This course introduces students to the field of conservation biology and its main goal of biological preservaion of all forms. Students will learn some of the basic principles of population genetics, population ecology, and community ecology that are necessary for understanding how to protect individual species and populations. In addition, much of the class will examine the complex, interdisciplinary approach conservation biologists take in achieving their goals, including policy,ethics, and the nuts and bolts of how to protect habitat and build/manage protected areas.