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TERM:2020-21 Winter
COURSE NUMBER: BIOL 436
COURSE TITLE: Conservation Biology
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Vernon S. Peters
CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION: credits 3 (hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 1.5 - hrs lab 0)
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION: A discussion of the principles of conservation biology with applications to sustainable human society and biosphere integrity. This course develops the theoretical and applied basis for maintaining plant and animal populations considered endangered, threatened or at risk. It explores the complex factors contributing to the decline, extinction, or recovery of species. The course develops a stewardship perspective rooted in biological principles, and ethical, historical and economic considerations. Local, regional and global conservation strategies are discussed.

This course does not meet the natural science (with lab) breadth requirement.

Prerequisites: BIOL 330
PROPOSED REQUIRED TEXTS:
  • Van Dyke, Fred, Lamb, Rachel L., Conservation Biology Foundations, Concepts, Applications. 3 rd Edition ISBN: 9783030395322, Mandatory, Essential to Pass the Course
  • Reserve journal readings
MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:
Midterm 1 20%
Midterm 220%
Final Exam (Take-home) 15%
Term Project 15%
Reserve Reading and/or Practical Exercise Assignments 20%
Class and Seminar Participation 10%
100%
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
  • To survey the major issues defining the discipline of Conservation Biology, including the value of, threats to, and conservation strategies for global biodiversity. 
  • To gain an understanding of the theoretical and applied basis for maintaining endangered populations.
  • To provide the background necessary for making reasoned decisions in applied ecology.  This includes reading policy issues from a conservation biology perspective.
  • To develop a stewardship perspective that is rooted in historical, ethical, biological and economic considerations.
COURSE OUTLINE:
  • History and Distinctions of Conservation Biology
  • Biodiversity: Concept, Measurement, and Management
  • Values and Ethics in Conservation
  • The Anthropocene: Conservation Implications
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change
  • Conservation Genetics
  • Population Conservation
  • Habitat and Landscape Conservation
  • Conserving Aquatic Systems
  • Conservation Through Ecosystem Management
  • Conservation Economics and Sustainable Development
  • Legal Foundations of Conservation Biology
  • Conservation as Vocation
SEMINARS
  • In Class: Jack Miner and other colorful characters in the history of Canadian Conservation – Dr. Vern Peters, The King’s University
  • Lab 1: Beaverhills Moraine and Nordic culture: Developing a Conservation Values Survey (field trip to SWC – 20$ ski trip)
  • Christians in conservation: Oil pad restoration and the Au Sable Institute Dr. Fred VanDyke
  • Conservation Research and Education at a Texas Wildlife Reserve Dr. Darren Proppe, Wild Basin Creative Research Center
  • Conservation Project Day
  • Forest management and owl conservation – Does old growth matter? Dr. Gordon Court – Alberta Government
  • Student Seminar Day – Conservation Projects & Proposals
  • Conservation in Parks and Protected Areas Dr. Joyce Gould, Parks Canada
  • Conservation and Climate Change Dr. Mike Flannigan, The University of Alberta
  • Virtual Field Trip to Banff National Park (with ENVS 410)
  • Species at Risk Legislation and Species Recovery Planning Mrs. Robin Gutsell, Alberta Government Mrs. Susan Peters, Alberta Conservation Association


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