BIO 3660 Conservation Biology
This course will cover the principles and theories of modern conservation biology. First, a foundational understanding of concepts will be developed, such as: the patterns and processes that lead to our current levels of biodiversity, consequences of the loss of biodiversity, the link between organisms and communities and ecosystem-level processes and ecosystem services, invasive species sources and management, habitat loss and fragmentation, population viability analysis and habitat conservation, conservation tools and planning, and climate change. An important part of this class is an end-of-semester team presentation on an interview you will conduct with one of North Carolina’s many conservation organizations.
Course Types
Science; Advanced Studies; BS Biology - Integrative track (2000-4000 level electives); BS - Biotechnology, FMS-AH and FMS-HVM (biological breadth); AB Bio (integrative elective); BS in ENS or BS ENE (ecological processes)
Notes
The course will be offered fall of even years
Course Outcomes
- Learn how to use appropriate metrics to assess threats to conservation
- Become knowledgeable about Earth’s environmental problems and potential solutions, including understanding opposing opinions
- Evaluate existing conservation plans and evaluate peer-reviewed literature and cite sources appropriately
- Write a professional conservation plan for a biologically important area of North Carolina
- Make a formal group presentation of conservation plan