FOR 340: Forest Ecology

Credits: 3

Shady, mossy forest

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About FOR 340

This course will provide students with an understanding of fundamental ecological processes which control the composition, structure and function of forest ecosystems, and form the foundation for sustainable forest management. Module I​ taught by Dr. David Rothstein focuses on functional ecology of forest trees, including response to environmental factors, growth, physiology and regeneration ecology. ​Module II taught by Dr. Scott Stark focuses on the interactions among forest trees, and between trees and other organisms. The course ends with units on ecosystem ecology and forests’ role in global change, including climate warming.

A sample week in FOR 340

Week 5 - Water Relations

  • View online lecture
  • Read Transpiration and Water Balance
  • Read pages 325-240 and 354-364 from the textbook
  • Take an online quiz
  • Water relations discussion forum

Hear from someone who took FOR 340

Matt Deering"I’m really excited about my future in forestry, and Forest Ecology is an important class to make it happen. Despite needing to take it online due to the pandemic, we still had an opportunity to get outdoors and put some of our previously learned skills to the test. Learning about the tradeoffs in growing and regeneration strategies of trees, to how trees interact with each other and other organisms deepened my understanding of the processes I will need a thorough understanding of to properly manage forests. Dr. Rothstein and Dr. Stark made themselves available any time—even outside of office hours if necessary—to make sure they could answer our questions and help us work through the material or processes we need extra help with. Overall, I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in ecology and the outdoors in general."
— MATT DEERING, STUDENT

 

 A glimpse into the course

 

 

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