What is Conservation?
Conservation Biology is a Life Science which involves the protection, preservation and restoration of the environment. Biodiversity refers to the variation of plant and animal life in a particular habitat. (Source: Oxford Dictionary)
This program focuses on understanding how ecology and evolution shapes organismal feature as well as the structure and function of communities and ecosystems. Students will learn how ecological and evolutionary perspectives are helpful in understanding and predicting the outcome of dynamic interactions among organisms, populations, species, and communities.
What makes Biology at UTSC unique?
Many of the world’s most important issues require a firm understanding of biological principles and practices. UTSC’s programs provide students with a solid understanding while allowing students to tailor their program to meet their interests.
Skills of Biology Grads
- Collect, analyze and interpret data
- Conduct and design experiments
- Utilize laboratory equipment
- Explore how organisms interact with the environment
- Inspect specimens
- Make projections from data
- Observe and make measurements on organisms
- Research and analyze biological questions
- Utilize statistical tests to predict outcomes
- Write literature reviews and scientific reports
- Chart the development of complex organisms
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Junior Consultant in Environmental Consulting
- Conservation Officer in Government Services
- Volunteer Coordinator in Non-profits
- Research or Teaching Assistant in Universities
- Lab Technician in Industry or Government
- Project Officer for Environmental Agencies
- Water Technologist in Conservation Authorities
- Educator or Program Developer in Education
- Intern, Ministry of Natural Resources
- Policy Analyst in Government
Biology grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- Department of National Defence (Arctic Scientist)
- Bio Basic Inc Biotechnology (Project Specialist)
- Intact Financial (Claims Adjuster)
UTSC Biology graduates are working in Research, Education, Healthcare and Business.
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Biology - Master of Science
- Public Policy - Master
- Environmental Science - Master
- Sustainability - Master of Science
- Law School - JD (Juris Doctor)
- Education - Bachelor or Master
- Medical School - MD
- Project Management - Graduate Certificate
- Energy Management - Graduate Certificate
- Environmental Technology - Post-Graduate Certificate
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Conservation & Biodiversity Grads
- Fundraising (Environmental Issues)
- Government Services (Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal)
- Healthcare and Laboratory
- Research Support
- Sales and Marketing
- Education
- Production and Manufacturing
- Insurance / Underwriting Services
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into www.cln.utoronto.ca, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: online.onetcenter.org (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Biology Student Association at UTSC
- Conservation Ontario
- Environmental Careers Organization Canada (ECO Canada)
- Ministry of Natural Resources
- World Wildlife Fund
- BioTalent Canada
- Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Biological Sciences website.