Forest Ecology

Catalog description

In this course, the forest community is used as a model to discuss ecological principles as they apply to forest management. Students will gain a better understanding of biological organization and community classification, biotic and abiotic environmental factors, population and community ecology, and the role of disturbance in forested ecosystems. In addition, biogeochemical cycling, forest succession, and the role of natural selection will be discussed. Students will be expected to apply scientific principles and critical thinking skills to all lab activities and research papers. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.