Principles of ecology and biodiversity through the lens of conservation planning and policy. Drawing from concepts across multiple disciplines at various spatial and temporal scales in the physical and biological sciences, exploring topics and applications such as watershed management, agricultural practices, wetland delineation, population viability analysis, and ecosystem assessment.

BCM 700 course syllabus

Overview of current tools and best practices for designing research projects and acquiring, managing, and presenting conservation data. Topics include quality control, the importance of metadata, effective research design, statistical power, and other strategies for generating valid answers to important conservation questions.

BCM 705 course syllabus

Focuses on all aspects of conservation project management, including understanding context and culture, writing grants, building partnerships, developing and managing a budget, assessing outcomes and deliverables, and communicating project results with diverse audiences. Students will explore principles of adaptive management related to conservation projects.

BCM 710 course syllabus

Principles and application of conservation relating to complexities of the human relationship with nature. Investigate and integrate social science into management, understand treaties, laws and policies, realize economic and recreational aspects, and consider ethics and advocacy. Enhance cultural competency and build capabilities for communicating and engaging with diverse audiences.

BCM 720 course syllabus

Explore species concepts, biogeography, and phylogenetics as they relate to conservation. Evaluate the curation and use of biological collections in conservation research and education. Practice using taxonomic keys and analyzing molecular data. Students will choose taxa of particular interest for a targeted project.

BCM 725 course syllabus

Apply analytical tools to investigate, visualize, interpret, and communicate conservation data. Students will gain hands-on experience with applications such as the R Statistical Computing System, Microsoft Excel, and cloud-based data storage frameworks.

It is recommended students complete BCM 705  prior to enrolling in this course.

BCM 730 course syllabus

Prepares students for an applied self-directed capstone experience. Address problem identification, research, and project formulation. Culminates in an oral and written proposal with project schedule.

Prerequisites: Completion of at least 15 credits, including at least one course in each of the three certificates: Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Conservation Data Management and Analysis, Conservation Leadership, Policy, and Management.

The capstone course is an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in the program by completing the proposed capstone project in a professional, laboratory, or field setting. The outcomes of the capstone project will be presented in a summary report.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of BCM 790.