BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION

Catalog description

This course will introduce our students to the fundamental concepts of the conservation biology of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The course will be taught from the perspective of humans as the dominant species, whose activities can significantly alter the biological and ecological processes that govern our planet. The course is divided into four units 1) Biodiversity: Concepts, Measures, and Challenges, 2) Ecology and Conservation Biology, 3) Population Management, and 4) Humans and the use of natural resources. Emphasis on developing critical thinking skills through the analysis and evaluation of environmental problems relevant to Puerto Rico. The knowledge acquired will be put into practice to establish concrete solutions to the problem presented. The development of skills related to quantitative reasoning will be facilitated when carrying out population viability analyzing of threatened species. At the same time, ethical behavior will be encouraged in the student body by identifying the patterns of ethical conduct that must be considered when conserving our biological environment. BIOL 490 INTERNSHIP IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 1 CREDIT The internship experience consists of experimental work in biotechnology laboratories either in industry or in research. The students will work with a mentor/supervisor assigned to acquire skills in the manipulation of living organisms and their uses in te chnological processes such as manufacture, molecular genetics and fermentation products. This will increase the students’ intellectual and technical capacity to do research, documentation and analysis of results. In addition, students will acquire in depth knowledge over the theory, concepts and skills involving the handling of materials, equipment, procedures and safety rules. According to industry or research lab, the student will know and dominate regulations issued by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) associated with the particular position in the industry.