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. My goals for your learning in this course are: (1) To introduce you to the principal concepts & methodologies of Conservation Biology, (2) To enrich your understanding of the scientific contributions necessary for solving conservation problems, (3) To foster your understanding of the process of science in general, and as applied in conservation contexts, (4) To further develop your powers of analysis and communication, thereby improving your abilities to contribute to creating solutions.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Class meetings will consist of lecture interspersed with discussion on particular issues and readings. Students will present case studies that they research outside of class, as well as an independent research project.
We will use the new edition of "Principles of Conservation Biology" as the text, currently being revised by myself, Gary Meffe and Ron Carroll. It is a multi-authored text with contributions from the most prominant experts in the field.
Recommended preparation
It is helpful to have had a course in Ecology prior to taking this class. It is no longer necessary to satisfy the stated prerequisite of BLS 392 (this change is going through the curriculum process currently).
Class assignments and grading
Assignments will range from short writings associated with participation in discussions in many class sessions, small group work on case studies in conservation practice, 2 computer labs to practice some critical techniques in conservation biology, and preparing an independent research project on a topic of your own choosing.
Grades are based on quality of work, as well as the timely completion of the assignments and will be composed of the following parts: Project 30% (25% paper + 5% presentation), Computer Projects 30% (10% each), Case-Study Discussions 20% (5% each), Short Essays 10% (all averaged together), Participation 10%. The quality of your work will be judged by many criteria, including the clarity of your expression, the soundness of your arguments, the depth and aptness of your survey of the literature or exploration of the readings, your insightfulness, and your organization. I will provide you with examples in class, and feedback on your writing and oral presentations throughout.
