Conservation Biology. 4

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the discipline of conservation biology, the scientific approach to the conservation of biological diversity. Students will examine the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss, approaches and strategies to prevent it, and ecological and evolutionary theory underlying conservation. Because conservation biology is a multidisciplinary field students will also examine the connections between humans, biodiversity threats, and the complexities of implementing science-based conservation policy and management. The course combines lectures and class discussions on assigned readings and case studies, fieldwork, and assignments that expose students to the type of work conservation biologists do. Special emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem solving, and global understanding. Students will also interact with professionals with careers in conservation biology.