Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary field that has evolved in response to the urgent need to address the increasing loss of biological diversity. This course is structured around the fundamental principles of conservation biology, as encapsulated by its two primary objectives: 1. Evaluating the human impacts on biological diversity, and 2. Developing pragmatic strategies to avert species extinction.
The course commences by delving into the pivotal issues that underpin the science and practice of preserving Earth's rich biological diversity. It navigates through an array of topics encompassing the various threats that each species, population, or ecosystem faces. Subsequently, the course elucidates how conservation biologists integrate conservation policy with theories and employ diverse methodologies for analysis and problem-solving. In addition to engaging lectures, the course will foster discussions on real-world case studies and the formulation of conservation policies.