The major in Conservation is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in the conservation of natural resources. The program provides students with a solid foundation across several disciplines including the natural and social sciences underlying the conservation and management of natural resources, an appreciation for the political and socioeconomic contexts that affect the design and outcomes of conservation and management strategies, and a working knowledge of technologically advanced tools and quantitative techniques available to renewable resources planners and managers. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on developing communication skills, both oral and written, including approaches to public participation in natural resources planning.
Students can select a specialization upon completion of second year. Acceptance into a specialization may be limited by demand, in which case acceptance will be based on academic standing at the completion of second year. Students who do not select a specialization can follow an academic program guided by their Program Director. Acceptable courses are listed on the Major's website.
The Science and Management Specialization focuses on the conservation and management of renewable natural resources, and landscape and local level planning for both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. A notable feature of this major is the Integrated Field School, a semester-long course divided into modules, each concentrating on a particular component of B.C.'s environment.
The Global Perspectives Specialization focuses on the conservation and management of renewable and non-renewable resources, policy formation, and planning within a global context. Two notable features of the major are the international education that students receive through term-long study abroad or through an intensive short-term international field school, and the global issues capstone course which uses case studies and modelling approaches to explore the effects of decision-making on resource sustainability. Acceptance into the Global Perspectives specialization may be limited by demand, in which case acceptance will be based on academic standing at the completion of second year.
Upon successful completion of this Major, the notation “Major in Conservation" will be placed on the student's transcript."
Degree Requirements
| First Year | |
| APBI 200 | 3 |
| BIOL 121 | 3 |
| CHEM 111 or 121 | 4 |
| ECON 101 | 3 |
| ENGL 110, ENGL 111 or NRES 2251 | 3 |
| NRES 150 OR WRDS 150 | 3 |
| GEOS 103 | 3 |
| MATH 1002 | 3 |
| NRES 100 OR 1103 | 3 |
| NRES 103 | 1 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Total Credits | 32 |
| Second Year | |
| CONS 200 | 3 |
| CONS 210 | 3 |
| NRES 200 | 3 |
| NRES 201 | 3 |
| NRES 210 | 3 |
| NRES 211 | 3 |
| NRES 2314 | 3 |
| NRES 232 | 3 |
| SOCI 101 or 102 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| 1 NRES 225 does not count toward the dual degree with Education. Students interested in this option should take ENGL 110 or 111. | |
| 2 Students without previous knowledge of calculus may take MATH 180 or 184 (4 credits), or MATH 110 (6 credits) if a grade of 80% in MATH 12 (or equivalent course) was not achieved, but the credit difference cannot be applied towards program elective requirements. MATH 190 may also be taken, but is a terminal course and not recommended for students who would like to take further MATH courses. | |
| 3 NRES 110 is restricted to students in the Land One cohort. | |
| 4 Could be replaced with BIOL 300. | |
Specialization in Science and Management
| Third Year | |
| CONS 330 | 3 |
| NRES 241 | 3 |
| CONS 481 | 3 |
| FRST 3181 | 3 |
| FRST 385 | 3 |
| FRST 386 | 3 |
| FRST 395 | 3 |
| SOCI 360 or GEOG 310 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective4 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Fourth Year | |
| CONS 440 | 3 |
| CONS 4512 | 15 |
| NRES 341 | 3 |
| FRST 495 | 3 |
| CONS 486 | 3 |
| CONS 498 or Elective3 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| 1 Could be replaced with ECON 371 or 374 (3 credits). | |
| 2 An integrated course taught in Term 1. Registration is restricted to this course only during Term 1 and only to students in fourth year if NRC program. | |
| 3 Must be a course numbered 300 or higher. | |
| 4 Elective must be a course numbered 300 or higher. To be chosen in consultation with the program advisor. | |
Specialization in Global Perspectives
Courses which meet the requirements in each of the following areas may be requested from the program administrators.
| Third and Fourth Years | |
| NRES 341 | 3 |
| CONS 330 | 3 |
| One of NRES 241, NRES 340 or GEOS 270 | 3 |
| CONS 452 | 12 |
| Core Areas1 | 15 |
| Resource Systems2 | 9 |
| Electives3 | 15 |
| Cultural Experience4 | |
| Total Credits | 60 |
| 1 One 3-credit course for each of the following topic areas: (i) resources and economics; (ii) resources and society; (iii) international policy/governance and resources; (iv) indigenous perspectives; and (v) globalization. Acceptable courses are listed on the Major's website. | |
| 2 One 3-credit course in three out of the following four topic areas: (i) oceanography/fisheries/water systems; (ii) aquaculture/food systems; (iii) forestry systems; and (iv) energy/mineral systems. Acceptable courses are listed on the Major's website. | |
| 3 Credits of electives must be selected from the Resources Systems list. 6 credits of electives may be general, of which at least 9 credits must be at the 300-/400-level. An undergraduate thesis (CONS 498) may be taken in place of 3 credits of 300-/400 level electives. | |
| 4 The cultural experience requirement may be met by a minimum of one term study abroad, or one term cultural exchange, a two-four week international field school, an international co-op placement, an international internship, or cultural-based volunteer experience. It is determined in consultation with Forestry Student Services. | |
Courses Toward Registration as a Professional Forester in BC
Students who wish to work toward membership in the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) are advised to contact the ABCFP or the Director of Student Services in the Faculty of Forestry for information on appropriate courses to add to their program.
Courses Toward Registration as a Professional Biologist in BC
Students who wish to work towards membership in the College of Applied Biology of BC (CABBC) should contact the College of Applied Biology for course and other membership requirements.