This course is designed to provide a vehicle for instructors to address a topic with which they are especially concerned; usually more restricted than the subject matter of a regular lecture course. Topics will vary with instructor. See departmental announcements.

This is an introductory course in which we will explore the dynamic forces that shape biodiversity patterns across space and through time. Students will be introduced to the fundamental concept of biodiversity, from genes to ecosystems, as well as the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss in the context of ongoing planetary changes. Through lectures, readings, and discussions we will cover topics including the origin and distribution of biodiversity, ecological processes that influence biodiversity (e.g., disturbances) and the different scales at which they operate, how biodiversity is commonly measured, and the role of human activities in biodiversity loss. There will be occasional on-campus field labs that complement regular lectures and discussions. Finally, through case studies, we will explore the complexities of biodiversity conservation, including current criticisms of some approaches.

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