Forestry

FOR 200

A basic introduction to the various types of maps and their uses, field navigation skills, and map making. The course is heavily field and laboratory based, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and practice. Both traditional technologies, such as compasses, U.S. Geological Survey maps, and aerial photographs as well as newer technologies, such as global positioning systems and geographic information system databases will be employed in carrying out course exercises.

FOR 219

A study of the basic concepts of botany related to woody species and their use, along with basic soil and site characteristics in the identification of trees and forest vegetation. Labs may be conducted in an outdoor forest setting often in steep terrain and inclement weather.

FOR 245

This course will provide an introduction to the form and functioning of trees. We see trees every day but how well do we know how they work? The reading materials, lectures, activities and class discussions will help you answer these (and more) questions: How do trees acquire and manage resources? How do they grow and reproduce? How can trees grow to be so tall? How do trees communicate? How are the major lineages of trees related to one another and how has tree evolution been influenced by climate? How can trees withstand biotic and abiotic stress and how do they recover? Answers to these questions will be addressed in the context of both anatomical and physiological adaptations. In addition to learning about general tree biology, this course will also help students understand variation in tree form and function across scales, from within-site variation, to differences in tree function across different ecosystem types.

Prereq: BIO 103 (Basic Ideas of Biology) – OR – BIO 148 (Introductory Biology I).

FOR 250

The application of statistical concepts, computations, and software to forestry sampling and inventory problems. Land, individual tree and timber stand measurement techniques will be covered as will the design and implementation of sampling systems to derive information necessary to meet landowner objectives.

FOR 310

Forest health is a ubiquitous goal in forest management. Everyone wants a healthy forest but what exactly does this mean? Definitions of what constitutes a healthy forest vary widely and can be different depending on forest type, management goals, and spatial scale. Tree health is an important part of forest health, but the two things are not synonymous. A wide range of abiotic and biotic factors can contribute to the decline of trees. While some level of mortality is healthy in natural systems (and unavoidable), other threats can jeopardize entire forests and/or forestry operations. Invasive insects and diseases are perhaps the most noticeable threats, causing widespread tree mortality and changing forest ecosystems worldwide. Many other stressors, from native species to extreme weather, cause occasional or incremental damage that can predispose trees to other factors or act synergistically to decrease forest health overall. This course will introduce forest health and lay the foundation for future courses in the forestry major, providing future forestry professionals with the skills to recognize and maintain forests that are sustainable and meet management goals. This course will introduce a broad range of topics related to forest health including: 1) defining forest health, 2) current forest health conditions, 3) biotic threats, 4) abiotic threats, 5) management.

Prereq: FOR 245 (Tree Biology).

FOR 330

Principles and operations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applied to forestry and natural resources. Students will learn to collect necessary field data to create GIS maps and digital spatial data sets, perform basic spatial analysis, and integrate social and economic data to solve spatially related natural resource problems.

Prereq: FOR 200, or consent of instructor.

PLS 366

Study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and how these properties relate to plant nutrient availability and plant growth, land- use planning and management issues, and soil and water quality issues. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours.

Prereq: CHE 105.

FOR 260

An examination of fundamental material properties of wood and how these characteristics influence use for a diversity of wood products. Concepts covered include species identification, chemical and mechanical properties and their effect on utilization, and utilization technologies.

FOR 320

Apply economic concepts to silvicultural practices, land values, and values affiliated with various forest uses. Apply supply and demand concepts and financial computations to identify and quantify economic consequences of silvicultural actions or management practices. Taxation and monetizing ecosystem services will be discussed.

FOR 340

Forest ecology is the study of the structure, function and dynamics of forested ecosystems. Forest ecologists study how different components of the physical environment, climate, land use, and species interactions have come to shape the forests of today and how changes in patterns across the landscape will influence how forests look and function in the future. This course provides students with an overview of the distribution, nature, and dynamics of forested ecosystems. Throughout the semester, we will examine the ecological principles governing processes at the scale of the ecosystem, community, and organism in forested landscapes. Students will also gain some understanding of the importance of forests in human history and the importance of managing forests with an underlying understanding of ecological principles. Through lecture material, discussions and activities, students will develop an understanding of ecological concepts and, in the process, develop the ability to apply those concepts. Ecology is an evolving science that requires the assimilation of information to address new questions and problems, leaning heavily on the complementary skills of observation and analysis.

