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Master of Pest Management
ADMISSIONS TO THE MPM PROGRAM HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY PAUSED
Recent and upcoming retirement of faculty members will limit our ability to mentor new MPM student researchers and offer MPM graduate courses. We hope to open the MPM program to new student admissions in late 2024 or early 2025. If you have questions please contact the graduate program assistant (biscgrad@sfu.ca).
This temporary pause does not affect other graduate programs. Students who are interested in pest management-related research are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors and consider applying to the MSc program.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The MPM requires a minimum of 34 units, including:
- Four classroom-based graduate courses
- Two graduate field courses
- A research-based thesis
- BISC 800 - Skills for the successful scientist
Detailed Course Requirements
The MPM program uses an applied approach to the learning and discussion of biological principles, and includes a combination of theoretical and field-based courses.
Field-based Courses
The MPM requires two field courses (8 days each):
- BISC 601 (2) - Agriculture, Horticulture and Urban Pest Management
- BISC 602 (2) - Forest Pest Management
MPM field courses combine classroom lectures with field demonstrations and problem-based learning.
Field courses provide an overview of pest control methods as they are currently practiced in agriculture, forestry, and urban environments and include visits to working farms, commercial forest operations, grain elevators, and research laboratories.
Instruction is supported by specialists from government agencies, extension services, industry, and pest control companies.
When feasible, participation in pest management activities, such as field sampling, diagnosis of pest problems, and calibration and use of equipment, is included.
Classroom-based Courses
Four classroom-based graduate courses are required, including:
- BISC 847 (3) - Pest Management in Practice
- BISC 844 (3) - Biological Controls
- two additional 800 level MPM-related courses*
*A 3-unit 800 level elective or STAT 603 (5) can be substituted for one of these courses.
Thesis Course
Completion of a laboratory or field-based research thesis is required as part of the MPM program:
MPM Program Guidelines & Resources
MPM Research & Collaborators
MPM Program Timeline
* Review the courses offered and consult with your supervisor as to which courses are recommended.