements by April 30, 2021. The last BSc ENCS program will be granted at Spring Convocation 2021.

To gain admission to the bilingual program students apply to Faculté Saint-Jean. Students will be registered in Faculté Saint-Jean for the first two years of their program. All qualified Year 2 BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences-Bilingual students will then be promoted to Year 3 in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences provided that

1. a minimum GPA of 2.0 has been achieved, and
2. a minimum of ★54 applicable to the program has been successfully completed

Note: Students in Year 2 who have completed less than ★54 towards the program, but who have a GPA of at least 2.0, may remain in Faculté Saint-Jean for one additional year.

Specific admission requirements are the same as for the BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences program [see BSc in Agriculture, BSc in Animal Health, BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, BSc in Forestry, and BSc in Nutrition and Food Science (General Program)], except that applicants must present one of French 30 (9 year), 31, Français 30-1, 30-2, French Language Arts 30-1, 30-2, in place of their fifth subject. See Faculté Saint-Jean English Language Proficiency for Admission , Compétence dans la langue anglaise  and Nonmatriculated Applicants , Adultes ne répondant pas aux conditions d’admission  for detailed admission requirements and information.

Language Proficiency Requirements

For information regarding general English language proficiency requirements as well as specific spoken English requirements, see Spoken English Requirement . For information regarding Faculté Saint-Jean requirements, see English Language Proficiency for Admission , Compétence dans la langue anglaise . Applicants to the BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences-Bilingual Program will be required to demonstrate written and spoken proficiency both in English and French before admission [see Language Proficiency Requirements  and French Language Proficiency , Compétence dans la langue française ].

BSc in Fashion Business Management

Entrance to this program is competitive and normally takes place after one year of university (or equivalent) preprofessional studies. The minimum entrance requirement is successful completion of ★24 transferable to the University of Alberta. The minimum grade point average is 2.7 (refer to Transfer from a Postsecondary Institutions ).

Students may prepare for the BSc in Fashion Business management by completing their first year in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences or in another Faculty or postsecondary institution.

Students interested in Fashion Business Management may begin in the BSc in Human Ecology program. Recommended first year courses are ★6 ENGL, ECON 101 , ECON 102 , STAT 151 , MATH 113  or MATH 114 , HECOL 170 , HECOL 201 , HECOL 241 , and ★3 free elective.

There are no high school entrance requirements for the BSc in Fashion Business Management. However, some required courses have high school prerequisites. Students are expected to make up any deficiencies before admission to the program. These courses include Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1. 

BSc in Forest Business Management

Entrance to this program normally takes place after one year of university (or equivalent) preprofessional studies. The minimum entrance requirement is successful completion of ★24 transferable to the University of Alberta. The minimum admission grade point average is 2.3 (refer to Transfer from a Postsecondary Institutions ).

Students may prepare for the BSc in Forest Business Management by completing their first year in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences in the BSc in Forestry program or in another Faculty or postsecondary institution. Recommended first year courses include CHEM 101  or CHEM 164 , ECON 101  and ECON 102 , ENGL (★3), MATH 113  or MATH 114 , Free Electives (★3), PL SC 221 , REN R 110  and REN R 120 , and STAT 151 .

Some required courses in the BSc in Forest Business Management program have high school prerequisites. Students are expected to make up any deficiencies before admission to the program. These courses include Chemistry 30, Biology 30 and Mathematics 30-1.

BSc in Human Ecology and BSc in Human Ecology/BEd (Secondary) Combined Degrees

The BSc in Human Ecology is a four-year degree program consisting of ★120. The BSc in Human Ecology/BEd (Secondary) Combined Degrees is a five-year program consisting of ★150. To gain admission to the Human Ecology program and the first three years of the Combined Degrees program students apply to the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.

Spoken English Requirement: Applicants to the BSc in Human Ecology/BEd (Secondary) program must meet a spoken English requirement (see Spoken English Requirement ).

All qualified Year 3 BSc in Human Ecology/ BEd (Secondary) students will be promoted to Year 4 in the Faculty of Education provided that

1. A minimum admission grade point average of 2.0 has been achieved, and
2. A minimum of ★90 applicable to the BSc in Human Ecology/BEd (Secondary) program has been successfully completed.

1. High School Applicants

Subject Requirements

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. One of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, or Physics 30 (see Note 1)
3. Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
4. Subject from Group A or C
5. Subject from Group A, B, C, or a minimum of five credits in Career and Technology subjects at the Advanced level from the following: Cosmetology, Design Studies, Fashion Studies, Foods (see Notes 2 and 3).

