Conservation Biology is the field that seeks to study and protect the living world and the biological diversity. The course is intended to provide the basic knowledge on the above field and to introduce students to the major aspects of the science, offering also key examples of protection and management schemes.

Students after attending the course are expected to have developed skills for identifying the components of biological diversity, to have become familiar with methods of studying populations in the wild but also in the lab, and to propose plans for managing and conserving this biodiversity.

At the end of the course students should be able: a) to acquire enhanced knowledge on ecological issues, b) to work in groups, c) to use their knowledge in solving simple ecological problems, d) to develop their judgment, their critical way of thinking for making decisions on ecological issues related to the terrestrial biodiversity of Greece

Defining Conservation Biology - What is Biodiversity - The Value of Biodiversity - Threats to Biodiversity - The concept of extinction - Conserving Populations and Species - Conservation in Protected Areas and outside Protected areas - Sustainable Development

1. Demography of human populations - 2. Age structure of plant population - 3. IUCN categories to classify the conservation status of individual species - 4. Comparison of animal species conservation status using European Red Data Books - 5. Ex situ conservation: planning of a zoo park - 6. Evaluation of parameters used  in plant conservation 

Prerequisite Courses: Ecology

The course is offered to Erasmus students: Teaching in Greek language - Exams in English language.

The evaluation process is carried out in Greek language (there is the possibility in English for Erasmus students), with a final examination of the whole course that includes: a) Written examination with questions of multiple choice, questions requiring short answers, questions requiring critical judgment (60%), b) Written examination in the practicals (20%), c) Group reports on each practical exercise (20%). d) Optional group seminar with a bonus of 0.5-1 to the passing grade. A pass is required in both written examinations for a successful result. The average grade of Laboratory Exercises contributes ...% to the final, total, course grade.