NEW Online Urban Biodiversity Course Interested in urban biodiversity conservation and planning? Want to hear from experts from around the world? Take our new online course, earn credit from the University of Missouri. You can even apply for free tuition, brought to you by UrBioNet: A network for urban biodiversity research and practice. See more information including the course description and instructor list below. Course runs from August 20-December 3, 2018.
Register here: https://online.missouri.edu/course-search/coursedetail.aspx?ci cid=311339&sid=334442 Any questions? Email Dr. Charles Nilon at nil...@missouri.edu Nat_R 8001-02. Topics in Natural Resources (Urban Biodiversity, C Conservation, Planning) Course Description: Urban Biodiversity Conservation and Planning. The importance of urban biodiversity is debated by many in the conservation community. Some researchers and managers focus on threats to biodiversity associated with urbanization and land use change. In contrast to this approach people who live in, study, or care about cities: ecologists, wildlife managers, conservation biologists, planners, and local residents have debated what biodiversity means in urban settings. Recent literature on biodiversity in cities notes the range of ecological, social, and cultural meanings of urban biodiversity and stresses the importance of defining the setting and scales at which biodiversity is being assessed. This approach to urban biodiversity has documented the importance of conservation of rare species and habitats but also the importance of managing the range of habitats in and around where people live, work, and play. This course builds on the work of the NSF-funded Urban Biodiversity Research Coordination Network (UrBioNet), with course modules taught by UrBioNet UrBioNet steering committee members. Course Format: This is an online course using the Mizzou Online Semester-Based Format. The course is divided into three, 4 to 5 week modules. Each module has 4-5 topics. Within each topic, there will be voice-over powerpoint presentations by an expert in the field to introduce the topic, 2-3 assigned readings from the peer-reviewed literature, an exercise, and revie review/discussion questions. Students have 2 weeks to complete each topic, with with online interaction with the instructors. Module Presenters: Myla Aronson (Rutgers University) Christine Brodsky (Pittsburg State University) Sarel Cilliers (North West University) Mark Goddard (Leeds University) Amy Hahs (University of Melbourne) Cecilia Herzog (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro) Madhusudan Katti (North Carolina State University) Frank La Sorte (Cornell University) Chris Lepczyk (Auburn University) Tommy Parker (University of Memphis) Paige Warren (University of Massachusetts-Amherst) Nick Williams (University of Melbourne) Wayne Zipperer (USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station)