Notes

1. Chemistry 30 is required for Textile Science minor. Chemistry 30 and Biology 30 required for Community Nutrition minor. Biology 30 or Chemistry 30 do not have to be included in the five 30-level subjects used for admission, however some courses taken within these minors require Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 as prerequisites.
2. 5 credits in advanced Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Fashion Studies recommended for Clothing, Textiles and Material Culture majors.
3. 5 credits in advanced CTS Fashion Studies or Foods recommended for the Combined Degrees.

2. Nonmatriculated Applicants

Subject Requirements

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. One of Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Physics 30 (see Note 1 above)
3. Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2 (see Note 2 above)

Other Requirements

See also general nonmatriculated requirements Nonmatriculated Applicants .

3. Transfer Applicants

Please refer to Postsecondary Transfer Applicants  and Transfer Applicants.

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Pre-Veterinary Medicine at the University of Alberta qualifies students for application to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs at the University of Calgary or the University of Saskatchewan. Students wishing to apply to Pre-Veterinary Medicine at the University of Alberta should apply to either the BSc Animal Health (any major) or BSc Agriculture (Animal Science major) and then declare pre-veterinary medicine on their application. Specialized advising will be provided to Pre-Veterinary Medicine students.

BSc Honors in Food Science

Students must present ★24 applicable to the BSc Nutrition and Food Science program with a minimum AGPA of 3.0, calculated on the most recent Fall/Winter Terms. Students may prepare for the BSc Honors in Food Science by completing their first year in the BSc Nutrition and Food Science General Program or in another Faculty or postsecondary institution. Recommended courses for transfer include BIOL 107 , CHEM 101 , CHEM 102 , (CHEM 164  or CHEM 261 ), ★6 ENGL (which may include ★3 in WRS), MATH (MATH 113  or MATH 114 ), NU FS 100 , STAT 151 , and ★3 free elective.

Students cannot apply to the Honors program if they have completed more than ★90 of the requirements for the BSc Nutrition and Food Science General Program.

BSc Honors in Nutrition

Students must present ★24 applicable to the BSc Nutrition and Food Science program with a minimum AGPA of 3.0, calculated on the most recent Fall/Winter Terms. Students may prepare for the BSc Honors in Nutrition by completing their first year in the BSc Nutrition and Food Science General Program or in another Faculty or postsecondary institution. Recommended courses for transfer include NUTR 100 , NU FS 100 , BIOL 107 , CHEM 101 , CHEM 102 , (CHEM 164  or CHEM 261 ), ★6 ENGL (which may include ★3 in WRS), STAT 151 , and ★3 free elective.

Students cannot apply to the Honors program if they have completed more than ★90 of the requirements for the BSc Nutrition and Food Science General Program.

Other Requirements: 

Letter of Intent: Applicants must submit a letter with their application for admission stating their career goals, knowledge and experience related to research, and reasons for seeking admission to the Honors in Nutrition program. Further details regarding the Letter of Intent and contact information for the Honors in Nutrition Student Advisor are available on the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences website at: www.ales.ualberta.ca. 

BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Dietetics Specialization

1. Enrolment
   Enrolment is limited to an annual quota of 50 students. Preference is given to Alberta residents as defined in Residence Requirements .
2. Preprofessional Year
   Admission to the Dietetics Specialization requires completion of a preprofessional year. Students generally complete their preprofessional year in the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science General Program. Faculty admission requirements must be met as outlined in BSc in Agriculture, BSc in Animal Health, BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, BSc in Forestry, and BSc in Nutrition and Food Science (General Program). Coursework completed during the preprofessional year is not considered to be part of the degree requirements for the Dietetics Specialization
3. Minimum Admission Requirements
   Entrance to this specialization takes place after at least one year of preprofessional university (or equivalent) studies [see Preprofessional Year above]. All admissions are competitive. Meeting the minimum AGPA and course requirements does not guarantee admission to the Dietetics Specialization. All applicants must present with a minimum AGPA of 2.7 on their last ★30 and a demonstrated ability to perform well in a consecutive Fall/Winter session of full-time study (preferably ★30). Required courses for admission to the Dietetics Specialization are:
   1. BIOL 107  
   2. CHEM 101  and CHEM 102  
   3. CHEM (CHEM 164  or CHEM 261 )
   4. ★6 ENGL or ★3 ENGL and ★3 WRS
   5. NUTR 100    
   6. NU FS 100    
   7. STAT 151    

Students cannot apply to the Dietetics Specialization if they have completed more than ★90 of the requirements for BSc Honors in Nutrition, BSc Honors in Food Science or BSc Nutrition and Food Science General Program.

