BIO2040 - Conservation Biology
General Unit Information
Conservation Biology is a new, multidisciplinary science born of crisis: the unprecedented threat to biological diversity in modern times. This course has two basic goals.
First, it examines the magnitude and nature of the problem - human impacts, ranging from habitat destruction to introductions of exotic species - on genetic diversity, species, communities, and ecosystems.
Second, the course explores solutions, including both theoretical and practical approaches, to the protection and maintenance of biodiversity. These efforts range from maintaining genetic diversity to preventing species extinctions to restoring entire functioning ecosystems.
Objectives
Students completing this subject will:
- be aware of the dramatic rate of species extinctions and the role of human activities in the extinction process
- understand the reasons for, and consequences of these extinctions
- have a sound knowledge of conservation methods used to prevent further loss of species
- understand the special problems involved in conserving endangered species.
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Specific Unit Information
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