Prof. Dr. Claus Bässler, baessler@bio.uni-frankfurt.de, phone +49 69 798 42136; 

Staff of the Conservation Biology Working Group

Module information

Biodiversity on Earth is under considerable threat due to land use and climate change. We are in the midst of the 6th global mass extinction, and the epoch we live in is therefore called the Anthropocene. One of the most significant challenges of our time is to use resoures while preserving biodiversity. A central aim of conservation biology is to develop concepts and find solutions to achieve this goal. The module “Conservation Biology" includes lectures and seminars to transfer factual knowledge about conservation biology. This module includes the topics of introduction to conservation biology as a scientific discipline, basics of biodiversity research, the value of and threats to biodiversity, instruments for the conservation of biodiversity, national and international legal bases for nature conservation and methods for nature conservation assessment. As a supplement to the lecture and seminar, the module also consists of exercises as an integrative combination of theoretical transfer of factual knowledge and practical testing and consolidation. The focus of the courses is on applying and implementing theoretical knowledge to answer nature conservation questions. This knowledge includes formulating nature conservation questions, developing a suitable study concept, collecting relevant data, evaluating and interpretation. The results are discussed in nature conservation management for biodiversity conservation and with relevant stakeholders (e.g. land users).

Deadwood is a highly diverse habitat and plays a crucial role in maintaining diversity in forest ecosystems (Foto: Alfred Schiener).

Time slot of module – First half of winter semester.

Number of participants – 12

Special features – The module can be carried out wholly or partly in English in consultation with the students.

Homepage of the working group