4. Other Requirements
   1. Spoken English Proficiency: Applicants must meet a spoken English requirement. (See Spoken English Requirement )
   2. Letter of Intent: Applicants must submit a letter with their application for admission stating their career goals, knowledge of the profession, related experience, and reasons for seeking admission to the Dietetics Specialization. Prospective students should have spoken with a Registered Dietitian and undertaken significant career exploration prior to seeking admission. Further details regarding the Letter of Intent is available on the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences website at: www.ales.ualberta.ca.
   3. Interview: Competitive applicants must present themselves for an interview to determine if they have the personal qualities necessary for the program. The interview evaluates the applicant’s maturity, initiative, ability to communicate, leadership skills and critical thinking abilities. Interview selection is based on academic achievement in the prerequisite courses, overall academic achievement (emphasizing recent academic performance), a demonstrated interest in Dietetics and the content and format of their Letter of Intent. The interim document deadline is February 1. Applicants who fail to submit the interim documents (two official transcripts, and the required Letter of Intent) by the deadline cannot be evaluated for interview selection. The interview dates differ each year; short-listed applicants will be advised of the interview dates by letter or e-mail.
   4. Letters of Reference: Applicants must provide three closed, professional letters of reference attesting to their suitability for entry into the dietetic profession.
   5. Health and Safety Requirements: There are a number of health and safety-related requirements that must be met upon admission to the Dietetics Specialization. Applicants should be aware that both immunization and criminal records checks are required. Further information regarding these requirements and deadlines is available on the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences website at: www.ales.ualberta.ca.
   6. Rural Placement Requirement: Applicants should be aware that in order to achieve the program’s requirements, relocation to a rural community is required on one or more occasions during the program’s professional practice course work.
   7. Residence Requirement and Proof of Residency Status: Because residency status may be a factor in the ultimate ranking of applicants, applicants may be required to present proof of residency status. See Residence Requirements .
   8. Acceptance Deposit: Upon notification of acceptance, successful applicants will be required to confirm their intention to register by submitting a nonrefundable tuition deposit within a specified time. The deposit will be credited toward payment of tuition upon completion of registration. Further details regarding the Acceptance Deposit is available on the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences website at: www.ales.ualberta.ca.

5. Selection Process
   1. The Admissions Committee is responsible for selecting from among the applicant pool, those individuals who have demonstrated promise to successfully complete the program and achieve the registration requirements of the College of Dietitians of Alberta. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to use its judgment with respect to the assessment of applicants. The Dietetics Specialization has an annual quota of 50 students and admission is competitive. The number of applicants may exceed the number of available spaces and therefore not all qualified candidates will be offered admission.
   2. Applicants are ranked on their academic achievement in the prerequisite courses; overall academic achievement (emphasizing recent academic performance); the content and format of their Letter of Intent; the strength of their letters of reference and their performance in the interview process.

BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science and Technology Specialization

Students must present ★24 applicable to the BSc Nutrition and Food Science program with a minimum AGPA of 2.7, calculated on the most recent Fall/Winter Terms in which a minimum of ★24 is taken. Students may prepare for the BSc Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science and Technology Specialization by completing their first year in the BSc Nutrition and Food Science General Program or in another Faculty or postsecondary institution. Recommended courses are BIOL 107 , CHEM 101 , CHEM 102 , (CHEM 164  or CHEM 261 ), ★6 ENGL (which may include ★3 in WRS), MATH 113  or MATH 114 , NU FS 100 , STAT 151 .

