COURSE SYLLABUS – APPROVED FORMAT
General Information
 Northern Arizona University- Yuma; Department of Arts and Sciences
 BSC 441, Conservation Biology
 Spring
 3 hrs. Lecture, 3 credit hours
 Dr. Erv Barnes
 Science and Research building, Office 112
 Office hours: Monday/Wednesday 8:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Course prerequisites
BSC 326
Course Corequisite
BSC 441L
Course description:
Scientific basis for conserving and managing biological diversity, emphasizing applications of
ecology, drawing on other scientific disciplines, and integrating public policy and sociological
issues.
Student Learning Expectations/Outcomes for this Course
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Develop proposals in conservation of all forms of life but primarily plants and animals
utilizing the scientific evidence.
2. Explain conservation on several different levels: genetic, organismic, population, and
landscape.
3. Debate and write conservation plans for specific species.
4. Evaluate primary literature in conservation biology.
Course structure/approach:
The course may involve one or more of the following approaches: lecture and discussion;
application exercises; scheduled activities; case analysis; team projects; field trips, speakers with
relevant expertise, and/or other activities as appropriate to achieve learning outcomes.
Textbook and required materials: Student learning is facilitated with textbooks, readings,
audio-visual content, software, and/or other materials
Recommended optional materials/references (attach reading list): None
Revised 04/22/03
Course outline:
Week 1: Conservation biology and conservation medicine
Week 2: Ecological health and change
Week 3: Emerging infectious diseases
Week 4: Monitoring ecological health
Week 5: Global ecological change and human health
Week 6: Biodiversity and human health
Week 7: Zoonotic infections and conservation medicine
Week 8: Zoological parks and endangered species recovery
Week 9: Ecotourism, unforeseen effects on health
Week 10: Wildlife health and ecosystems
Week 11: Conservation medicine and challenges for the future
Week 12: Endocrine disruptive compounds in surface water and their effects on wildlife
Week 13: Global ecological integrity and public health
Week 14: Biodiversity in biomedical research
Week 15: Antibiotic resistance and antidepressants in surface water and their effects on wildlife.
Week 16: Final Exam and presentations
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
 Methods of Assessment: In-class exams, homework, debates, in-class activities, research
paper, and/or presentations.
 Timeline for Assessment: Over the course of the semester
Grading System:
Letter grades for the course will be determined based on the percentage of the total points as
follows:
90-100%
A Excellent
80-89%
B Good
70-79%
C Average
60-69%
D Lowest passing
<60%
F Failure
Course policy:
Retests/makeup tests:
No make-up exams or re-tests except for what the instructor may deem as extenuating
circumstances.
Attendance Policy:
Under NAU Policy, students are expected to attend every session of the class in which they are
enrolled.
Revised 04/22/03
Statement on plagiarism and cheating:
DON’T CHEAT!
Please refer to the NAU Student Handbook policy statement on Academic Integrity. Academic
honesty does not allow "plagiarism — knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as
one's own" (2005, Undergraduate General Academic and Graduation Policies).
If your instructor determines that you are guilty of plagiarism he deserves the right to give you a
zero on the alleged assignment up to failing the course in question. All incidents regardless will
be reported to the university.
University policies
Attach the Safe Working and Learning Environment, Students with Disabilities, Institutional
Review Board, and Academic Integrity policies or reference them on the syllabus. See the
following document for policy statements:
http://www4.nau.edu/avpaa/UCCPolicy/plcystmt.html.
Your instructor reserves the right to make any changes to the course policies, schedule, or any
other aspect of the class as he sees fit.
Revised 04/22/03