Conservation Biology.

Catalog description

This course is designed to introduce students to conservation biology, a multidisciplinary field of study that focuses on the patterns of and the processes that contribute to biological diversity. Formed in response to the global loss in biodiversity, conservation biology is a value-laden, crisis discipline that not only studies biodiversity, but importantly identifies strategies to reduce or prevent further loss of it. In this course, we review the ethical foundations of conservation biology, discuss the scientific evidence that illustrates recent rapid loss of biological diversity at multiple spatial and temporal scales, identify and elaborate on the causative factors of biodiversity loss, and discuss various strategies for conserving biodiversity. Conservation biology is multidisciplinary in scope, and therefore we will discuss topics in fields of study that include wildlife management, restoration ecology, economics, ethics, geology, evolution, philosophy, phylogeny, taxonomy, genetics, behavioral ecology, population ecology, disease, sociology, sustainable living, and human dimensions. (Spring; Even Year) Prerequisite: ES 1373 . (All courses serving as prerequisites in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology must be completed with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next sequenced course.) Required Field Trip; Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.