This course provides an in-depth exploration of biodiversity, its significance, the environmental factors that influence it, and the conservation strategies needed to sustain our planet's diverse ecosystems. Students will gain an understanding of the complex interactions between biodiversity and the environment, and how human activities impact both.

(1) The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, Elizabeth Kolbert: Explores the current mass extinction event caused by human activities and its impact on biodiversity.

(2) The Diversity of Life, Edward O. Wilson: A classic that delves into the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of species.

(3) The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, Peter Wohlleben: While not exclusively about biodiversity, it offers insights into the complex interactions within ecosystems.