Provides an advanced interdisciplinary analysis of biodiversity conservation and related science policy issues.  Areas of focus selected from topics such as geo-information science for biodiversity, sustainability science in conservation, agricultural biodioversity, biotechnology and genetic resources, poverty reduction and trade competitiveness, human health and disease, global environmental governance, and natural resource management issues such as: agroforestry, drylands goods and services, mountain development, integrated water resource management, and sustainable tourism.  Taught as a seminar, discussions will be enhanced with case studies, simulation games, lab exercises, and student presentations.

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  1. What is "biodiversity" and what is meant by the mantra in development literature known as "sustainability science " and how does it fit within biodiversity conservation science? 

  2. Evaluate how the international donor system functions and the institutional and political processes that impact how "sustainable development" is implemented--particularly conservation and biodiversity.  Focus on the critical role of the UN system, bilateral donors, multinational business, NGO's, PVO's, and private-commercial sector in development.

  3. Analyze selected case studies illustrating the evolution of sustainability-thinking and conservation policy decision-making as it pertains to specific critical environmental zones and regions: semi-arid/arid regions, montane zones, coastal/insular regions, tropical forests, river basins.

  4. Consider the concept of environmental security as a unifying theme and paradigm for analysis and intervention at the state and global level.  Focus specifically on global environmental policymaking, treaty formulation and coordination.  Analyze specific case studies dealing with disasters (natural and human-induced) as well as global environmental threats, e.g. ozone depletion, desertification, deforestation, biogeochemical cycle disruption, water management, species conservation.

  5. What is the future of sustainable development planning and policy analysis from a career perspective--how does one get into this field?

  6. How does one link-up with evolving thought and activity in this arena? 

  7. Show students how to use network skills to access organizations and affect decision-making.

  8. Consider some of the basic policy issues and problems of implementing sustainable development and conservation in both urban and rural regions of the developing and developed world.

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        Grading Rubric:

          For an A grade:

          Above 94% on all reports, reviews, presentations and take-home exercises as well as exceptional work on the research project (see above). To get an A you must demostrate high creativity, initiative, resourcefulness in all areas of the course and have an excellent participation and attendance record as well.

          For a B grade:

          For a B+ you must get above 87% in all all reports, reviews, presentations and take-home exercises and good work on the final project. For a B you must achieve between 84 - 86% and a B- will be given to those scoring between 80 - 83%.

          For a C grade:

          Below 80% on reports and below average writing on take-home exercises/ projects and below average participation and attendance: C+ = 75 -79%, C = 70 -74%, C- = 65 - 69%.

          For a D or F grade:

          To get a D+ = 60 - 64% and D = 55 - 59%; D- = 50 - 54%. Below 50% is a failing grade = F

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        Procedures and Regulations:

          No make-up will be allowed except by prior arrangement for good cause (official University business and death in the immediate family). In all cases you must notify the instructor before you make-it-up. Make-up work must be normally taken within one week of the missed project is due.

          Doing your best consists in:

          • regular attendance and participation in all class discussions and activities,
          • reading required assignments before you come to class,
          • handing-in or doing assignments on time--this also applies to class presentations where the
          • quality of your presentation in terms of visual/graphical appeal are evaluated AND
          • clarity, organization and quality of material given in the oral presentation.
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        Notes on Communications:

        1. Throughout the entire course a strong emphasis will be put on encouraging students to practice and perfect various forms of written, oral and graphic communication--emphasis on use of HTML Web-based material as well as use of maps and charts. See the following list of Web Publishing Resources for more information how to publish on the web.  

        2. See also the various WWW Resources relating to cartography, map and aerial photo interpretation, GIS/RS (remote sensing), and so on included in the ESS course (ESSC 541-542). See also -- Resources for Earth System Science.  

        3. Students will also be expected to learn to use basic electronic communications effectively such as email. Much of the course will be carried out online via the BLACKBOARD site.  

        4. Monitoring of participation to asses evidence of interaction with people and resources beyond the course--in THE REAL WORLD--is encouraged and demanded! Students will also be shown HOW TO ACCESS ONLINE (INTERNET) DATA in the course. One of the goals is to not only teach good email writing skills and netiquette,  but more important HOW TO USE THE INTERNET to do research and communicate across the globe with other students as well as experts in their areas of interest. 

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        Time and Location - Project and Assignment Due Dates

        1. LOCATION AND TIME: To be Arranged.

        2. ONLINE DISCUSSIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS SUBMISSION   via BLACKBOARD
        3. Final Project Oral/Class Project Powerpoint Presentations - December 14, 2007 - see SCHEDULE
        4. Final Written Paper Due December 14, 2007 - see SCHEDULE 
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Last Revised: August 22, 2007