Conservation Biology (GBIO 485/585) Spring 2016 lecture: MW 8:00-9:15 lab: M 1:00-4:45 Room 322 Biology Dr. Sean Doody Phone: (985) Room 424A Biology Office hours: T 10:00-6:00, TH 1:00-2:00, 4:00-6:00

What is Conservation Biology (CB)? ▪ Every ecosystem on earth affected by humans in some way - we are in the ‘Anthropocene’ ▪ Habitat loss, invasions, loss of soil, pollution, genetic diversity eroded, climate changing = declines in biodiversity ▪ Human population growth is exponential ▪ In addition to inherent reasons for retaining biodiversity, we are damaging our own resources ▪ CB is a response by the scientific community to the biodiversity crisis. It applies principles of many disciplines to the maintenance of biodiversity worldwide

Course Objectives ▪ Develop a knowledge of conservation biology theory based on ecological concepts ▪ Become familiar with current conservation issues, research, and management strategies ▪ Appreciate the interrelationship and conflicts among biological, political, social, and economic considerations relevant to biodiversity loss and conservation ▪ Appreciate the responsibility humans have as global stewards of our biodiversity ▪ Expand analytical capacity for applying and integrating theoretical concepts ▪ Become adept at reading, critiquing and discussing scientific research papers ▪ Increase communication skills by discussing conceptual issues

Textbook ▪ Groom et al., 2005, Third edition ▪ 3 major units: 1. Conceptual Foundations for Conservation 2. Focus on Primary Threats to Biodiversity 3. Approaches to Solving Conservation Problems

What you will be tested on ▪ Exams will be taken from the lectures; these are mostly from the textbook, which is there to reinforce the lectures ▪ Readings from the textbook will help you better understand the concepts and principles from lectures ▪ To achieve the best grades possible and to get a fuller understanding of ecology read the assigned chapter(s) before class (see syllabus) ▪ We will have reviews in class before each exam

Grading ▪ Overall grade = 75% from lecture, 25% from lab ▪ Lecture grades will be calculated from the following three components: ▪ (1) journal article critique…………..20 % ▪ (2) exam 1 (Feb 29)..………………….20 % ▪ (3) exam 2 (Apr 11)…..……………….20 % ▪ (4) final exam (TBA)….……………….40 % ▪ Grading scale ▪ A % ▪ B 80-89% ▪ C 70-79% ▪ D 60-69% ▪ F 0-59%

Journal article critique ▪ Objective: to teach you to think critically and evaluate the importance of the conservation issue, the quality of the science, the rigor of the study design, data collection and analysis, and how realistic their interpretations of the data and their conclusions were ▪ In the next few weeks I will provide scientific journal articles for you to choose from on Moodle ▪ Your critiques will be due on the last day of class (WED 4 May) ▪ They will be 3 typed pages (single-spaced, 12 pt font) with 3 sections (about 1 page each): ▪ Summary = what the researchers found, how and why they conducted the study ▪ Significance = how the study moved the science of ecology forward ▪ Critique = how they could have improved the study given more ideas, time, $, etc

Exams ▪ Two regular exams (20% each) and one final exam (40%) ▪ The final exam is comprehensive, covering all lectures ▪ Exam questions will include a diversity of formats including ▪ multiple choice, short answer, True-false, definitions, and essay questions

My Story ▪ Born in NY, grew up in Baton Rouge; Bachelor of Science in zoology at LSU ▪ Masters in Biological Sciences at SLU ▪ PhD in Applied Ecology University of Canberra, Australia ▪ 3 postdoc fellowships in Australia ▪ Assistant Professor Monash University, Melbourne Australia ▪ Moved back to the US to be closer to extended family