CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (ZOOLOGY 475/675) SYLLABUS, FALL 2006

INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Craig Stockwell
Stevens Hall 121, 105
231-8449; Craig.Stockwell@ndsu.edu
Office HOURS: M,W 12-1; by appointment

SCHEDULE: Class will meet from 11:00 to 11:50 on MWF in Stevens Hall 230.

PREREQUISITES: Zoology 311, 312 & 364

TEXT: Primack, R. B. 2004. A primer of Conservation Biology. Third edition,
Sinauer, Sunderland.
Assigned readings on reserve in library or sent by e-mail as pdf files.

COURSE DESCRIPTION Conservation biology is an integrative approach to the study and conservation of biodiversity. This science includes numerous disciplines from the biological and social sciences; such as genetics, ecology, behavior, economics, sociology, philosophy and political science. This course will focus on biological topics but students will also be exposed to important issues in the social sciences. The interaction of science and management will be emphasized throughout the course. The class will meet for three 50 minute sessions each week. 3 Credits.

OBJECTIVES
" To examine the historical roots of conservation biology
" To examine various estimates of global bio-diversity
" To examine the history of global extinction and data for human-associated extinction events
" To examine the ethical and economic models for the conservation of biodiversity
" To evaluate the relationship between life history characteristics and extinction risk
" To examine the relative importance of anthropogenic factors in the current extinction crisis including habitat fragmentation, habitat degradation, exotic species and over-harvest
" To examine the application of genetic principles to conservation biology
" To examine the application of population biology to conservation biology
" To examine the application of spatial modeling and theory to conservation biology
" Promote inter-disciplinary thinking in students
" Promote critical thinking and the evaluation of scientific data
" Promote good communication skills (written and oral)

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Six homework assignments will be provided including paper critiques, role playing, and modeling exercises. The lowest grade assigned on the exercises will be dropped during final calculation of your grade.

IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS / POP QUIZZES
Occasional in-class assignments will be provided and you will be graded on your preparation and participation. Each assignment / pop quiz will be worth 5 - 10 pts. These assignments will not be announced, but the lowest grade will be dropped.

GRADUATE CREDIT:
Reading Group:
Graduate students will participate in weekly discussion groups. Each student will be expected to lead the discussion in two of these meetings. For each meeting all students will read at least one selected paper. The discussion leader will provide a short summary of additional papers (including appropriate graphs and interpretations) and lead the discussion. Students will be graded on their participation as well as for their ability to lead a vibrant discussion. Topics for discussion include but are not limited to: 1) The philosophy of conservation 2) Assessing the nature of biodiversity: How much and where? 3) The role of advocacy in conservation biology, 4) Economic models for conservation 5) The ethics of conservation, 6) Population modeling; MVP and PVA. 7) Conservation genetics and populations, 8) Conservation genetics and phylogeography, 9) Landsape approaches to conservation 10) Conservation and behavior, 11) Evolutionary conservation biology 12) Conservation and physiology, 13) Conservation ecology . For one choice, each student can use the same topic of their conservation paper & lecture (see below). Conservation paper and presentation: All graduate students will prepare and present a lecture to the class concerning a current topic in conservation biology. All topics must be cleared with the instructor. These topics will be researched using the current literature. Presentations will be provided with a 30-40 minute powerpoint presentation. Presentations will be graded according to completeness. The final presentations will take place during the last two weeks of class.

GRADES: All assignments and tests must be completed to pass this course, however the lowest grade among the five assignments will not be included in calculating the final grade. No makeup exams will be given. If you must miss a test due to sickness or personal tragedy, you must contact the instructor and provide appropriate documentation.
Undergraduate students
Test # 1 (October 4th ) 100 pts
Test # 2 (Novemeber 1st) 100 pts
Final (December 13th, 1-3pm) 100 pts
Homework Assignments 100 pts
In class assignments / pop quizzes 50 pts
Total 450 pts

Graduate Students
Test # 1 (October 4th ) 100 pts
Test # 2 (Novemeber 1st) 100 pts
Final (December 13th, 1-3pm) 100 pts
Homework Assignments 100 pts
Reading Group 100 pts
Final Presentation 100 pts
Total 600 pts

Grades will be assigned as follows:
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
below 60% = F

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
WEEK
TOPICS TO BE COVERED READINGS*
8/21/06 Course Introduction, History of Conservation Biology & A case study with a threatened species
Primack: 1-11
8/28/06 Biodiversity, How many species and where are they?
Primack: 11-34
9/4/06 Historic Extinctions & Human Associated Extinction
Ecological Footprint (exercise)
Primack: 34-36;
61-75
9/11/06 Vulnerability to Extinction
Primack: 113-117
9/1806 Economics, Ethics & Conservation
Primack: 36-60
9/25/06 Economics, Ethics and Conservation continued;
Extinction Factors: Hot Spots

10/2/06 Extinction Factors: Habitat Disturbance & Loss
Primack: 75-100
10/4/06 Test # 1; Biodiversity, Ethics, & Economics

10/9/06 Extinction factors: Habitat Fragmentation

10/16/06 Extinction factors: Exotic Species & Overexploitation
Primack: 100-113
10/23/06 Extinction factors: Overexploitation & Climate Change

10/30/06 Population Biology Primack: 121-124; 132-146
11/1/06 Test #2: Extinction causes

11/6/06 Conservation Genetics
Primack: 124-132
11/1306 Conservation Genetics

11/20/06 Landscape Management Primack: 183-197
200-201
11/2706 Graduate Student Presentations

12/04/06 Graduate Student Presentations

12/13/06 FINAL EXAMINATION
1:00 - 3:00 PM
* Additional reserve readings may be assigned in class. When possible these will be sent as pdf files, otherwise they will be available on Reserve at the front desk of the library.

SPECIAL NEEDS: Any students who need special accommodations for learning or
who have special needs are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY: All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, section 335, Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct (http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm). Violation of this policy will result in failure of this course.