This course focuses on ecological and evolutionary principles relevant to conservation, levels of and threats to biodiversity, and practical aspects of conservation. The objectives will cover: 1) principles of ecology and evolution concepts and practical actions in conservation biology; 2) current questions being addressed by conservation oriented research; 3) threats to biological diversity in terrestrial and aquatic systems; 4) conservation and management aimed at protecting natural areas, biodiversity, and endangered species; 5) issues surrounding the politics and economics of conservation