BIO460: Biological Diversity / Faculty of Applied Sciences

This course provides an introduction to the topic of biodiversity. Lectures emphasize the science of systematics, taxonomy, classification, nomenclature, phylogenetics, evolution, ecology, and, the role of biodiversity in sustainability and conservation of biodiversity. This course begins with introductory, and cover fundamental scientific concepts that will be used throughout the course. Later, lectures include a survey of the world’s biodiversity, with emphasis on the most diverse taxa. These core lectures include a brief look through geologic time and how biodiversity has evolved over geologic time. This course employs the six-kingdom classification system according to the recommended textbook. For final examination, quizzes, test and assignments, questions will be based on material presented in the lectures and laboratory practical (written, spoken, presented on the computer, etc.), and information in required reading assignments, i.e., All information presented in lecture and practical, and assigned is testable. This course is also available on Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) via : https://www.openlearning.com/courses/biological-diversity