NR 150 - Forest Ecology - Disturbances

5 credits

Prerequisites
ENGL 095 or placement in ENGL& 101, or instructor permission.

Part two of a three part forest ecology series. This ecology course will focus on the basic of ecological iteration of plants, animals and the environment with an emphasis on events that cause significant changes of our forest plant communities. Theories will introduce insects and diseases endemic to the Pacific Northwest, fire and history dynamics, gap/patch disturbances caused by wind, and how flooding alters our riparian communities. Climate change will be interwoven in relation to these disturbance agents in today’s forests. Laboratory will focus on life history, basic biology and identification of insects and diseases, fire effects and management, and measures of weather and climate. Students will be evaluated on both theory and Laboratory material and will be required to maintain a field journal during labs. This course will be taught in an accelerated format being completed in a 2 week period.

Theory Hours
3 theory hours.

Guided Practice Hours
4 guided practice hours.

Vocational Program Course
Vocational program course.

AA General Elective
May be used as a general elective in the AA degree.

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Recognize and describe how disturbances alter ecosystems
Identify insects and diseases that are important pests in Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems
Describe how climate influences abiotic factors such as fire and wind in creating diverse landscapes
Demonstrate an understanding of basic terminology associated with forest ecology
Explain gap dynamics, fire frequency/intensity and epidemic/endemic population growth in relation to forest ecology