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 2 | 20% |
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
|