Biology 4120/8126 Conservation Biology

Conservation Biology is a relatively new discipline that has developed in response to the threats to biological diversity from an expanding human population. Conservation Biology emphasizes that finding rational solutions to conservation issues requires firm grounding in the science of ecology and a primary emphasis of the course will be on the how science is applied to understand threats to biological diversity and how it is used in seeking solutions to problems.  However, Conservation Biology also recognizes that understanding the threats to biological diversity and finding effective approaches to prevent its loss requires a multidisciplinary approach.  In this course we adopt this multidisciplinary approach, integrating ethical, economic, political, and social components of conservation issues into our discussions.  The course takes a broad, global perspective in examining conservation issues, though we will place special emphasis on examples that have implications for Nebraska and the Great Plains.