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Conservation Biology


Course Description

An introduction to the foundational principles of modern conservation biology. Investigation of how biological diversity changes across time and space, threats to biodiversity, and how biodiversity can be managed using cross- disciplinary approaches and illustrated with applied case studies.


Athena Title

Conservation Biology


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in ECOL 3530E


Prerequisite

BIOL 1104 or (BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L)


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall and spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will understand what biodiversity is, and how it changes through speciation and extinction.
  • Students will understand how biodiversity is measured and valued, and the principal current threats to biodiversity.
  • Students will understand the practice and complexity of preserving biodiversity through applied case studies.

Topical Outline

  • Week 1: introduction; origins of conservation biology; conservation ethics
  • Week 2: Defining biodiversity; conservation genetics
  • Week 3: Speciation; measuring biodiversity
  • Week 4: Extinction and extinction risk
  • Week 5: Special topic (TBA); conservation economics
  • Week 6: Problems affecting small populations; methods in applied population biology
  • Week 7: Habitat loss and fragmentation; global climate change
  • Week 8: Overexploitation; mid-term exam
  • Week 9: Invasive species; disease threats to wildlife
  • Week 10: Special topic (TBA); threats to freshwater biodiversity
  • Week 11: Aquatic invasions; managing parks and other public lands from an ecosystem perspective
  • Week 12: Challenges of integrating conservation science and policy
  • Week 13: Persistent organic pollutants; conservation law and water management in Georgia
  • Week 14: Presentation of group projects
  • Week 16: Special topic (TBA); course synthesis and the future of conservation

Syllabus