Conservation Biology is a scientific discipline and management context that deals with the diversity of life in ecosystems. Humans have tremendous effects on other species and ecosystems on Earth, and Conservation Biology considers these effects, and how our impacts can be altered to sustain diverse and healthy ecosystems.

Conservation Biology encompasses a wide range of biological sciences such as genetics, evolution, and physiology, as well as a wide range of ecological sciences such as biodiversity, competition, predator/prey relations, and long-term dynamics.

 This university-wide undergraduate program addresses contemporary environmental issues that deal with biological diversity and prepares students to play an active role in the maintenance of biological diversity. 

The Interdisciplinary Program in Conservation Biology in the College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University is essentially a minor that can be included with a wide range of majors to form a strong Bachelor's Degree program.

Interdisciplinary Studies Program . . . checksheet

Faculty Contacts:

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Curriculum Requirements

*SOC 100/SOC 105 prerequisite waived for ISP Con Bio students. Contact SOC 320 instructor for waiver when registering.
**Choose one of the courses listed or any other genetics or evolution course.
***Typically taken for 1 credit. See details below.

In Addition to the Courses listed above, the student must choose six credits from the following:

NR 495 - Independent Study in Conservation Biology

NR 495 is designed to be a conservation biology "capstone" course that provides the students with an opportunity to synthesize their interests in conservation biology. Get the "hidden registration number" from the secretary of the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Watershed Stewardship (Room 131 Forestry Bld.). Make sure you sign up for "Conservation Biology" in the notebook the secretary has. See back page for procedures.

NR 495 - Procedures for Independent Study in Conservation Biology

The Interdisciplinary Program in Conservation Biology provides the opportunity to undertake an independent study under the guidance of one of the professors in the program. NR 495 is a "capstone" course that provides the students with an opportunity to synthesize their interests in conservation biology. These independent studies may include original field research in a field of conservation. The appropriate number of credits, as well as the format and structure of the independent study, is tailored to the goals of each student. A brief proposal that describes the nature of the independent study should be submitted to three faculty members, who will administer the program for their approval.

Failure to follow any of the following steps will ensure that you will be awarded an "Incomplete" for your NR495 project.

1. Discuss your concept for the independent study with one of the faculty contacts for the program. Remember, your subject has to focus on conservation biology! Typically, the Conservation Biology NR 495 is a 1-credit course, taken your final semester, in which you write a term paper that is a literature review on a conservation topic of your choosing. Although not a requirement, if desired, this paper also can incorporate analyses and presentation of data you have collected as part of independent research you have conducted (in some cases, such research projects might warrant enrollment for more than 1 credit).

2. Based on your discussion, develop a written proposal (1 page) that describes your project, defines your product, and spells out the timetable for completion. For your report, follow the style and format (e.g., literature citations) of the scientific journal Conservation Biology. Content, grammar, and writing style should be of the highest quality and appropriate for a professional paper.

3. After your adviser has approved your proposal, submit your proposal for approval to two other faculty listed above. Collectively, these three faculty will constitute your NR 495 committee. Keep this proposal sheet! It must be attached to your final paper and presented to the committee of faculty when you defend your product.

4. Your report will be evaluated as a professional paper. In order to assess the current state of knowledge on your topic, you must review the primary scientific literature. You should cite AT LEAST 5 primary sources from peer-reviewed scientific journals (this does not include "gray literature", book chapters, agency reports, or web sites!). Whereas it is fine to search web pages in exploring your topic, the use of web pages should be minimized.

5. When your project is complete, you should submit your paper to each member of the committee at least one week prior to your defense. You then need to schedule a meeting with your faculty committee to present and defend your findings. Make sure you confirm the meeting location, date, and time with all three of the faculty on your committee! Your defense should begin with a 10-15 minute overview followed by a question and answer period. Generally, this oral presentation lasts one hour.

6. It is your responsibility that the 3 faculty contacts that approved your proposal are present during your defense. Your grade is based on: a) quality of the report, b) your presentation, and c) your response to questions during your defense.