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This module explores the biology of species diversity and the theories and practices underlying our attempts to conserve diversity at the level of genes, species, communities, ecosystems and landscapes. We will explore the main threats to biodiversity including habitat loss and landscape change, overharvesting, invasive species, and the major global environmental change events of today: global warming, ozone depletion, and climate change. We will explore the major issues and problems in conservation biology, and the tools biologists use to accomplish their conservation objectives. We will apply qualitative and quantitative tools from population biology, and community and landscape ecology to learn how to predict the vulnerability of populations, species, communities and ecosystems to disturbance or extinction. Example case studies and current events will allow us to explore issues such as reserve design and management, policy issues, re-introduction projects, and restoration efforts. Students will delve into the most recent peer reviewed conservation biology literature to become familiar with predominant debates and contentious issues in the field. The course is designed to help students develop a critical perspective, pertinent quantitative tools, and an understanding of where the field of conservation biology came from and where it is headed.