Program Overview

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma (P.G.D.) in Food and Bioproduct Sciences is a one-year program that encompasses the knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, engineering, and technological processes into the production of food and bioproducts from plants, animals, and microorganisms. The program aims to provide advanced knowledge and training in the development and application of these disciplines in pre- and post-harvest agriculture, adding value to primary agriculture products.

Program Details

• Expected Length: 1 year
• Project and/or thesis: Not applicable
• Course-based: Yes

The P.G.D. program concentrates on understanding how to use various bioresources to produce healthy foods and consumer-acceptable bioproducts, supporting health, the environment, and a sustainable bioeconomy.

Faculty Expertise

The Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences has faculty expertise in:

• Value-added crop utilization
• Lipid quality, utilization, and biotechnology
• Food nanotechnology
• Food enzymology
• Meat quality
• Functional foods, nutraceuticals, and nutrigenomics
• Microbial bioproducts and biotechnology
• Fermentation and formulation technologies
• Food and environmental microbiology
• Carbohydrate quality and utilization
• Protein quality and utilization
• Biocontrol of molds and mycotoxins
• Mycology

Facilities and Resources

The Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences is housed in the state-of-the-art College of Agriculture and Bioresources building, featuring modern science laboratories in:

• Food and bioproduct chemistry and analysis
• Food microbiology
• Molecular and environmental microbiology
• Product development and sensory evaluation
• Biotechnology
• Food and bioproduct processing
• Pilot plant facilities in food/meat processing, bioprocessing, and fermentation

Admission Requirements

Postgraduate Diploma (P.G.D.)

• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
• A cumulative weighted average of at least 65% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g., 60 credit units)
• A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study

Tuition and Funding

Funding

Students accepted into the P.G.D. program must be able to support themselves through their entire program; no financial support is available. P.G.D. students are ineligible to apply for academic awards.

Tuition

• Course-based master's, certificate, or postgraduate diploma program: Students pay tuition for each class they take, with each class assigned a number of credit units (usually three) determining the cost.
• Maintenance of Status course: $879.00 CAD for Canadian students, $1,977.60 CAD for international students
• Cost per graduate credit unit: $293.00 CAD for Canadian students, $659.20 CAD for international students
• Cost per 3 credit unit graduate class: $879.00 CAD for Canadian students, $1,977.60 CAD for international students

Student Fees

In addition to tuition, students pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount depends on whether the student is taking classes full-time or part-time and if they are on campus or not.

Application Process

Submit an Online Application

Applicants must submit an online application, providing personal information, contact information of three referees (two academic and one academic or professional), and complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions.

Submit Required Documents

Once the online application is submitted, applicants must upload required documents, including:

• Preliminary Statement of Marks (unofficial PDF copies of academic transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended)
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
• Statement/letter of intent
• Curriculum vitae or resume

Spring/Summer Registration

The FABS PGD program schedules an academic break during the spring and summer terms (May through August), during which some courses may be offered, and students can opt to take them to fulfill their study.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is February 1 to begin the program in September. International applications should be completed (and student accepted) at least three months prior to the start of the term to allow time for processing of student visa documents.