Using the shark fin trade to teach molecular biology and understand the ongoing biodiversity crisis

The teaching of molecular methods through programs designed to answer real-world questions is rare. Here, we use the shark fin trade and take a problem-based approach that introduces students to the molecular methods used in conservation biology and genetics. The teaching of biodiversity loss and the sheer magnitude of the problem can lead to students feeling ecological grief and helplessness. To combat this, here, we describe a semester-long lab class that tackles a contemporary problem in conservation and the associated biodiversity loss. The class takes students from project design and sample collection to the publication of results in reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals. These publications have been picked up by local and international media and have been used in policy documents outlining shark conservation strategies. This gives students a sense of achievement, which helps alleviate the sense of helplessness and despair that frequently manifests when discussing global challenges such as biodiversity loss. Participants came from a wide array of backgrounds, with diverse scientific experiences ranging from no molecular laboratory experience to those who are comfortable and already competent with molecular techniques. Student evaluations and comments over a 5-year period overwhelmingly indicate the successful nature of this problem-based approach to learning.