Thread: 'Biology' in 'Conservation Biology'

How much hardcore biology is used in Conservation biology?
I want to take conservation bio as a degree, but I've never had formal education in biology at all. Universities teach Biology at year 1, but without prior knowledge, would it be easy to catch on?

Hi and welcome to the forum, 'have a nice stay'.

Your question may be dependent upon which country/state you are in, either way, you might approach the biology department and ask the question directly. They will almost certainly give you some guidance, their website may also give clues, such as prerequisites for various courses.

Thanks a lot. And I'm sure you all will be wonderful hosts.

i can't really answer your question, but i thought i'd mention that conservation bio is what i'm going to get a degree in too.

What is conservation biology?

conservation biology is biology that deals with the effects of humans on the environment, and it seeks to preserve biological diversity and protect the environment. that's how i look at it at least.

Originally Posted by Chemboy

i can't really answer your question, but i thought i'd mention that conservation bio is what i'm going to get a degree in too.

Indeed? What university? What year are you in? Did you have prior education in bio? What's the whole course like?

I've known one person who took the first year bio courses without any real prior knowledge. Since he enjoyed the topics he did quite well.

Also, my brothers fiance is getting her masters degree in conservation biology. I know that she is taking a lot of non-biology courses, but she does have a B.Sc in Animal Biology already.

Hope that helped a little.

That helps a lot, thanks. What about the basic salaries for degree, masters and Ph.D holders? What is the most likely job prospect?

REALLY good job prospects!

In Canada, companies are required by law to hire these sorts of people! My brothers fiance was saying that almost no one finished their masters degree because they are recruited before then!
Since they are in demand I have assumed that they make OK money, not a doctor, but enough to be more than happy.

And are most work fieldwork? Like going out to observe/research/record/analyse?

Originally Posted by zephyrus17

Originally Posted by Chemboy

i can't really answer your question, but i thought i'd mention that conservation bio is what i'm going to get a degree in too.

Indeed? What university? What year are you in? Did you have prior education in bio? What's the whole course like?

Yep, it's what i've wanted to do for awhile now... I'm going to a local community college for 2 years, then i'm planning on transferring to SUNY-ESF (Environmental Science and Forestry) in Syracuse, NY for another 2 (or 3 if i get my master's). Right now I'm a senior in high school. I took Bio in 9th grade, and i'm taking AP Bio right now (lots of work, but easy (at least to me)). I'd say that as long as you have an interest in biology topics, it shouldn't be too hard... It's pretty separated from other subjects(except maybe chemistry), unlike, for example, physics, where a good math education is useful... I'd definitely recommend trying it out...

Originally Posted by sigmafactor

REALLY good job prospects!

In Canada, companies are required by law to hire these sorts of people! My brothers fiance was saying that almost no one finished their masters degree because they are recruited before then!
Since they are in demand I have assumed that they make OK money, not a doctor, but enough to be more than happy.

I'm also in Alberta and can second your observation. My wife is a geologist with a major producer and there are billion dollar investments awaiting environmental assessments. A friend of ours does environmental field studies and she is swamped with offers. If I was 25 years younger environmental studies would be my first choice.

It's a real positive that the environmnet receives a priority these days. Doing work in the badland areas and I've often come across folks doing environmental assessments. Drilling companies are required to return areas to pre-drilling conditions and their feet are held to the fire.

Salaries? If working for a company then probably about 75 thousand (US) plus a vehicle. About 40% more than that if working as a consultant (which most do these days) but no benefits.

I see, I see. Neat stuff.

By the way (sorry for the double post), what universities have reputable conservation bio schools? I've noticed that sigmafactor and Jellyologist mentioned about the situation in Canadian. What about America and Australia?