Advanced Conservation Biology
Tuesday & Thursday
9:15-10:30 AM
LSA 119
Instructor
Dr. Leah Gerber
Department of Biology
Office: LSA 212; Lab: LSA 209
Leah.gerber@asu.edu
Texts
Caughley, G. and A. Gunn. 1996. Conservation biology in theory and practice. Blackwell Science, Oxford. 459 pp.
Morris, W.F. and D.F. Doak. 2002. Quantitative conservation biology: Theory and practice of population viability analysis. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland. 477 pp.
Gibbs, J.P., M.L. Hunter, E.J. Sterling. 1998. Problem-solving in conservation biology and wildlife management. Blackwell Science, Malden. 215 pp. (optional)
Class Website
https://myasucourses.edu
Office Hours
Tuesdays 4:00-5:30
Thursdays 10:30-12:00
Course Goals
This course is designed for advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in quantitative conservation biology. We will explore the theory and application of demography and extinction models to the management of threatened and endangered plant and animal populations. The problems faced by small, declining and exploited populations will be emphasized. Classes will be comprised of lectures, discussion and computer laboratories. Demographic analyses will include age- and stage-based projection matrices using both deterministic and stochastic methods. We will learn how to calculate the population growth rate, estimate population parameters, and evaluate the elasticity and sensitivity of demographic parameters to perturbation. Students will use these techniques to develop an in depth research project and term paper. The class will provide students with quantitative, written and oral communication skills that will enhance your career options.
Grading
25%: Midterm
30%: Directed Research Project
10%: Directed Research Project Proposal
10%: Directed Research Project Final Oral Presentation
10%: Mock hearing presentation
15%: Participation
Exams
There will be one midterm in essay format. I will pass out questions several days before the exam. Questions will include material presented in lecture as well as information from your reading assignments. You are free to discuss the questions amongst yourselves and consult relevant literature. You can bring a ½ page college-lined, one-sided outline for each question to the exam (we will check these). Responses to each question will be limited to 2, college-lined, one-sided pages for each question. Grading of essay questions WILL include grammar, structure, and clarity.
Directed Research Project
Directed research projects will focus on conducting a PVA for an endangered species. I will provide datasets and you will work in teams of four to conduct analyses. You should organize and format your paper to be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Sections should include an introduction, methods, results, and discussion; check the "instructions to authors" for the journal Conservation Biology at http://conbio.net/scb/Publications/ConsBio/, and note specific format for citations!). The maximum length for the paper is 25 pages, not including references and figures. You will have a chance to get feedback from me when you submit your proposal on September 19. The proposal should make clear who will be doing what for the final paper. I encourage you to take this assignment seriously and consider working on a paper that you will actually submit to for publication.
Lecture Schedule – SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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