Biodiversity Conservation Science

3 credits · Undergraduate

Biodiversity change is a defining feature of Earth's history, but its contemporary dynamics are driven by humans. This course introduces students to the modern biodiversity crisis and evaluates strategies for abating it while meeting other goals for humanity, including food and energy security. We will draw on key case studies from marine, terrestrial, and freshwater environments, with an emphasis on Latin America, and consider the ethical and societal implications of conservation practice alongside the biological ones. Through lectures, readings, discussions, interactive exercises, field trips, and a final project, students will learn fundamental concepts in the science of conserving biodiversity on Earth. The course is intended for undergraduates with some background in ecology, biodiversity, or a related field.