Conservation and Biodiversity Major

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Program Overview

The Conservation and Biodiversity programs provide a foundation for understanding how ecology and evolution shape organismal features and the structure and function of communities and ecosystems. Topics covered range from the structure and function of ecosystems to the evolution of behaviour, morphology, and physiology. These programs will show how ecological and evolutionary perspectives can be used to understand and predict the outcome of dynamic interactions among organisms, populations, species, and communities. Students will be: well trained to take positions in government agencies, consulting firms or NGO’s; able to continue graduate studies in science for academic careers; able to pursue careers in business or law related to environmental issues, stewardship and sustainable development.
 

Complementary Programs: Specialist: Not applicable. Major: Environmental Science and International Development Studies programs.

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

1. Competencies & Skills

  • Explore how organisms interact with the environment 
  • Conduct and design experiments
  • Observe and make measurements on organisms
  • Inspect specimens
  • Collect, analyze and interpret data
  • Utilize laboratory equipment
  • Make projections from data

2. Careers for Graduates

  • Conservation Officer in Government Services (TRCA, Parks Canada, Toronto Zoo, Oceans and Fisheries, ROM, etc.)
  • Careers in the Ministry of Natural Resources
  • Environmental Consultant in NGO’s (The Nature Conservancy, Ontario Nature, David Suzuki Foundation)
  • University Researcher
  • Lab Technician in Industry

3. Further Education

  • Graduate Studies 
  • Public Policy
  • Environmental Science 
  • Sustainability 
  • Law School
  • Education 
  • Medical School 
  • Project Management 
  • Energy Management
  • Environmental Technology

Program Pathway

Year 1
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
  • Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
  • Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September or register with Scarborough Campus Student Union’s (SCSU) Volunteer Network Program.
Year 2
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

  • Seek support from professors and TAs during office hours.                       
  • Check the Research Catalogue on CLNx for possible research opportunities. 
  • Consider doing a directed research course (BIOB98H3).

APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE

  • Take part in Conversation with Biologists, an event where students can interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.                
  • Consider Work Study (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) for possible research opportunities.

BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

  • Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
  • If you are considering grad school, speak to professors and program advisors early so you know what to keep in mind. 
  • Explore careers through AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

  • 1.0 credit of Ecology & Evolution Foundation courses from: BIOC16H3, BIOC50H3, BIOC59H3, BIOC61H3.
  • 4.5 credits of C- and D-level Ecology and Evolution courses and Organismal Biology courses; at least 1.0 credit must be at the D-level (see UTSC Calendar for specific course lists).
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Year 4 or Final Year
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
  • Apply for an Academic Travel Fund via DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community. 
  • Attend the weekly Biology Seminar Series (Fridays 12pm). 
  • Take upper-level directed research courses (BIOC99, BIOD98, BIOD95). 
  • Submit to UTSC’s Journal of Natural Sciences.
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.                
  • Consider joining the executive team of the UTSC Parks Canada Club; volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest.
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May. 
  • Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; find job opportunities on CLNx.  
  • If you are considering grad school, discuss your plans with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
  • Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Contacts

Did You Know

ECO UTSC is an environmentalist group at UTSC which serves to increase local environmental sustainability at the UTSC.