Conservation Biology (Advanced)

All instruction is conducted in English.

The courses present four aspects of conservation biology based on current scientific research in this discipline:

1. Introduction to biodiversity conservation (BC): definition of conservation biology. Why conserve biodiversity? Who are the main actors in BC and what is the role of science in BC?

2. Species conservation: Which species are priorities? How can species be conserved? How can we know if a species is "well conserved"?

3. Conservation of spaces: Which spaces are priorities? How can spaces be conserved?

4. Does conservation work? The importance of social acceptability and political commitment. The need for biodiversity indicators and measuring the impact of conservation.

Students also work in groups to present a BC project, addressing the following questions: why, what, where, how, how much does it cost, and how can we tell if it is effective?

Knowledge:

- Understand the main scales, tools, and actors involved in conservation,

- Understand key concepts in conservation biology,

Expertise:

- Know how to use the main criteria for prioritizing conservation actions,

- Develop a critical mindset regarding the effectiveness of conservation actions.

- Good level of spoken and written English, as all teaching is conducted in English.

- Basic knowledge of ecology.

- Basic knowledge of biodiversity conservation

Continuous assessment: 100%

Hourly volumes:

CM: 0 hours

Tutorial: 8 hours

Practical work: 0 hours

Field: 0 hours

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SPS: 0 hours

Seminars: 7 hours

Outside UM: 0 hours