Concepts of biodiversity are introduced at genetic, organismal and ecosystem levels. The conservation of threatened species and ecosystems is then explored in human-dominated landscapes. Special attention is given to the history and geography of biodiversity, to the biology of rarity and to the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function. Topics considered in conservation biology include conservation ethics, threats to biodiversity, strategies to conserve ecosystems and species, and socio-economic aspects of conservation. COREQ: BIOL 2356. (lec 3,lab/sem 3) cr 3.