PLSC 202.3 Introductory Precision Agriculture

This course will give students an introduction to precision agriculture as it relates to field crop production. Students will learn about the agronomy and technology of variable rate technology. The course will highlight the economic and environmental benefits of precision agriculture, as well as examining components of it, including soil and crop variability, global positioning systems, machinery automation, spatial analysis, unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs), and satellite imagery. The course will bring together these elements to allow students to evaluate precision agriculture services. This is the foundation course in the Precision Agriculture Certificate.

GEOG 222.3 Introduction to Geomatics

Introduction to the skills for reading maps, air photos and satellite images is provided, along with an introduction to computer-based cartography, image analysis and enhancement, and Geographic Information Systems.

PLSC 402.3 Advanced Precision Agriculture

This is the capstone course in the Precision Agriculture Certificate. It will allow students to integrate knowledge from their specific subdiscipline with real-world precision agriculture solutions to increase the sustainability and production of crops. Students will learn advanced concepts in precision agriculture and how to analyze spatial and temporal variability in crop production. They will utilize a variety of data, ranging from satellite imagery, soil topography and soil properties, to understand and develop variable rate prescriptions for crop inputs. Finally, students will apply this knowledge in diverse teams that utilize discipline-specific knowledge to solve real-world precision agriculture problems.

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

Career skills

You will graduate with excellent industry-endorsed scientific training and a foundation of professional career skills. Our strong ties with industry and our reputation for producing well-rounded, quality graduates means that many businesses look here first when hiring employees.

Many of the world's leading precision agriculture companies are based in western Canada. This industry employs many USask graduates from AgBio, Computer Science, Engineering, Environment and Society, Hydrology, and Regional and Urban Planning to meet the demand.

Small class sizes

AgBio offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program. The small class sizes in third and fourth year and supportive atmosphere allows you to get to know your instructors and fellow students, and to build a network of personal and business contacts.

Research

We are committed to finding solutions to sustainably feed a hungry and growing world. Our five departments provide a foundation for our broad array of research activities, both basic and applied. We have over a century of innovative products and practices that have transformed the world.

USask is a leader for precision agriculture research and has several research centres dedicated to it. The Plant Phenotyping and Image Research Centre (P2IRC ), which brings together researchers from agronomy, engineering, computer science, soil science and agri-business. The Omics and Precision Agriculture Laboratory (OPAL) provides equipment for use in this area. The Agronomic Crop Imaging Lab has developed several collaborative research projects utilizing both satellite and Unpiloted Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as tools in Precision Agriculture.

Opportunities to get involved

AgBio has one of the campus's most active and spirited student bodies. There are several student clubs in the college to join to enhance your university experience.

Collaborative environment

Our faculty and researchers actively collaborate across the university, as well as nationally and internationally. We have created strong, productive partnerships with numerous governments, private enterprises, producer groups, research centres, and industry associations to develop a sophisticated network for applied science, business and policy development. Outreach, technology transfer and information sharing are an important part our research.