Transfer Applicants

1. Transfers from other Faculties and other Postsecondary Institutions
   1. Students who do not meet the specific subject requirements in Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences will not be considered for admission to the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Any deficiencies in matriculation subjects must be cleared before admission. Students who are deficient in one or more matriculation subjects may fulfil this deficiency with University transferable work in the same subject area as described in Admission Chart 3 .
   2. Students registered in another Faculty at the University of Alberta or in another postsecondary institution may apply to transfer to the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Applicants who have completed ★24 or more transferable to the University of Alberta will be considered for admission on the basis of their admission grade point average (AGPA) if they have an AGPA of at least 2.0 (2.3 for the Business Management programs; 2.7 for the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science and Technology Specialization and the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Dietetics Specialization; and 3.0 for the BSc in Honors in Food Science and the BSc Honors in Nutrition) and meet all other admission requirements. Applicants to the BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences - Bilingual program should see General Information . Refer to Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) Calculation  for calculation of AGPA. Applicants should note that possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Transfer credit will be given for completed coursework that is applicable to the degree.
   3. Transfer applicants who have completed less than ★24 transferable to the University of Alberta will be considered for admission on the basis of their high school matriculation average and their postsecondary coursework.
   4. Subsequent to having been required to withdraw from any other postsecondary institution, students must have successfully completed at least ★24 transferable to the University of Alberta with an AGPA of 2.0 (2.3 for the Business Management programs; 2.7 for the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science and Technology Specialization and the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Dietetics Specialization; and 3.0 for the BSc in Honors in Food Science and the BSc Honors in Nutrition) to be considered for admission. Applicants who have twice been required to withdraw from any postsecondary institution or program will not normally be considered for admission to the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Refer to Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) Calculation  for calculation of AGPA.
   5. Students who have been required to withdraw from the University of Alberta and who then complete ★18 transferable to the University of Alberta with an AGPA of 2.7 or ★24 transferable to the University of Alberta with an AGPA of 2.0 (2.3 for the Business Management programs; 2.7 for the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science and Technology Specialization and the BSc in Nutrition and Food Science, Dietetics Specialization; and 3.0 for the BSc in Honors in Food Science and the BSc Honors in Nutrition) may apply for readmission to the Faculty, unless they have been required to withdraw more than once from any postsecondary programs (see Application of Academic Standing ).

2. Transfer from Approved Diploma Programs
   Graduates of Faculty-approved two-year diploma programs may receive up to ★60 towards their degree. Diploma transfer students must present a competitive admission GPA and meet all matriculation subject requirements. Students who do not meet the specific subject requirements in Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences will not be considered for admission to the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Any deficiencies in matriculation subjects must be cleared before admission to the Faculty. Students who are deficient in one or more matriculation subjects may fulfil this deficiency with University transferable work in the same subject area as described in Admission Chart 3 . For details on current transfer agreements and admission requirements, students should contact Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, Student Services at (780) 492-4933, 1-800-804-6417 (Western Canada), or new2ales@ualberta.ca or www.ales.ualberta.ca/UndergraduateStudents.
3. Admission with Advanced Standing
   Students transferring into any program must meet all program requirements. See Postsecondary Transfer Applicants  for additional information regarding transfer credits.
4. Admission with Transfer Credit
   Students should make an appointment with the Student Services Office (2-06 Agriculture-Forestry Centre) if they have questions regarding transfer credit awarded towards their degree program. Once this informal avenue has been exhausted, final authority on transfer credit rests with the Dean or designate, with no further Faculty or University appeal available.

Special Students

Special students are those who have been permitted to register in one or more courses which are not being taken for credit toward a degree program. There may be a limit on the number of special students admitted each year because the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences is under enrolment management and priority in admission is given to applicants to degree programs. Special students may not have access to all courses offered by Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences departments. To be considered for admission as a special student in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, applicants must normally have received a university degree in a related field from an accredited postsecondary institution, present a competitive admission grade point average, and meet English Language Proficiency requirements as specified in Language Proficiency Requirements . Applicants must also submit a list of planned courses and a brief statement of intent outlining why they are applying as a special student (further details available at www.ales.ualberta.ca). Special students who wish to continue must reapply each year, and priority is given to students who have not previously attended as special students. Special students should apply to the Faculty in which they will take the majority of their courses.

Visiting Students

Students from other universities or colleges are eligible to be considered for admission to the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences as a visiting student if

1. They are degree program students at their home institution;
2. Their home institution provides a letter of permission;
3. They have completed a minimum of ★24 at their home institution;
4. Their academic record shows satisfactory standing;
5. They demonstrated English language proficiency (see English Language Proficiency ).

Visiting student status is granted for up to 12 months from the initial confirmed registration. To extend this period, visiting students must reapply each academic year and present a new letter of permission from their home institution. As the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences is a limited enrolment Faculty, priority in admission is given to applicants to degree programs. Visiting students should apply to the Faculty in which they will take the majority of their courses.

Aboriginal Applicants

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences encourages Aboriginal students’ study toward any of the BSc and BA programs that are offered. To assist more Aboriginal applicants in attaining a degree, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences may offer admission to Aboriginal applicants who meet the minimum application requirements of a program but who may not meet the competitive admission requirements in place for the program.

See Admission of Aboriginal Applicants  for additional information on Aboriginal applicants.