Current Topics in Conservation Biology

EEB 489
Spring Semester 2007

Biological consequences of climate change

This semester, this seminar will focus on the latest information on the role of climate change in conservation biology. We will read the book by Lovejoy and Hannah (2005), which reviews a wide range of topics relating to the class theme. For details about the book, click here. Note that students are responsible for ordering this book themselves; it will not be in the textbook section of the Co-op, but it can be ordered from the general books desk.

Discussions will be led by students. The expectation is that you will present a 10-15 minute summary (no more) on the topic. Your summary should draw on the readings, but not simply be a re-stating of what we have all read. Try to synthesize the material and draw out the major points. Also, feel free to supplement the reading material with other information on the topic.

The class leader should then be prepared to keep a conversation on the topic going for the remainder of the class session. To do this, come with a list of talking points and questions. Often it makes for better discussion if you distribute these questions a day or two ahead of time (if you email them to me, I will forward them to the rest of the class). Where possible, try to relate your topic to those we have already discussed. Given the nature of the topic, making links to information in the news would also be ideal. If you want to use powerpoint for your summary, please let me know a day or two in advance. If you have not done led a discussion in a seminar course before, please talk to me beforehand.

A class schedule is posted here. Please email me to sign up for a week in which you want to present. Openings will be given out based on the order I receive them (give me your top 3 choices in case preferred topics have already been taken). A week before class starts I will assign topics to anyone who has not yet signed up.

This course is required for students in the EEB BS/MS program, but is open to all graduate students. Undergraduate students interested in taking the course should talk to the instructor for a permission number (click here). Post-docs, adjuncts, and (even) faculty are welcome to join in the fun.

During 2006, the topic was the conservation implications of invasive species. To see what we covered during that course, click here.

During 2005, the topic was relating general conservation approaches to local problems in New England. To see what we covered during that course, click here.

During 2004, the topic was the role of science in the U.S. Endangered Species Act. To see what we covered during that course, click here; for a reading list, click here.

Credits: 1
Instructor: Chris Elphick
Meeting time: Tuesdays 4-5
Location: Bamford Room (TLS 171B)

Other information

For information about EEB's Joint B.S./M.S. degree program in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology click here.
For information about the Society for Conservation Biology click here.
For information on jobs in conservation biology click here.
For information on jobs in wildlife biology click here.
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