BIOL 260 Conservation Biology
The Earth's sixth mass extinction, the first caused by humans, is likely to begin within the century. This course explores the major principles of conservation biology, an interdisciplinary discipline that focuses on the preservation of biological diversity at the gene, population, species, ecosystem, and global levels. Conservation biologists use biological theories to develop practical approaches for the protection, maintenance, and restoration of species, biological communities and ecosystems. This course provides an overview of the discipline including the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss, the value of biodiversity to humans, and conservation strategies. The course focuses on the biological concepts in conservation, but will also review economic, political and philosophical perspectives. By the end of the course, students should understand both the theories and applications of conservation biology, and be able to read and discuss current issues in this exciting field of science. This is a foundation course in the Environment, Sustainability and Society major.