Conservation Biology (Co-op Available)
In this first and only program of its kind in Canada, Conservation Biology students at Trent analyze the decline of biological diversity and study solutions to this global crisis. In the classroom, you will gain foundational expertise in subjects like ecology, animal and plant diversity, evolution, wildlife behavior, and population genetics. Outside the classroom you will study living subjects first-hand alongside practicing conservationists and biologists in Trent’s second-to-none outdoor laboratories, including 11 on-campus nature areas. Students in this program have two degree pathway options for extending your learning off-campus: the fourth-year work placement or the five-year co-op stream, both offering opportunities to hone career skills in science, research, communications and critical thinking.
Accelerated Masters
Fast-track your education, by earning your M.Sc. in Environmental & Life Sciences in only 12-16 months after graduating from your honours B.Sc.
Degrees Offered:
- B.Sc. Placement Option (4-year degree)
- B.Sc. Co-op (Peterborough Only)
Locations:
- Peterborough
Resume Boosters:
- Accelerate your career through the five-year co-op stream getting paid experience working with groups such as the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Nature Conservancy Canada, Toronto Zoo, and Parks Canada
- Choose the four-year placement option and spend the final eight months of your degree gaining experience applying knowledge in the field working with a sector organization, such as studying squirrel monkey behaviour at the Riverview Park and Zoo
- Work in state-of-the-art research labs like Trent’s Natural Resources DNA Profiling & Forensic Centre, and outdoors in our on-campus nature areas
- Conduct your own research through a fourth-year honours thesis project supervised by an expert in Conservation Biology

Career Paths:
Featured
Biologist
Biologists and related scientists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture. They are employed in both laboratory and field settings by governments, environmental consulting companies, resource and utilities companies, chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies and health and educational institutions.
Career Opportunities
- Species-at-Risk Biologist
- Environmental Lawyer
- Research Scientist
- Ecologist
- Marine Biologist
- Ecological Consultant
- Conservation Manager
- Veterinarian
Popular Courses:
- Communicating Conservation Biology
- Biology of Invasions
- Behavioural Ecology
- Mammalogy
- Ornithology
- Entomology
- Herpetology
- Advanced Ecology
- Species-at-Risk Biology and Policy

Admission Requirements
General Requirements:
- 75% overall average. Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology
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