Biology: Conservation Biology

<p>BIOR83</p><p>Conservation Biology is an advanced course in Biology and in Environmental Science and focuses on the scientific foundations of conservation. An important part of the course is to provide deep knowledge about theory that is important for conservation biology, such as population dynamics in small populations and heterogeneous landscapes and conservation genetics. The course also touches upon ethical considerations related to conservation. Lectures consider global patterns and ecosystem functions of biodiversity, conservation genetics, genetic methods in conservations, population dynamics, demography, meta-population ecology, reserve system planning, disturbance ecology, behavioural tools for conservation etc. In addition there is an emphasis on developing a deep understanding for and critically evaluate these areas, and to develop skills that can be of use in practical conservation work and in research. Because of this, the course has many literature seminars, discussions and exercises. The exercises concern e.g. population dynamics and systematic conservation planning.</p>