Conservation

Ecosystems and biodiversity are presently under threat from climate change and increasing pressure from human activities in wilderness spaces. Conservation experts have the knowledge and experience to lead essential projects on the natural environment and its species, informing and guiding policy decisions on how to protect ecosystems and promote sustainability.

What You Will Learn

This award-winning interdisciplinary program covers the study of applied ecology, as well as the planning and management of renewable natural resources. Students develop skills to play an active role in protecting and managing natural systems and environments, including wildlife, fish, forests, rivers, oceans and landscapes.

There are two streams of study to choose from:

The Science and Management stream provides a rigorous education in natural and social sciences, with a strong focus on solving conservation issues. The considerable field experience involved in this stream teaches practical approaches for achieving conservation goals. Upon graduation, students will have satisfied course requirements that put them on track to becoming a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio). This program won the Alfred Scow Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and Learning Environment at the University of British Columbia.
The Global Perspectives stream provides more experience in policy and planning, as well as more breadth in resource systems, than the Science and Management stream. Students will gain hands-on cultural or international experiences in a conservation context.

Core subjects will include:

Ecology and conservation biology
Biodiversity and sustainability
Geomatics and statistics
Resource socio-economics, governance, and policy
Land-use planning and decision-making
Resource management

Experiential Learning:

Students in the Science and Management stream will have the unique opportunity to participate in a semester-long field course focusing on alpine, grassland, and aquatic ecosystems within B.C.

Students in the Global Perspectives stream will complete a semester-long capstone project using hands-on learning to solve real-world problems.

Dual Degree Option

This degree option has two streams:

The Forestry Dual Degree with Education stream is an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Natural Resources in Conservation and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Biological Sciences) in 5 years.
The Forestry Dual Degree with Business stream is an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Natural Resources and a Master of Management from the Sauder School of Business in 4.5 years.

Land One Option

The Land One program is a great option for first year students who want a smaller classroom experience. Learn about forest management and food security in a tight-knit cohort environment.