Conservation Biology

Ontario College Diploma ( 4 semesters )

START IN SEPTEMBER 2020

Classes begin: September 08, 2020
Offered at: Frost Campus
Program code: CNB
Tuition (Domestic): $3,507.78*
Tuition (International): $8,969.06*
* Tuition and fees subject to change.

The only program of its kind in Ontario. You will focus on the conservation of at-risk
animal populations using current research and technologies, including genetics and
environmental DNA (eDNA).

Program Highlights
Animal conservation biology has grown in recent years with the global loss of species diversity due to several
factors, including habitat destruction, disease, and climate change. The Conservation Biology program will help
address this – it is the only diploma program in Ontario that focuses solely on applied skills and research in animal
biodiversity conservation.

As part of the program, you will:

» Develop a broad background in animal biodiversity conservation

» Take part in field work and lab work specific to conserving animal populations
» Carry out genetic and tissue sampling with a focus on eDNA
» Develop skills and knowledge in identifying at-risk aquatic and terrestrial animals, and assess their risk factors
» Perform field surveys, and complete an applied research project in semester 4

Why Choose Fleming

Fleming College has more grads working in the environmental and natural resources sectors than any other college
in Canada. We have an established reputation in the field. Our dedicated and knowledgeable faculty will guide you
on your academic journey as you take advantage of our exceptional learning spaces – indoors and outside. A
common first semester, shared with the other diploma programs in our School of Environmental and Natural
Resource Sciences, provides you with a solid foundation before you go on to specialize in your area of study.

Experiential Learning
In addition to the field work and labs within your courses, the program includes a 40-hour field camp in semester 3.
In semester 4, you will undertake a semester-long applied research project, which will give you real-world work

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experience.

Common First Semester

Students in our School’s diploma programs take the same courses for first semester. This common focus exposes
you to a variety of career options and other programs. You will have the freedom to explore and obtain a
multidisciplinary perspective, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills. Although students are
accepted into a specific program for their first semester, the common first semester allows you to change direction
if you find another program or career area is more appealing. Once you have successfully completed the common
first semester, you can enter the program of your choice in second semester, subject to enrolment capacity.

Is This You?
You are passionate about conserving the world’s animal biodiversity, and you love working outdoors. Experience
working or volunteering in an environmental or natural resource-related organization is an asset. You should also
possess:

» Analytical skills
» A good background in high school sciences and maths
» Willingness to work in challenging outdoor situations and weather conditions
» The ability to work collaboratively with others
» Willingness to move for work

Career Opportunities
Career opportunities within this field are varied. Graduates could work for federal, provincial/territorial or
municipal government departments, colleges and universities, environmental consulting firms, industry firms, or as
self-employed consultants.

Careers include:

» Biological Technician/Technologist
» Conservation Technician
» Aquatic Biology Technician
» Fisheries Technician
» Conservation and Fishery Officer
» Zoological Technician/Technologist
» Species at Risk Technician
» Wildlife Resources Technician

Pathway Program
If you do not meet the admission requirements for Conservation Biology, consider the General Arts and Science -
Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option. This pathway program may provide the requirements you
need for admission while you earn credit for first semester of Conservation Biology.

Related Programs
You may consider continuing your education in the Fish and Wildlife Technician, Ecosystem Management
Technician, Environmental Technician or another of our two-year environmental or natural resource sciences

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diploma programs. In just two more semesters, you can obtain an additional Technician diploma and expand your
career opportunities. You might also want to consider taking one of our graduate certificate programs to enhance
your skill set. These include Aquaculture Co-op, Applied Planning – Environmental, or Conservation and
Environmental Law Enforcement.

Health Requirements
You will be required to show proof of an adequate titre from rabies vaccination before entering semester 3. This
applies to all students including those who may transfer into or enter the program with advanced standing.

Students will handle mammal carcasses so, for health and safety reasons, those who do not provide proof of an
adequate titre will not be permitted access to the Pathology Lab nor will they be able to complete the program
successfully.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Students applying to Conservation Biology must meet the following requirements:

OSSD (or equivalent mature student status OSSD) including Gr 12 C English and Gr 12 C Math. Completion of Grade
12 C/U Biology and Chemistry is recommended.

Courses and Descriptions

Semester 1
MATH Hours: 45
Applied Mathematics in Natural Resource Sciences 63

COMM Hours:
Communications I 201 45

GEOL Hours:
Earth and Atmosphere 83 45

ENVR Hours:
Ecology and Environment 20 60

ECOS Hours:
Ecosystem Skills 13 60

GEOM Hours:
Fundamentals of Geomatics 163 45

GNED Hours:
Introduction to Indigenous Studies 49 45

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 Semester 2
FIWI 42 Hours:
Aquatic Studies 45

COMM Hours:
Communications II 202 45

SCIE 175 Hours: 60

Introduction to Animal Biodiversity Conservation
SCIE 62 Hours:
Introductory Chemistry 45

FSTY Hours:
Trees and Shrubs Of Ontario 50 60

FIWI 41 Hours:
Wildlife Observation Skills 45

GENED Hours:
General Education Elective 45

Semester 3
ORGB Hours:
Applied Human Relations I 22 30

ECOS Hours:
Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems 39 45

SCIE 176 Hours: 60

Biodiversity Conservation Field Techniques
FIWI Hours:
Biodiversity of Vertebrates 63 60

APST Hours:
Field Camp (CNB) 168 40

GEOM Hours:
Introduction to Vector GIS 34 45

MATH Hours:
Statistics 25 45

Semester 4
APST Hours:
Applied Research Project 169 60

SCIE 178 Hours: 60

Biodiversity Conservation Lab Techniques
ECOS Hours:
Biodiversity Conservation Management 40 45

SCIE Hours:
Biodiversity of Invertebrates 177 60

GEOM Hours:
EM-Geomatics 16 45

LAWS Hours:
Natural Resources Law 56 30

GENED Hours:
General Education Elective 45

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