Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Applied Biology

In UBC’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology, you will explore the real-world application of the life sciences to the management of land, animals and food production. Applied Biology at the Faculty of Land and Food Systems is different from other biological sciences programs: you can customize it to learn about what’s most interesting to you. The program is built around practical learning experiences, critical thinking, and a systems approach that integrates technical knowledge with sustainability and ethics. You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge to take a leadership role in sustainable food production and the responsible use of land, water and animals.

Majors Offered

Explore the majors offered in the Applied Biology program at UBC. For each major, you’ll find a brief summary of what’s involved, some courses you might take, career possibilities, and links to alumni who have built careers with their Applied Biology degree.

Applied Animal Biology

Do you want to study or work with animals in your career? UBC’s Applied Animal Biology program is intended for people just like you. In this major, you’ll learn about animal physiology and behaviour, as well as the role of — and ethics around — animals in human society.

Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

This is truly where land and food systems all come together. In UBC’s Sustainable Agriculture and Environment program, you’ll be learning how to produce food in a way that protects our soils, water and air, how to manage biodiversity and habitat for the organisms we rely on to help us grow our food, and how to grow food in urban environments.

Learn More about LFS (PDF)

Meet the Instructors

Yasmin Akhtar

Sessional Lecturer, Applied Biology

Amelia MacRae

Lecturer, Applied Biology

Tabitha Robin

Assistant Professor, Applied Biology

Jean-Thomas Cornelis

Associate Professor, Applied Biology (Soil Science)

Thorsten Knipfer

Assistant Professor, Applied Biology (Plant Physiology)

Risa Sargent

Associate Professor, Applied Biology

DeLisa Lewis

Lecturer, Applied Biology

Alexandra Protopopova

Associate Professor, Applied Biology (Animal Welfare Program)

Andrew Riseman

Associate Professor, Applied Biology and Plant Breeding
Program Director, Applied Biology

Sean Smukler

Associate Professor, Applied Biology & Soil Science and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm

Maja Krzic

Professor, Applied Biology/Forest and Conservation Sciences

Marina von Keyserlingk

Professor, Applied Biology (Animal Welfare Program), and Director, UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre
NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Animal Welfare

Kristen Walker

Associate Professor of Teaching, Applied Biology

Daniel Weary

Professor, Applied Biology
NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Animal Welfare

Julie Wilson

Lecturer, Applied Biology

Eduardo Jovel

Associate Professor, Applied Biology

Sue Grayston

Professor, Applied Biology (joint appointment with Forestry)

Christopher Chanway

Professor, Applied Biology (appointed jointly with UBC Forestry)

Ronaldo Cerri

Professor, Applied Biology

Simone Castellarin

Associate Dean, Research
Professor, Applied Biology
Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Viticulture
Associate Director, Wine Research Centre

Juli Carrillo

Associate Professor, Applied Biology

Sandra Brown

Associate Professor of Teaching, Applied Biology

Andrew Black

Professor, Applied Biology

Meet Our Community

Oceania Kreutzer

Masters of Science in Applied Biology

Honours Applied Animal Biology

LFS has provided me with more opportunities and support than I could have initially imagined.

Afnan Ali

Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology

Applied Animal Biology

My program has a lot of flexibility, and provides a variety of possible career options and opportunities.

Cara LeGault

Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology

Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

LFS is full of inspiration. It’s around every corner and impossible to miss.

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