Course Objective: Forestry 331, Forest Ecosystems, provides an analysis of forest communities relative to structure, material and energy flow, and the dynamic interrelationships of biotic and abiotic components to provide and ecological basis for management of forest ecosystems. 

Instructional Objective: I will serve as a class facilitator to involve the students in decisions, discussions, and synthesis of ecological concepts.  I will introduce relevant background materials, present classical concepts, and initiate discussions on current issues of relevance to the understanding and management of forest ecosystems. 

Student Objectives: Develop the professional attitude, knowledge, and desire needed as a resource manager.  Understand and discuss the biotic and abiotic factors relative to the growth and development, and perpetuation of trees in an ecological framework.  Work together, contribute to the class.  Share information - a rising tide lifts all boats.

Prerequisites:  Plant Biology 200,  Biology 307, Plant and Soil Science 240

Suggested Text: Forest Ecology,  Barnes, B.V., D. R. Zak, S.R. Denton, and S. H. Spurr. 1998.  John Wiley and Sons. New York. 4th edition.  774 pp.  This is the same text used in FOR 201.

   Additional references will be available on reserve in Forestry reading room. 

Evaluations, Grades: 2 exams            @ 100 pts each  = 200 pts
  6 Quizzes - approx. every 2nd week @ 25 pts each  = 150 pts
                                Phenology,  project -    @ 100 pts = 100 pts
                                                                                               450 total pts possible

   Grade Percentage = Total points earned by student    X  100
                                           Possible total points

                                       Scale  A 90.0-100.0%
                                                  B 80.0-89.99
                                                  C 70.0-79.99
                                                  D 60.0-79.99
                                                  F <60.0%

All exams/quizzes will be announced at least one week in advance
Only pre-arranged or validated medical excuses will be acceptable for rescheduling of an exam or assignment.
Phenology project guidelines will be announced in class.
 

Suggested Course Outline: This outline provides a general overview of the material to be presented.  Because of class involvement, interest, and interjection of current relevant ecologically related events, the timing of the topics may not exactly conform to the suggested dates