Advanced Conservation Biology

Catalog description

This course integrates technical approaches to biodiversity conservation, with a focus on biological analysis of species facing extinction risk. Students will learn quantitative tools for analyzing variation at genetic, population, and landscape levels. The curriculum covers stage-structured population dynamics, predation, gene flow, inbreeding, extinction processes, and harvesting effects. Analytical methods include population-projection models, perturbation analysis, metapopulation models, population viability analysis, and various genetic diversity assessments. Special attention is given to evaluating extinction risk in data-deficient species such as insects. By developing these quantitative skills, students will critically evaluate assumptions underlying conservation plans and assessments, including IUCN criteria and endangered species classification. The course is suitable for all biology and conservation-related majors.