Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    ENVC

 Course #:    410

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5.5

 CIP:    030101

 EPC:    16B

 REV:    2018

 Course Description  

Exploring the world's biological diversity including a wide range of species, complex ecosystems, and the genetic variation within species. Conservation biology is an interdisciplinary science that includes not only biological and ecological solutions, but includes socio-economic aspects. Includes ecological modeling.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Admission to BASEC or Department Chair permission.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Define and use the conservation biology discipline.
2. Utilize ecological software to model ecological parameters.
3. Develop a working understanding of biodiversity at several ecological and population levels.
4. Understand and quantify the value of biodiversity in various cultural settings and its global patterns.
5. Understand the anthropogenic causes of extinction in different socio-economic settings.
6. Create conservation plans for populations or species that consider the local cultural values and socio-economic settings.
7. Establish protected areas in various socio-economic settings and consider local cultural values.
8. Understand how socio-economic aspects influence conservation biology practices across the world.
9. Perform population growth models.
10. Model viability analysis of endangered populations.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.
2.4 Evaluate decisions by analyzing outcomes and the impact of actions.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.3 Analyze, apply, and communicate scientific concepts and principles in context (for example, in technological, personal, and/or professional situations).

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.

Course Contents

1. Defining conservation biology.
2. Diversity: Genetics, species, and ecosystems.
3. Global patterns of biodiversity.
4. Valuing biological diversity: Direct, indirect and ethical values.
5. Causes of extinction.
6. Conservation at the population and species level.
7. Establishing protected areas.
8. Conservation outside protected areas.
9. Ecological modeling.
10. Socio-economic aspects of species richness conservation.
11. Population growth models.
12. Viability of endangered populations.