Guiding Syllabus NATR 160 Introduction to Forest Health and Ecology

Revision Date
Curriculum Committee
Instruction Council
Implementation Date
Name of Originator
Bobbi Johnson and Mike Lesky
Review Level
New Course
Grading Basis
Graded
Course ID
238830
Course
NATR 160
Introduction to Forest Health and Ecology
Class Program
Credits
5
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.

Meets Degree Requirements For
Restricted Elective
Course Development Stipend Authorization
None
Weekly Student Contact Hours
7
Lecture Hours per Quarter 30 Lab Hours per Quarter 40 Clinical Hours per Quarter None
Total Hours Per Quarter
70
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
No CLO Text Set
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
Text and Reference Materials

The course instructor, with input from the department, will select the appropriate text(s) and reference materials for the course. Text(s) selected for the course should be, to a degree, reflective of text selections for similar course offerings at other institutions. Instructors are encouraged, but not required, to explore open-source text(s) and materials as an option.

Special Equipment, Supplies and/or Materials Required

This course does not require any special equipment, supplies, or materials.

Academic Credit for Prior Learning
None
Central WU Transferability
Restricted Credit
x
Eastern WU Transferability
Restricted Credit
x
WSU Transferability
Restricted Credit
x
UW Transferability
Restricted Credit
x
Western WU Transferability
Restricted Credit
x

General Statements

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

“The Disability Support Services Office has been designated by the college as the primary office to guide, coach and assist students with disabilities. If you receive services (or think you should) through that office and require accommodations for this class, make an appointment with the Director of Student Access (509-682-6854 or sas@wvc.edu) as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs. Any information you share is kept in strictest confidence unless you give written permission to do otherwise.

If you need a referral to that office or have further questions, please contact the Director of Student Access to assist you. Following through on these services can help you be more successful in your academic endeavors at WVC. (Note: the Director of Student Access will require appropriate documentation of disability. The use of that office is voluntary).”

Bias Prevention Statement

WVC is committed to providing a safe learning environment. For your safety, the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) can connect you with resources/support to address bias-related incidents that may interfere with your academic success, particularly those directed at persons protected under WVC’s Non-Discrimination Policies and Procedures (https://www.wvc.edu/publicdisclosure/aa-eo-statements.html). Please visit the BIRT site at https://www.wvc.edu/bias to learn more and find out how you can report bias-related incidents.

Student Holidays for Faith or Conscience Policy

WVC students are entitled to two days of excused absences per academic year for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church or religious organization. Students’ grades may not be adversely impacted by absences authorized under this policy. Each holiday taken under this policy must be taken as a whole day, i.e. the day may not be divided into hours and taken piecemeal. Related Procedures 1400.610.

Academic Dishonesty

Any student who engages in any form of academic dishonesty may be subject to discipline. Common instances of academic dishonesty include (but are not limited to): cheating; fabrication; plagiarism; facilitating, aiding or abetting others in academic dishonesty; collusion; or resubmitting work previously submitted for another course without instructor permission. Academic dishonesty may be subject to both academic sanctions and/or code of conduct sanctions.