The course focuses on one of the major problems that humanity is facing today: the irrevocable loss of global biological diversity. In the first part of the course, students are provided with an overview of diversification and extinction in the geologic record, and then explore the patterns, magnitude, and causes of the currently mounting mega-extinction spasm. In the second part, the course focuses on approaches that can be used to recover endangered species, address habitat conservation problems, and achieve ecological sustainability.
Students achieve expertise on the course topics through engagement in a combination of lectures, weekly discussions, assigned readings, films, field trips, and computer exercises. At the end of the class, students will be equipped to understand and address problems relating to declining populations and the sustainable management of biological resources.
Class Format:
Weekly discussions deal with material from lectures, assigned readings, and films; and performing computer and gaming simulations.