Time Schedule:
Martha Groom
BES 485
Bothell Campus
Exploration of the science underlying methods of species and ecosystem conservation. Emphasis is placed on understanding the limits and promise of scientific approaches to conservation, within the social, political and economic context of conservation problems.
Class description
This course focuses on the biology that underlies conservation problems and the challenges we face as a society. I believe it is necessary to have a deep understanding of many biological principles in order to effectively guide conservation planning. In addition, we will also discuss the social and political contexts of conservation issues, for an understanding of these contexts is also critical to solving environmental problems. This course will introduce you to some of the literature, controversies, and promising methodologies used in Conservation Biology. As in all fields of science, objective standards and sound research design are essential for progress, thus a major emphasis will be on developing "standards of evidence" in evaluating each issue.
Student learning goals
To introduce you to the principal concepts & methodologies of Conservation Biology
To enrich your understanding of the scientific contributions necessary for solving conservation problems
To foster your understanding of the process of science in general, and as applied in conservation contexts
To further develop your powers of analysis and communication, thereby improving your abilities to contribute to creating solutions
General method of instruction
Class meetings will consist of discussion on particular issues and readings interspersed with short lectures. Students will present case studies and short research projects that they develop outside of class.
We will use the 2006 of "Principles of Conservation Biology" as the text, edited by myself, Gary Meffe and Ron Carroll. This multi-authored text has numerous contributions from the most prominent experts in the field.
Recommended preparation
It is helpful to have had a course in Ecology prior to taking this class.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments will range from short writings, participation in discussions in many class sessions, small group work on case studies in conservation practice, and preparing independent research projects.
Grades are based on quality of work, as well as the timely completion of the assignments and will be composed of the following parts: Projects 30% each, Case-Study Discussions, exercises and Short Essays 20% (all averaged together), Participation 20%. The quality of your work will be judged by many criteria, including the soundness of your arguments, the depth and aptness of your survey of the literature or exploration of the readings, your insightfulness, the clarity of your expression, and your organization.
