GEOG 41
Biodiversity on a Changing Planet
In this course we will explore the dynamic forces that shape biodiversity patterns across space and through time. Students will be introduced to the fundamental concept of biodiversity, from genes to ecosystems, as well as the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss in the context of ongoing planetary changes. Through lectures, readings, and discussions we will cover topics including the origin and distribution of biodiversity, ecological processes that influence biodiversity (e.g., disturbances) and the different scales at which they operate, how biodiversity is commonly measured, and the role of human activities in biodiversity loss.
Topics
- Understand the different levels of biodiversity (genetic, species, ecosystems) and how they are related. Understand global and local-scale patterns of species diversity, including extinction and evolution, and ecological processes that influence biodiversity. Evaluate hypotheses that explain changing patterns of biodiversity. Understand how to measure common biodiversity indices, apply this understanding to real-world field conditions, and evaluate their effectiveness for different organisms, environments, and scales. Describe and understand major drivers of biodiversity loss, including habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation. Critically evaluate current research and debates in the field of biodiversity conservation. Apply knowledge gained from lectures, readings, and discussions to proposed evidence-based solutions to real-world biodiversity challenges.
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027