Hibiscadelphus giffardianus Rock - Endemic to Hawaii, EndangeredFound only in Kipuka Puaulu in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. [photo: Jane Bowles]
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY MODULES
Honors Specialization in Conservation Biology
- Honors Specialization in Conservation Biology Requirements - This pdf form is a guide only, for complete information see the Academic Calendar.
Major in Conservation Biology
- For complete information see the Academic Calendar.
Do you know that we are living in a time of unprecedented mass extinction? Around the world, biological communities that evolved over millions of years are being destroyed by human activities. Without a better understanding of the role humans play in extinction, species like elephants, tigers, grizzly bears and thousands of lesser known plant, fungi and invertebrate species will be lost from the wild. Conservation biology is an established, multidisciplinary science that deals with this crisis confronting biological diversity. It has two principle goals: (1) to investigate human impacts on biological diversity; and (2) to develop approaches to prevent extinction of species.
The Conservation Biology modules at Western are designed to provide you with the ability to identify what species are at risk of extinction, diagnose why they are at risk, and determine how to reverse the process of decline to stave-off extinction. By drawing on expertise from the Departments of Biology, Geography and Political Science, you will be exposed to experimental and theoretical approaches to conservation biology as well as to the economic factors and the policy procedures that shape and develop conservation strategies. The modules offer a diverse range of courses to select from and many courses have hands-on laboratory components or field components.
Consultation with the chair of the Honors Specialization in Conservation Biology, Dr. Liana Zanette, is advised prior to registration in your third year.
