Below are answers to some frequently asked questions from prospective students in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Where is Macdonald Campus situated and what is it like?
Macdonald Campus, home to the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, is located in the picturesque town of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, on the western tip of the Island of Montreal. To get a better idea of what our campus is all about, take a virtual tour of Macdonald Campus.
How can you travel between the Macdonald Campus and downtown Montreal?
Barring traffic, construction, and weather conditions, the Macdonald Campus is about 40 minutes away from the downtown campus by car, commuter train, or shuttle bus, and about an hour by city bus.
Can you live downtown during your Freshman / Foundation Year even if you're a Macdonald Campus student?
We strongly advise against it. The commute between campuses can take 40 minutes or more, depending on traffic, construction, and weather conditions; those several hours per week spent on the shuttle would be much better spent studying and networking with your peers. Your classmates, extra-curricular activities, and support network will all be on the Macdonald Campus. Although we appreciate that the downtown campus (and downtown Montreal) can be attractive to many students, those same attractions can also be distractions. The transition from high school to university can be a challenge on its own, without the additional stress and wasted time caused by the commute. The Freshman / Foundation Year is a much more positive experience for students who live on or near the Macdonald Campus.
Can you take classes on the downtown campus even if you're registered in a program in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences on the Macdonald Campus?
In your Freshman / Foundation Year, you should register for the courses listed here. Similar courses are offered downtown, but scheduling courses on both campuses is difficult. You will also waste time in transit. (See question above.)
What courses should I register for?
The Freshman / Foundation Year Program delivers the core science courses that will serve as a foundation for your chosen major. In your Freshman / Foundation Year, you should register for the courses listed here. Note that these courses consitutes a full-time load –- you should not take any other additional courses.
What will my class schedule be like?
Each course typically has lectures, as well as mandatory tutorials and/or labs. Use the Visual Schedule Builder to create your schedule.
How do Freshman / Foundation Year classes on the Macdonald Campus differ from those on the downtown campus?
In your Freshman / Foundation Year, you should register for the courses listed here. Similar courses are offered downtown, but because our faculty is comparatively smaller, the learning experience is much more personalized on the Macdonald Campus. Freshman / Foundation Year science classes on the downtown campus may have 500 students or more; on the Macdonald Campus, they have typically fewer than 150.
What sorts of items do I need to purchase for my Freshman / Foundation Year?
All the academic items you will need can be purchased at the Macdonald Campus Bookstore. During the first week of classes, your instructors will provide a list of these items. In addition to your textbooks, you will need to purchase a lab coat, a pair of protective eye goggles, and a specific model of scientific calculator. You may also be required to purchase a "clicker" Student Response System for some of your courses.
You are not required to purchase a computer, although most students do have their own. Campus computing labs are available for all students. For more information, go to the IT Welcome for Students.
Are there scholarship opportunities?
Yes, please visit Scholarships.
Are there opportunities for studying abroad and/or field studies?
Yes, please visit Studying Abroad and Field Studies.
Is there an internship program?
Yes, please visit Internships.
What kind of career opportunities are available?
The McGill Career Planning Service (CaPS) assists students in their career development and search for permanent, part-time, and summer jobs, as well as internships, by providing workshops, individual advising, a comprehensive job posting service, and an extensive Career Resource Centre. For information about what you can do with various majors, take a look at CaPS Information by Major to explore careers related to the major in which you are interested.