| Course Name |
(中) 保育生物學(2113) |
| (Eng.) Conservation Biology |
| Offering Dept |
Department of Forestry (Forest Science Program) |
| Course Type |
Elective |
Credits |
3 |
Teacher |
Hsiang Ling Chen |
| Department |
Department of Forestry (Forest Science Program)/Undergraduate |
Language |
English |
Semester |
2026-SPRING |
| Course Description |
Conservation Biology is a synthetic discipline seeking to apply scientific methodology to conservation issues with an overarching goal of preserving biological diversity, ecosystem function, and ecosystem resilience in the face of human-caused threats. In this course, we will learn about threats to biodiversity, and understand underlying principles and tools to assess biodiversity, ecosystem function, and ecosystem resilience, within the context of economic, social and political factors that influence conservation in practice. |
| Prerequisites |
|
self-directed learning in the course |
Y |
| Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%) |
Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives |
| Course Objectives |
Competency Indicators |
Ratio(%) |
Teaching Methods |
Assessment Methods |
| Understand main goals of conservation biology and their underlying principles. Students should be able to discuss the conservation issues with respect to underlying goals, values, concepts, threats, and actions that are central to Conservation Biology. Practice how different groups or stakeholders may approach a conservation issue and understand the reasons behind their differing views. |
| 2.Theories and practices in forest biology, conservation and ecology |
| 3.Theories and practices in silviculture, forest genetics and breeding |
| 4.Theories and practices in forest management |
|
|
| Exercises |
| Discussion |
| Lecturing |
|
| Written Presentation |
| Oral Presentation |
| Assignment |
| Quiz |
|
| Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule |
| Week |
Course Content |
| Week 1 |
Class introduction. What is conservation biology? |
| Week 2 |
History of conservation biology
Biodiversity, Ecosystem function and services
|
| Week 3 |
Extinction |
| Week 4 |
Habitat destruction and fragmentation |
| Week 5 |
Habitat destruction and fragmentation |
| Week 6 |
Overexploitation |
| Week 7 |
Overexploitation
Climate change |
| Week 8 |
Climate change
Review for midterm |
| Week 9 |
Midterm exam |
| Week 10 |
Invited guest lecture – Professor Chiou-Rong Sheue & Professor Peter Leith Chesson |
| Week 11 |
Discuss and correct midterm exam
Invasive species |
| Week 12 |
Personal assignment presentation
Invasive species
|
| Week 13 |
Pollution
Conservation planning and priorities
|
| Week 14 |
The roles of people in conservation
|
| Week 15 |
Conservation in human-modified landscapes
|
| Week 16 |
Oral presentation
|
self-directed learning |
   01.Participation in professional forums, lectures, and corporate sharing sessions related to industry-government-academia-research exchange activities.    02.Viewing multimedia materials related to industry and academia.    03.Preparing presentations or reports related to industry and academia.
|
|
| Evaluation |
1. 1 midterm- 100 points
2. 1 oral presentation- 100 points
3. 1 personal assignment - 100 points
Final grade: (total grade/ 300) * 100 |
| Textbook & other References |
Textbook 1: Sodhi, Navjot S. and P. R. Ehrlich. 2010. Conservation Biology for All. Oxford University Press.
Textbook 2: Richard B. Primack. 2014. Essentials of Conservation Biology. Oxford University Press. |
| Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website |
| Class handouts and readings will be on i-Learning |
| Office Hours |
| Wed: 11:10-12:00 |
| Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs(Link URL) |
| 14.Life Below Water   15.Life On Land | include experience courses:N |
|