Calendar Description  

The theory and practice relating to the conservation of threatened organisms and their habitats. Topics covered will include: the genetics and demography of small and fragmented populations; global and local conservation problems; case histories of conservation of endangered animals and plants. 

 

Course Objectives

Introduction to the scientific foundation and real-world practice of conservation biology. Review of ecological concepts and facts constituting scientific basis for biological conservation: habitat requirements, breeding biology, population dynamics, patterns of biodiversity. Survey of historical and current trends relating to species endangerment and extinction. Exploration of interdisciplinary nature of conservation in practice, using case study approach.

 

Course / Learning Outcomes

Students completing the course should show comprehension of the fundamental ecological principles underlying conservation biology. They should also show understanding of the interdisciplinary challenges involved in carrying out conservation in the real world. Students should exhibit familiarity with the relevant primary and secondary scientific literature and be able to locate, summarize, and synthesize information from these sources. They should exhibit the ability to follow the substantive and stylistic norms of the primary literature in conservation biology through course writing assignments. In addition, students should become well versed in local and regional conservation issues and effectively communicate or begin to address one of these issues through a group project. 

 

Prerequisites

BIOL 3030 (C minimum); Note: Students will not receive credit for both BIOL 4160 and NRSC 3220

 

Recommended Text

Primack, R. B. 2010. Essentials of Conservation Biology, 5th Ed. Sinauer. 

*Note, this text is also available as an eBook

 

Additional Readings

Selected journal articles, government reports, and popular science articles will be linked on the moodle site.