Conservation biology is a relatively new discipline which arose in response to the alarming loss of biodiversity throughout the world. The course examines the scientific principles that underpin the theory of conservation biology and the social, legal and political frameworks within which practioners must operate. 

Topics covered include:

• Biodiversity and why we need to conserve it
• The biological factors that predispose species to extinction, and the threat to biodiversity.
• Conservation practices aimed at conserving biodiversity from genetic diversity, to species through to ecosystems will also be examined, with an emphasis placed upon dealing with the uncertainty inherent in ecological systems.
• Special methodologies including basic ecological sampling, genetic analyses, population viability analysis, adaptive management and reserve design principles will be studied. 

The course will include practitioners from government and non-government organisations to expose students to practical examples of conservation and wildlife management.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand, describe and appraise the scientific principles that underpin the theory of conservation biology and the social, legal and political frameworks within which practitioners must operate
2. Use the software package RAMAS Ecolab to perform population viability analysis of example data sets and evaluate, interpret and critically evaluate the outcomes in written form
3. Apply reflective and argumentative thinking to find solutions to overcome conflicting scientific, societal and personal views that impact on conservation outcomes
4. Search the literature to identify papers relevant to a topic in conservation biology and distill, integrate, synthesise and critically evaluate these findings in writing

Assessment will be based on:

• Quizzes to demonstrate understanding of the field (10%; LO 1)
• An extensive literature review demonstrating literature search skills, critical evaluation, synthesis and depth of understanding of the field (60%; LO 1, 3, 4)
• Computer-based tutorial reports demonstrating competent use of the software, critical appraisal and interpretation (25%; LO 2)
• Participation in online and tutorial discussion and debate to demonstrate reflective and argumentative thinking (5%; LO 3)

Up to 10 hours (5 x 2 hour sessions) involving guest lectures and discussion, 5 hours of computer based tutorials with the remainder of the course delivered online.

Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in the field of biological science with relevant experience or academic achievement. 

First year Biology, first year Genetics and first year Statistics are recommended. 

First year Chemistry is desirable.

Students are strongly advised to also take BIOL6013, which gives practical experience in ecological research.