BIOA 4002

This course will examine the ecological concepts underlying current issues in conservation biology. Topics covered include effects of agricultural habitat fragmentation on wildlife, conservation of biodiversity, stability and resilience of ecosystems, optimal design of nature reserves, and habitat heterogeneity. This is a discussion-style course concentrating on current published scientific papers chosen by the students. Students will also learn to read and critically evaluate scientific papers, and to apply this ability to writing literature reviews.