Fleming College

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in Conservation Biology

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 Information

Start Date

September 05, 2023

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Accepting Applications

Program Code

CNB

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Braden Evans

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$3705.68 per semester*

International Tuition

$9653.66 per semester*

View Curriculum

January 08, 2024

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Accepting Applications

Program Code

CNB

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Braden Evans

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$3613.99 per semester*

International Tuition

$9593.7 per semester*

View Curriculum

September 03, 2024

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Accepting Applications

Program Code

CNB

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Braden Evans

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$3705.68 per semester*

International Tuition

$9653.66 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

View 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:

  • 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

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:

  • 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 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

The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students studying in the Community and Justice Services program. To qualify for the IPD, students must take and successfully complete GNED49 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies and GNED128 - Indigenous Knowledges, along with a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences that will be incorporated into the final portfolio assignment in GNED128. The student’s transcript will indicate the IPD designation. Upon graduation, students with an IPD will have a strong foundational basis in Indigenous Studies, and a designation that will be marketable in the employment sector.

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.

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 11 C/U Biology and 12 C/U Chemistry is recommended.

  • Collect field and laboratory data, as well as access and retrieve publicly available data, in accordance with industry and government protocols and procedures for analysis and presentation to peers, industry and government partners and public.
  • Employ current, accepted protocols, tools and technologies to sample, monitor and assess animal populations and their related habitats in accordance with industry and government standards.
  • Safely use all tools, materials, equipment and machinery, appropriately and in compliance with industry and government safety and operating standards, to ensure optimum health and safety of self, team members and the environment.
  • Accurately identify a wide range of biota to effectively conserve at risk animal populations and their habitats in accordance with industry and government standards.
  • Classify terrestrial and aquatic habitats using industry and government accepted protocols and assessment tools to effectively conserve at risk animal populations.
  • Assess various biological and genetic parameters of animals using industry and government accepted protocols and assessment tools to effectively conserve at risk animal populations.
  • Apply chemical, biological, ecological and genetic principles to the conservation of at risk animal populations and their habitats in accordance with industry and government standards.
  • Apply established animal biodiversity and conservation research to develop sustainable recovery plans to effectively sample, monitor or assess animal populations and their habitats using industry and government sampling protocols and assessment tools.
  • Research current and emerging animal biodiversity and conservation issues, policies and regulations that support and guide recovery planning and management practices locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.
  • Effectively use computer applications and geospatial analysis tools, to present animal biodiversity and conservation data and analysis to industry and government standards.
  • Act in accordance with norms and industry/government codes of ethical and professional practice when conducting laboratory work, fieldwork, and/or on social media.

Windows (ideal) or Mac computer. Information about hardware requirements can be found on the ArcGIS Desktop system requirements page.

Transfer Agreements

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.

Bachelor of Environmental Science (3Yr)
Requirement
  • Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
  • The program is offered face-to-face (Nathan campus or Gold Coast campus)
Transfer Credit
  • 120 credit points out of a 240 credit point degree
  • Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.

To apply please see the Griffith University's admissions website.

For more information

Visit the Griffith University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Zoology
Requirement
  • Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
  • Entry into 3rd-year studies.
  • Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.

To apply please see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website.

For more information

Visit the Hartpury University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
  • Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
  • 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
  • Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • Entry into 4th semester standing in an 8-semester program.

To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.

For more information

Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Requirement
  • Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
  • Students completing the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology can apply to the Specialization in Conservation Biology. Enrolment is limited and competitive.
  • Trent will reserve five spaces each year for graduates of Fleming College’s Conservation Biology program who apply internally to the Conservation Biology degree program upon meeting the minimum admission requirements. Students must complete an internal application to Conservation Biology in their second semester at Trent to be considered for the program, provided they meet the terms outlined in Article 6.5 of the agreement.
Transfer Credit
  • 6.5 out of a 20 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Specialization in Conservation Biology
Requirement
  • Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
  • Students completing the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology can apply to the Specialization in Conservation Biology. Enrolment is limited and competitive.
  • Trent will reserve five spaces each year for graduates of Fleming College’s Conservation Biology program who apply internally to the Conservation Biology degree program upon meeting the minimum admission requirements. Students must complete an internal application to Conservation Biology in their second semester at Trent to be considered for the program, provided they meet the terms outlined in Article 6.5 of the agreement.
Transfer Credit
  • 6.5 out of a 20 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology
Requirement
  • Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
  • Admission to the program is competitive. Achieving the minimum average does not guarantee admission.
Transfer Credit
  • 6.5 out of a 20 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Faculty Profile

Thom Luloff: Professor in the Conservation Biology and Fish and Wildlife programs

Thom Luloff

Professor in the Conservation Biology and Fish and Wildlife

Thom Luloff is a fulltime Professor in the Conservation Biology and Fish and Wildlife programs, having started teaching at the School of Environmental Resources and Natural Sciences in 2011.

Thom has spent his career in wildlife science, completing his degrees in Medical Science from Western University, and working on research projects at the Advanced Facility for Avian Research and the Toronto Zoo. Thom teaches lab and techniques courses such as Wildlife Disease, Animal Disease Pathology, and Biodiversity of Vertebrates.

Thom is passionate about wildlife conservation and protecting species at risk. He is the Chair and Senior Wildlife Biologist at Kawartha Wildlife Centre, a wildlife rehabilitation centre dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife, and is the Liaison to Nature Canada for Bird Friendly Cities Peterborough, bringing his expertise in animal biology to help guide these organizations in making decisions that are ecologically sound and best serve Ontario's native species. Thom grew up outside of Pembroke, Ontario and currently lives with his family on a 50-acre farm in Peterborough County which he has turned into a grassland-bird conservation project. His favourite colour is green, and he has a completely irrational dislike of chocolate ice cream!

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