NBIA10 Conservation biology, 7,5 ECTS-points
/Aktuell biologi Naturvårdsbiologi/

Advancement level:
A

Aim:
The students should acquire knowledge about conservation biology, its application and practical importance and theories illustrated with Swedish and Nordic examples.

Prerequisites:
Basic qualifications

Course organization:
Lectures and laboratory work in form of eg. computer simulation, excursions, field studies and seminars.

Course content:
Conservation biology, biodiversity and endangered species. The global richness in species. Threat against biodiversity. Extinction rates and extinction risks. Fragmentation and destruction habitats. Overexploitation of living natural resources. The value of biological diversity. Arguments for conservation. Problems with small populations and endangered species and their dynamics. Species richness in animal- and plant communities. Key stare species. Processes at the ecosystem and landscape level and biodiversity. Management of habitats and reseves. Design of reseves. Conservation efforts in exploted habitats. Urban environments and ecology. Protection and maintenance of endangered species and populations. Restoration of damaged habitats. Politics and law.

Course literature:
Primack, RB 1993 Essentials of Conservation Biology. Sinauer Associates Inc Publishers,Sundersland Massachusetts. Compendium + various swedish material.

Assessment:
UPG1Compulsory attendance. Active participation at seminars. Examination forms are discussed at the beginning of the course.
Grades are given as approved or not approved.
Course language is swedish.