NATR 160: Introduction to Forest Health and Ecology

Class Program
Credits
5
Lecture Hours 30 Lab Hours 40 Clinical Hours None
Weekly Contact Hours
7
Meets Degree Requirements For
Restricted Elective
Description

Exploration of the symbiotic relationship of forest health and forest ecology. The macro and micro ecosystem of the forest habitat will be explored to show the total inter-dependency of both systems.

Course Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes
  1. Utilize maps, aerial photographs, and land survey abilities in the management of natural resources, including geographic information systems.

    Problem Solving
    Quantitative Reasoning
    Qualitative Reasoning
  2. Describe and apply concepts of ecology, conservation, and management for timber, fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

    Problem Solving
    Quantitative Reasoning
Program Learning Outcomes
  1. Select and apply appropriate field techniques to sample, measure, and monitor timber, fish, and wildlife species and their habitat(s).

    Problem Solving
    Critical Thinking
  2. Describe biotic and abiotic processes, including human impacts that influence ecosystems and contribute to ecological change.

    Problem Solving
    Qualitative Reasoning
    Communication
    Written Expression
Program Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe and apply concepts of ecology, conservation, and management for timber, fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

    Problem Solving
    Quantitative Reasoning
  2. Objectively predict, assess, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate perspectives of diverse stakeholders regarding natural resource problems and issues.

    Problem Solving
    Critical Thinking
    Quantitative Reasoning
    Social Interaction
    Collaboration
Program Learning Outcomes
  1. Utilize maps, aerial photographs, and land survey abilities in the management of natural resources, including geographic information systems.

    Problem Solving
    Quantitative Reasoning
    Qualitative Reasoning
  2. Describe biotic and abiotic processes, including human impacts that influence ecosystems and contribute to ecological change.

    Problem Solving
    Qualitative Reasoning
    Communication
    Written Expression
Program Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe biotic and abiotic processes, including human impacts that influence ecosystems and contribute to ecological change.

    Problem Solving
    Qualitative Reasoning
    Communication
    Written Expression
  2. Objectively predict, assess, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate perspectives of diverse stakeholders regarding natural resource problems and issues.

    Problem Solving
    Critical Thinking
    Quantitative Reasoning
    Social Interaction
    Collaboration

Core Topics

  1. Physical and biological processes that affect forest and ecological health
  2. Determining site carrying capacity and stand make-up impacts upon forest ecology and health
  3. Identifying internal and external stress factors that contribute to both negative and positive forest health
  4. Developing management prescriptive practices that will improve forest health, i.e. thinning operations
  5. Collection and analysis of stand/site data to promote sustainable timber stand improvement, sustainability, and maintaining optimum rotation time lines