BIOL 180 - Introduction to Conservation

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
This is an introductory, non-lab science course designed for interested students in fulfillment of the general education non-lab science requirements. Topics include: the history, philosophical paradigms, central concepts, techniques, and challenges of conserving major natural resources in varied social, economic, and political contexts. A brief introduction of ecology and environmental biology will serve as the foundation for discussion of conservation concepts.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 087 or AENG 100 with a grade of C or higher or appropriate placement; or permission of the Science Division Chair or designee.
Recommended: READ 088 or higher.
Course Outcomes:

Solve conservation problems systematically and adeptly.
Reason qualitatively and logically about conservation phenomena.
Express knowledge in multiple forms.
Explain the three approaches to conservation.
Analyze case studies based on conservation principles.

Course Topics:

Biological science introduction
Ecology introduction
Balance and flux
Methodology
Utilitarian approach
Preservationist approach
Ecosystem approach

Course Attribute(s): Natural Science