Program Overview
The Conservation Biology specialization equips students with knowledge and experience in ecology, evolution, and genetics to inform conservation efforts. The program includes core courses in advanced ecology and conservation biology, along with elective options in various ecological topics. Students gain hands-on experience through internships and field placements, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world conservation projects. Graduates are prepared for careers as biologists, species-at-risk biologists, ecologists, and other roles in conservation and sustainability.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Conservation Biology specialization is designed to equip students with practical experience and knowledge to inform planning and economic activities through the lens of sustainability and conservation. The program focuses on examining the human impact on biodiversity and developing practical, evidence-based approaches to conserving nature and wildlife. Students will gain knowledge in ecology, evolution, and population genetics while having the opportunity for field placements at regional, provincial, and national agencies.
Outline:
Required Courses:
- BIOL 3380H: Advanced Ecology: This course delves into the principles and applications of ecology, focusing on various ecological concepts and theories.
- BIOL 3391H: Conservation Biology: This core course provides a comprehensive overview of conservation biology, exploring the science and practice of protecting biodiversity.
- BIOL 3600H: Ecological Genetics: This course examines the genetic basis of ecological phenomena, emphasizing the role of genetics in understanding population dynamics and conservation strategies.
Elective Courses:
Students must choose one course from the following:
- BIOL 4400Y: Placement in Conservation Biology: This internship offers practical experience in the field, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world conservation projects.
- BIOL 4890Y: Community-Based Research Project: This course provides students with the opportunity to conduct research in collaboration with local communities, focusing on conservation-related issues. Students must also choose 3.0 credits from a list of courses, which includes:
- BIOL-ERSC-SAFS 2350H: Ecological Agriculture
- BIOL 3050H: Limnology
- BIOL 3090H: Biology of Insects
- BIOL 3140H: Fish Ecology
- BIOL 3170H: Plant Evolution and Diversity
- BIOL 3190H: Wild Plants of Ontario
- BIOL 3340H: Herpetology
- BIOL-PSYC 3360H: Behavioural Ecology
- BIOL 3850H: Field Course
- BIOL 3851H: Field Course
- BIOL 3852H: Field Course
- BIOL 4030H: Research Design and Data Analytics
- BIOL 4110H: Infectious Disease Biology
- BIOL 4140H: Ornithology
- BIOL 4150H
- BIOL 4180H: Mammalogy
- BIOL-ERSC 4240H: Fisheries Assessment and Management
- BIOL-ERSC 4330H: Global Change of Aquatic Ecosystems
- BIOL 4410H: Urban Ecology
- BIOL 4500H: Population Dynamics
- BIOL-FRSC 4510H: Species-at-Risk Biology and Policy
- BIOL 4520H: Biology of Invasions
- BIOL 4610H: Evolutionary Ecology
- ERSC-GEOG 3010H: Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems Analysis
- ERST 3110H: Environmental Impact Assessment
- ERSC 3160H: Community-Based Natural Resource Management
- ERSC 3200Y: Management of Forest Ecosystems
- ERSC-BIOL 3260H: Applied Biomonitoring
- ERST-PHIL 3301H: Environmental Ethics
- ERST-PHIL-SAFS 3302H: Animals and Society
- ERSC 3510H: Ecology and Management of Wetland Systems
- ERSC-GEOG-SAFS 3650H: Soil Management and Conservation
- ERSC 4520H: Restoration Ecology
- ERSC-GEOG 4640H: Integrated Watershed Management Approaches and Methods
- ERST-CAST-HIST 4670H: Environmental History
- ERSC/ERST 4801H: Greening the Campus: Green Infrastructure
- ERSC/ERST 4802H: Greening the Campus: Institutions and Built Environment
- ERST 4810H
- GEOG-ERSC 3020H: Remote Sensing of the Environment
Careers:
- Biologist: Biologists conduct research and apply their knowledge to manage natural resources, develop new products, and solve problems in medicine and agriculture. They work in labs and field settings, employed by governments, consulting firms, resource companies, and educational institutions.
- Species-at-Risk Biologist: This role involves protecting endangered or threatened species by conducting research, monitoring populations, and developing management plans.
- Environmental Lawyer: Environmental lawyers advocate for the protection of the environment, working with governments, corporations, and individuals to address legal issues related to pollution, conservation, and climate change.
- Research Scientist: Research scientists conduct original research to advance scientific knowledge and inform policy decisions. They often work in universities, government agencies, and research institutions.
- Ecologist: Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They work in fields such as conservation, resource management, and environmental impact assessment.
- Zoo Biologist: Zoo biologists conduct research, care for animals, and educate the public about wildlife.
- Ecological Consultant: Ecological consultants provide expertise to businesses and governments on environmental issues, such as impact assessments, restoration planning, and sustainable development.
- Conservation Manager: Conservation managers oversee and manage conservation projects, including habitat restoration, species protection, and community engagement.
- Veterinarian: Veterinarians care for the health of animals, which can include wildlife species in conservation programs.
Other:
The program provides hands-on experience through internships with organizations like the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Toronto Zoo, and regional conservation authorities. Students learn from professors who are experts in conservation biology, and benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Students must apply for this course in the academic year before enrollment.
