Conservation Biology

3 units

Conservation Biology will focus on biodiversity, current threats, and keys as well as obstacles to its preservation for the future. We will examine the different levels of biodiversity present in nature as well as highlighting its importance and why it matters to the human population. In studying conservation biology, students will also learn key concepts from related fields such as evolution and ecology that are necessary to understand concepts and concerns. These themes include species and ecosystem management, restoration, strategies to combat threats, and past successes and failures relating to biodiversity conservation. This course is introductory level and intended for Environmental Analysis majors as well as potential science majors who may be investigating their interests. The purpose of this class is to provide a foundation for future coursework in ecology and conservation as well as to create citizen stewards for our natural environment as they proceed through life. By better understanding our natural biological world and the importance of the issues facing it, my hope is that you also become active participants in environmental protection and awareness as citizens, voters, volunteers, and even in potential professional applications. It is clear that conservation and true environmental sustainability lies in an educated and aware public.