Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BISC 309 D100

Conservation Biology (3)

Class Number: 2364

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 204 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the primary threats to biodiversity, how biological processes contribute to the persistence of populations and structure of communities, and species and landscape approaches to conservation in the real world.

COURSE DETAILS:

Conservation biologists seek solutions to the daunting problem of how to preserve the evolutionary potential and ecological viability of the world’s biodiversity in the face of increasing pressure from human activities. In this course, we will examine the primary threats to biological diversity, assess how genetic, ecological, and land/seascape level processes contribute to the persistence of populations and the structure of communities, and explore species and landscape approaches to managing biodiversity on a local and global scale. The course will be organized around lectures and guest lectures, supplemented with computer games, tutorial readings from the primary literature and discussions and role-playing connecting scientific research with conservation decisions in the real world.

Grading

  • Examination 30%
  • Essay 30%
  • Understanding the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 10%
  • Tutorial and quizzes 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.