About

Sustainable use of our land, water and plant resources is increasingly recognized as a key societal goal. Resource Science provides essential skills and knowledge in applied sciences and resource management which can be used to influence sustainable development such as rejuvenating disturbed land or reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landscapes.


Quick facts
  • 4 year degree
  • Full or part-time program
  • You can enter this program directly from high school
  • You can begin this program off-campus

What you will learn

The Resource Science specialization provides you with hands-on, practical experience in field measurement and assessment. You will learn about:

  • environmental site assessment and soil landscape relationships
  • in-field understanding of the spatial relationships of ecosites and soil units
  • remediation and reclamation practices
  • analysis and aggregation of field data
  • application of ecological land classification

A first-year schedule sample

Although there is a great deal of overlap between first year courses for most AgBio programs, it is important to consult the Course and Program Catalogue and contact an academic advisor for information about course selection prior to registration. Here's an example of what a first year in the degree program might look like:

Course Description

Fall Term
BIOL 120 The Nature of Life
CHEM 112 General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials
ECON 111 Introductory Microeconomics
EVSC 110 Renewable Resources and Environment
HIST 155* History Matters Science and Environment

Winter Term
BIOL 121 The Diversity of Life
GEOG 120 Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
MATH 104 Elementary Calculus
INDG 107 Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies
RRM 114 Introductory Resource Economics and Policy

* These are elective courses. You'll have a large number of courses to choose between.

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

Here are just a few of the classes you might take while you complete this degree:

RRM 301: Field Course in Renewable Resource Management 
This 19-day field course provides training in the recognition of land forms, wetlands, plant communities, and soil units in the field. This will include the identification of common plants, the description and classification of soils, and classification of wetlands. Students will also develop and practice skills in the delineation of biophysical map units and geo-referencing of data. There are additional non-refundable costs in addition to tuition fees. 

RRM 312: Natural Resource Management and Indigenous Peoples 
Explores the concepts, practices and issues associated with the management of land and resources by Canada's Indigenous Peoples. By examining the premises underlying varying approaches to resource management, this course will examine Indigenous rights and management responsibility for fisheries, water resources, wildlife, forestry, parks and protected areas, and non-renewable resources. This course also examines the role of traditional/local ecological knowledge in resource management and impact assessment. 

RRM 421: Group Project in Renewable Resource Management
An independent group study that provides experience in the principles and practice of executing a project in renewable resource management from the development stage to the presentation of the final report. Student groups execute a real-world resource management project for a non-university organization under the supervision of U of S faculty. Successful completion of the group project requires students to develop and exercise skills in project management, group coordination, and liaising with external stakeholders.

Career skills
You will graduate with excellent industry-endorsed scientific training and a foundation of marketable 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.

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.

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 is an important part our research.

Graduates of degree programs in the College of AgBio are eligible for Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, allowing them to engage in the practise of Agrology.

Careers

The Resource Science degree prepares for careers in renewable resource management. The degree focuses on management of land, biotic and water resources and provides sufficient technical skills to ensure that graduates are highly employable in the resource sector.

The renewable and non-renewable resource sectors are booming in Western Canada, creating a growing market for graduates. A variety of careers await graduates in both governmental and non-governmental sectors:

  • Bioremediation of Contaminated Land
  • Vegetation Management technicians
  • Environmental Advocacy
  • Environmental Consulting and Regulating
  • Environmental Research
  • Forestry and Agroforestry
  • Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
  • Indigenous Peoples’ Resource Management
  • Parks and Land Management

Tuition estimates

Canadian students International students
Tuition $7,618 $31,996
Student fees $1,089 $1,089
Books $1,500 $1,500
Total $10,207 $34,585

Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2023-2024 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.

Program option

Our tour video guides prospective students through the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and some memorable spots on the beautiful University of Saskatchewan campus!

The Bachelor of Science in Renewable Resource Management [B.SC. (RRM)] is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Admission requirements and deadlines

Deadlines

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2024
Dec 1, 2023
Documents due: Dec 15, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
Documents due: Oct 1, 2023
Spring
May 2024
Apr 1, 2024
Documents due: May 1, 2024
Feb 1, 2024
Documents due: Mar 1, 2024
Summer
July 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Mar 1, 2024
Documents due: Apr 1, 2024
Fall
September 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Winter
January 2025
Dec 1, 2024
Documents due: Dec 15, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Documents due: Oct 1, 2024

Ready to apply?

A non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD is required before your application will be processed.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

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