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).
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Accepting Applications
Program Code
CNB
Delivery
In Person
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
View Curriculum
Domestic Availability
Coming Soon
International Availability
Coming Soon
Program Code
CNB
Delivery
In Person
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
Domestic Availability
Coming Soon
International Availability
Coming Soon
Program Code
CNB
Delivery
In Person
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
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:
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.
Many of our programs offer the opportunity to earn a second certificate or diploma with just one or two more semesters of study. Add another specialization to your skill set and increase your career prospects with this unique opportunity.
Learn more here or contact your program coordinator for more information.
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 experience.
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.
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:
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:
The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students in this program. To qualify for an IPD, you must take and successfully complete a series of required Indigenous Studies courses as well as participate in a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences. Your transcript will indicate the IPD upon graduation, a designation that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions to our shared society within the context of your program of study. The IPD provides a valuable skill set sought after in today's employment sector.
Students applying to Conservation Biology must meet the following requirements:
Windows (ideal) or Mac computer. Information about hardware requirements can be found on the ArcGIS Desktop system requirements page.
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized here.
To apply please see the Griffith University's admissions website.
Visit the Griffith University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
To apply please see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website.
Visit the Hartpury University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Paul is the Program Coordinator, and is currently teaching Wildlife Ecology, Habitat Classification and Fish and Wildlife Research Methods. He began his career as a student of the Fleming Fish and Wildlife program before obtaining a Honours B.Sc. from Trent University in Biology and Environmental Science, and an M.Sc. from Western University in Zoology. He has over 20 years of experience as a wildlife biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service’s Protected Areas Program, as an ecosystem scientist for Parks Canada eastern Arctic National Parks, and as a senior ecologist for an environmental consulting firm. His career focused mainly on habitat and game management and ecological monitoring and assessment, which has allowed him to work across North America and Europe. Paul resides with his family on a small farm on the outskirts of Lindsay.
Tom began his teaching career in Fleming’s Fish and Wildlife Program in 2017. As a graduate of the Fish and Wildlife program, he strives to focus on the unique elements of this program that have inspired so many natural resource management professionals. After his education at Fleming College, Tom earned an undergraduate degree in Biology from Trent University. He then completed a master’s degree in Fisheries Biology at the Queen’s University Freshwater Fisheries Conservation Lab.
The courses Tom teaches concentrate on aquatic resource management, focusing on current fisheries management practices, although he is expanding his expertise to include macro-invertebrates and protozoa. Tom lives in Peterborough, Ontario with his wife and four children. His interests include fishing, hunting and field ecology.
Matt is a Fleming Fish and Wildlife and University of Northern British Columbia alumnus. He joined the Fish and Wildlife Technician/Technology Program team as a full-time professor in 2019 after a 17-year career with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and other public and private sector organizations across North America, working in a variety of roles in wildlife research and monitoring. He teaches classes in Wildlife Monitoring Technologies, Wetland Evaluation and Conservation, Species at Risk, and Game Management among others. Outside of work, you’ll find him outdoors as much as possible where he can be found hiking, biking, birding, and hunting.
Dr. Keith Munro joined the Fish and Wildlife program in 2022, bringing knowledge and perspectives from scientific research, wildlife management, policy, and conservation advocacy. Keith has worked on everything from mice to moose across multiple species groups. Personal highlights include extensive research on the behaviour, ecology, and management of white-tailed deer, proactive work to address the threats of chronic wasting disease and wild pigs at both the provincial and national levels and serving as a member of Ontario's Big Game Management Advisory Committee. His goal is to help prepare the next generation of fish and wildlife professionals to tackle the important conservation and management challenges we face.
Ryan is a graduate of Fleming’s Fish and Wildlife program and has since become a fisheries and aquatics specialist with over 20 years of experience, including several years of aquatic field-based research with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Ryan teaches Aquatic Studies and leads the Freshwater Ecology field school. Before accepting the position of Professor in the Fish and Wildlife Program, Ryan was a Research Scientist at the college’s Center for Innovative Aquaculture Production. Ryan has an Honours B.Sc. in Biology and a M.Sc. in Environmental and Life Science from Trent University.
Ian McBain is a Fish and Wildlife Technologist who has been working for the college since 2017. As a technologist, he helps to ensure that labs have the gear they need to operate smoothly. He also assists with field trips, camps, and field schools. Ian has a diploma from the Fish and Wildlife program, a graduate certificate from the Conservation and Environmental Law Enforcement program, and an Honours B.Sc. in Biology from Trent. Having worked as a wildlife technician, a survival instructor, a turtle technician, outreach coordinator and more, Ian considers himself a jack of all trades and is always willing to try and help no matter the subject at hand.
Andrew O’Neill is a graduate of the Fish and Wildlife program and joined the team in 2024 as a Technician. Andrew has worked with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as a Fisheries Technician as well as taught a variety of classes with Fleming College over the last eight years. Andrew has worked all over the province from Lake Huron to the Ottawa River performing a wide variety of fisheries projects. In his role with the team, he will be ensuring the students and faculty have everything they need to be successful as well as planning and delivering field schools and field trips. In his spare time, you will find Andrew backcountry camping, hunting and fishing in the Kawarthas.
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