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Forest Ecology

Analytical Thinking
Critical Thinking

Course Description

Explores the fundamentals of forest ecology, including global relevance of forests; global distribution of forests in relation to their climatic controls; landscape patterns of forests in relation to local controls; temporal dynamics of forests; controls on forest structure and dynamics; forest ecosystem processes; and factors influencing forest ecosystem stability.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to prepare a lecture and guide discussion on a selected topic in forest ecology, which will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Graduate credit will also require that the quality of the term paper, presentations, and any other assignments will be of a higher quality than at the undergraduate level (i.e., assignments will receive more rigorous grading than at the undergraduate level).

Athena Title

Forest Ecology

Non-Traditional Format

This course will be taught 95% or more online. This course will be offered during eight-week summer thru semesters.

Prerequisite

FANR 3200W or ECOL 3500 or FANR 3505H

Semester Course Offered

Offered summer semester every year.

Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

Student learning Outcomes

  • Students will discuss basic scientific concepts and principles which govern managed and unmanaged forest systems.
  • Students will apply concepts and principles of ecology to address real-world issues related to forest management
  • Students will critically analyze the ecological costs and consequences of management activities on local, regional, and global forest systems
  • Students will communicate effectively through writing, speech, and poster presentation the factors regulating forest structure, function, and dynamics.
  • Students will engage in complex thought, analysis, and reasoning as they relate to forest ecosystem processes and management.

Topical Outline

  • Forest Ecology Terminology and Concepts; Global Relevance; Climatic Controls; Landscape Patterns
  • Temporal Dynamics of Forests: Disturbance; Succession
  • Forest Structure and Dynamics: Biodiversity; Species Interactions
  • Forest Ecosystem Processes I: Soils; Primary Productivity
  • Forest Ecosystem Processes II: Forest Nutrition; Biogeochemistry; Herbivory
  • Forest Ecosystem Stability Then, Now, and into the Future

Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes

Analytical Thinking

The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.


Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.


Syllabus

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