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Updated: 2024-04-24 10:35:47

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

August 26, 2024

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Closed

Program Code

CNB

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Braden Evans

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$3696.37 per semester*

International Tuition

$9644.35 per semester*

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

January 06, 2025

Domestic Availability

Coming Soon

International Availability

Coming Soon

Program Code

CNB

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Braden Evans

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$3696.37 per semester*

International Tuition

$9644.35 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

August 25, 2025

Domestic Availability

Coming Soon

International Availability

Coming Soon

Program Code

CNB

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Braden Evans

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$3696.37 per semester*

International Tuition

$9644.35 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

January 05, 2026

Domestic Availability

Coming Soon

International Availability

Coming Soon

Program Code

CNB

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Braden Evans

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$3696.37 per semester*

International Tuition

$9644.35 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

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 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.

  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

Program Code: EMT

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

September 2024, January 2025, September 2025, January 2026

Program Code: BO

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

September 2024, January 2025, September 2025, January 2026

Paul Ashley: Program Coordinator

Paul Ashley

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 Brooke

Tom Brooke

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 Purvis

Matt Purvis

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.

Keith Munro

Keith Munro

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 Hill

Ryan Hill

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

Ian McBain

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

Andrew O’Neill

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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