Tropical ecosystems contain an enormous proportion of the world's known species and represent about 42% of the world's biomass carbon reserves. However, much of this extraordinary natural diversity is heavily affected by human activity and is under intense threat. “Introductory Tropical Biodiversity and Conservation” is an English-taught course that focuses on the unique ecosystems and ecological patterns specific to the major tropical regions (Neotropics, African and Asian tropics), as well as the major threats to these tropical ecosystems. In each lesson, we will cover a particular tropical ecosystem, introducing the ecological concepts and conservation issues surrounding the ecosystem. There will be a field trip to Taipei City Zoo on second or third week of April, where we get to understand the role of zoo in conserving animals.