Conservation Biology

Catalog description

This course examines the fundamental biological and ecological principles of conservation biology. Instruction covers measures of biological variation, species concepts, genetics of small population viability analysis, and metapopulation dynamics; habitat fragmentation including edge effects, corridors and patch dynamics; reserve design principles; setting biological variation priorities; and monitoring indices. Changes in land use patterns and the science of Landscape Ecology are also investigated. Current conservation techniques are reviewed through the use of case studies and computer exercises. (Prerequisites: BIOL133 or SCIN130)