ENV 424 - Conservation Biology

4 credit(s)
Provides an introduction to conservation biology. It will include an examination of the historical and ethical background of the conservation movement, and trace the development of the science of conservation biology. We will be making connections between society and the natural world, relating human impacts on plants and wildlife to the goals of the practicing conservation biologist. We will focus on biodiversity, with an emphasis on monitoring and maintenance. We will review and develop the ecological concepts that are the foundation of conservation biology, and will learn quantitative methods used to determine and predict the status of plant and animal populations. Furthermore, we will investigate the interplay between science, policy and culture that defines the success or failure of conservation efforts. This is a lab/field course that will combine in-class computer simulations using R with opportunities to learn first-hand from conservation efforts in our region. Previously Listed As: ENV 325.
Core Requirement(s): Sustainability.
Prerequisite(s): CS 130; BIOL 315 or BIOL 317; BIOL 314. MATH 226 strongly recommended.