Overview of Course

The maintenance of biological diversity is one the greatest challenges our world faces today as the ‘Sixth Mass Extinction’ is currently underway and species are disappearing at an alarming rate. This course will provide students with an appreciation of the patterns of species diversity around the globe and an understanding of the factors leading to extinction. Students will learn about relevant theory, principles, and practices needed to understand and resolve issues in biodiversity conservation. The Semester-at-Sea voyage will allow students to experience firsthand global patterns of biodiversity and conservation in action. Throughout the voyage, we will compare the challenges to the conservation of biological diversity faced by countries with different populations, cultures, and economies.