Course Overview
Conservation biology is the science of biology that looks at human impacts on biological diversity and possible means to prevent extinction of native species. Topics to be covered in this course include: principles of conservation biology and biological diversity, biological diversity of British Columbia, value of biological diversity, threats to biological diversity, invasive species management, climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, species at risk, habitat loss and fragmentation, island biogeography theory, and the species area relationship as it relates to biodiversity conservation and the design and planning of protected areas. Field sessions outside of scheduled class time will be required.
Prerequisite(s)
- Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.
Credits
4.0
Domestic fees
$1,096.16
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course the student will be able to:
- Analyze and communicate the scientific basis and historical context of conservation, and the principles and tools available for addressing conservation issues.
- Apply conservation biology principles to the research and preparation of recovery plans for species at risk.
- Apply conservation biology principles to the design and planning of parks and protected areas.
- Apply the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA) and associated legislation.
- Compile species at risk reports.
- Prescribe invasive species management plans for various species and habitats in BC for conservation purposes.
- Critically evaluate the current literature in conservation biology.
- Justify to the general public the need to conserve biological diversity, considering potential change needed in individual behaviour and public policy.
- Design and implement an outreach activity to convey the significance of conservation issues to a non-science target audience (general or school children [K-12]).
Effective as of Fall 2009
Related Programs
Conservation Biology (RENR 8103) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Ecological Restoration
Bachelor of Science Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of RENR 8103 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 85237
Dates
Jan 04 - Apr 22 Loading
- CRN 85237
- $1096.16 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- This course is reserved for the BSc in Ecological Restoration program. For registration, please contact Anita Lai at anita_lai@bcit.ca or 604-432-8465.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.