This area entails study and maintenance of biological diversity at the level of genes, populations, communities, ecosystems and biomes, intellectual underpinnings include evolutionary theory, systematic biology, population biology and ecosystem science. Conservation biology seeks ways to integrate biological principles with social, economic and political perspectives to achieve conservation goals. The field is a response of the scientific community to the biodiversity crisis. Conservation biologists view nature's diversity as important and having inherent value. Training in this field includes experience with the fundamental disciplines and theory of conservation biology, as well as specialization in conservation issues. Students are encouraged to explore the human dimensions of biological conservation through coursework in other departments of the College, and to acquire firsthand experience in the application of biological knowledge to problems by working for a conservation agency. Professional Experience Option option requires at least 30 credits of graduate coursework, of which 24 must be taken in residence at ESF.