ENVC 410 - Conservation Biology

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 22
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Exploring the world’s biological diversity including a wide range of species, complex ecosystems, and the genetic variation within species. Conservation biology is an interdisciplinary science that includes not only biological and ecological solutions, but also socio-economic aspects including Salish Sea indigenous perspectives. Includes ecological modeling.

Prerequisite: Admission to BASEC or Department Chair permission.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Apply concepts of conservation biology to natural resources management at various spatial and temporal scales.
Utilize ecological software to model ecological parameters.
Create conservation plans for populations, species, or protected areas that consider the local cultural values, socio-economic setting, and indigenous perspectives.
Apply population growth models and viability analyses to conservation questions, with emphasis on models and analyses that consider anthropogenic pressures at local and global scales.
Perform comparative analysis of the literature on conservation of biodiversity.

Course Contents

Defining conservation biology.
Diversity: Genetics, species, and ecosystems.
Global patterns of biodiversity.
Valuing biological diversity: Direct, indirect and ethical values.
Causes of extinction.
Conservation at the population and species level.
Establishing protected areas.
Conservation outside protected areas.
Ecological modeling.
Socio-economic aspects of species richness conservation.
Population growth models.
Viability of endangered populations.

Instructional Units: 5.5