Conservation and Biodiversity Specialist

• 1.0 Biology credit: BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3.
• 1.0 Chemistry credit: CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3.
• 1.0 Math credit: MATA29H3 and MATA35H3 OR MATA30H3 and MATA36H3.
• 0.5 Physics credit from: PHYA10H3, PHYA11H3.
• 0.5 Computer Science credit from: CSCA08H3, CSCA20H3, PSCB57H3.
• Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your degree.

• Attend Biology Students Association (BioSA) BioAID Review Sessions for guidance with writing lab reports.                          
• Contact the UTSC Library for in-depth research assistance for your assignments; writing support is also available at the CTL Writing Centre.

• Attend the Professor/Graduate Student Mix & Mingles to meet many of the professors & TAs you will encounter as you progress through your degree.            
• Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx).

• Join BioSA and ECO; attend their activities and events.
• Build confidence and self-esteem through Department of Student Life’s (DSL) LEAD program.
• Join UTSC Parks Canada Club; volunteer and go on their field trips.
• Volunteer with Campus Farm, Rouge Park, Toronto Zoo, Toronto Botanical Gardens.

• 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.

• 3.0 credits of Biology Core courses: BIOB10H3, BIOB11H3, BIOB34H3, [BIOB38H3 or BIOB31H3], BIOB50H3, BIOB51H3.
• 0.5 credit of BIO Core Labs: BIOB52H3.
• 0.5 credit in STATS from: STAB22H3, PSYB07H3.                              
• Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor to plan your courses and program.

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 (BIOB98).

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)

• Volunteer with Let’s Talk Science.
• Consider completing ISC’s Global Citizenship Certificate and look into their Global Learning opportunities.
• Join: Toronto Field Naturalists, Ornithological Club, Mycological Society.
• Volunteer: David Suzuki Foundation, UTSC Green Roofs, Cornell Birds, TRCA.

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.

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).

• Consider entering the following Research Awards Contests: UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize, Mitacs Globalink, NSERC USRA, TD Undergraduate Research Opportunity Fellowship.
• Continue to build your volunteer and work experience.
• Consider directed research courses: BIOB98, BIOC99.

• Continue to build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
• Consider being a peer reviewer for the Journal of Natural Sciences.

• Attend Diversity in Medicine Seminar (for future medical students).
• Volunteer with DSL to be a First Year Peer Advisor. Consider other DSL activities such as intern with an NGO with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program.  
• Attend a Café Scientifique in your local community.
• Join: Toronto Field Naturalists, Ornithological Club, Mycological Society.

• Speak with a staff member at the AA&CC to plan a potential career path.
• Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions.
• Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
• Join a conference like TEDxUTSC or International Development Conference to develop professional skills.

• Consider taking a Senior Research course from: BIOD95H3, BIOD98Y3, BIOD99Y3.
• Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
• Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

• 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.

• Participate in Ontario’s Synapse Life Science Competition.
• Consider being an editor for the Journal of Natural Sciences.

• 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.

• 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.