BSH.BIOC - Conservation Biology - BSc Honours

www.trentu.ca/biology/programs/conservation-biology-bsc

Conservation biology is the branch of the biological sciences that deals with the causes, the consequences, and the ways to stem biodiversity loss. Biodiversity is the rich mix of species on Earth that underpins the resilience of ecosystems which, ultimately, support our lives and livelihoods. Many scientists propose that modern society has entered the Anthropocene—a new epoch where human influences on the Earth’s natural systems are pervasive and permanent. In this epoch, we will need skilled practitioners who can inform planning and economic activities through the lens of strong scientific understanding in conservation biology. These practitioners will be knowledgeable in ecology, animal and plant diversity, evolution, organismal biology and behaviour, and population genetics. They will ably convey their knowledge to non-specialists. The Conservation Biology program draws from such courses in the Department of Biology, supplemented with those from Chemistry, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics & Astronomy, and the School of the Environment. This suite of courses provides students with the practical and conceptual foundations of the science of biological conservation.

INFORMATION & ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Two versions of the degree are available: The Bachelor of Science Honours program, which includes a fourth-year placement, and the Bachelor of Science Honours Co-op program.

• There is no joint-major program, General program, or minor in Conservation Biology.

• As Conservation Biology is a limited enrolment program, fulfillment of the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. Entrance is competitive, particularly for the co-op stream. A secondary diploma and six Ontario 4U or 4M courses with a minimum 75% overall final average are required. These include ENG4U (Grade 12 English), SCH4U (Grade 12 Chemistry), SBI4U (Grade 12 Biology), and MHF4U (Advanced Functions) or MCV4U (Calculus and Vectors). SPH4U (Grade 12 Physics) is recommended. The admission average is calculated using the four required courses and the next two highest 4U/M-level courses.

• Students may apply to enter the Conservation Biology program (placement) after first year if they have successfully completed the following courses with a minimum combined average of 75%: BIOL 1020H, BIOL 1030H, BIOL-PHYS 1060H or PHYS 1001H or PHYS 1000H, CHEM 1000H, CHEM 1010H, ERSC 1010H, ERSC 1020H, MATH 1051H, MATH 1052H, and either MATH 1006H or 1110H.

• Students who have not taken any 4U (or equivalent) calculus courses are recommended to take MATH 1006H as the required 0.5 credit from MATH 1006H or 1110H.

• The Accelerated Master’s program in Environmental & Life Sciences allows students to obtain a research-based MSc within a shorter timeframe.