Prereq: BIO 103 or BIO 148.

FOR 350

A study of ecologically based manipulations of forests to achieve desired management objectives. Develop and apply silvicultural prescriptions and learn the effects of these prescriptions on timber and non-timber forest benefits, forest health and biodiversity, soil, and water resources as well as their effect on broader social, economic, and ecological issues.

Prereq: FOR 219 and FOR 250

FOR 370

Applications of basic biological concepts such as physiology, energetics, nutrition, digestive systems, and anatomy to the study of wildlife and wildlife management. In addition to basic wildlife biology, students will also learn taxonomy and identification of wildlife and the principles of wildlife management as well as applied field techniques such as trapping and radio telemetry.

FOR 221

Identification of 100 species of trees, shrubs, and lianas based upon bark, form, twig, and bud characteristics. Laboratory, four hours per week for one-half semester. Class will be conducted in an outdoor forest setting often in steep terrain and inclement weather.

Prereq: FOR 219.

FOR 286

The course provides students with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively, written and orally, in a variety of professional settings. Students will meet with forestry and natural resource professionals at their place of business, professional conferences, and in class.

Prereq: FOR 219, FOR 250, FOR 330, FOR 340, FOR 350, FOR 370, and PLS 366, or consent of the field semester coordinator.

FOR 356

Students will learn to assess the physical environment of forested ecosystems by examining soil-plant-water relationships across a variety of landscape settings. Class will be conducted in an outdoor forest setting often in steep terrain and inclement weather.

Prereq: FOR 219, FOR 250, FOR 330, FOR 340, FOR 350, FOR 370, and PLS 366, or consent of the field semester coordinator.

FOR 357

This is a practical course designed to provide students with knowledge and skills related to the collection of forest inventory data and the preparation of a forest inventory report required to manage forests and natural resources. Students will become familiar with statistical concepts used in forest measurements; use mapping and navigation procedures to locate sampling areas; conduct forest inventories; and develop inventory reports. Class will be conducted in an outdoor forest setting often in steep terrain and inclement weather.

Prereq: FOR 219, FOR 250, FOR 330, FOR 340, FOR 350, FOR 370, PLS 366 or consent of the field semester coordinator.

FOR 358

A study of the silvicultural practices for altering the forest canopy and regenerating the forest. Students will learn to apply these practices to meet multiple use objectives such as forest products, wildlife, health and protection, watershed, and recreation and develop silvicultural prescriptions. Class will be conducted in an outdoor forest setting often in steep terrain and inclement weather.

Prereq: FOR 219, FOR 250, FOR 330, FOR 340, FOR 350, FOR 370, PLS 366 or consent of the field semester coordinator.

FOR 359

This practicum will provide students with an understanding of how forest operations are planned, implemented, and integrated into silviculture and forest management. Experiential learning will be provided on topics such as planning and design of timber harvests, marking of forest stands for harvest, evaluating the effects of harvesting, use of herbicides and pesticides, tree planting, and the implementation of prescribed burns. Class will be conducted in an outdoor forest setting often in steep terrain and inclement weather.

Prereq: FOR 219, FOR 250, FOR 330, FOR 340, FOR 350, FOR 370, PLS 366 or consent of the field semester coordinator.

FOR 360

A practicum in wood utilization practices, markets, grading systems, and technologies that includes experiential learning of the process of converting harvested trees into value-added forest products such as lumber, railway ties, flooring, cabinets, etc. Class will be conducted in an outdoor forest setting often in steep terrain and inclement weather.

Prereq: FOR 219, FOR 250, FOR 330, FOR 340, FOR 350, FOR 370, PLS 366.

FOR 365

An experiential learning opportunity designed to introduce students to basic concepts of forest wildlife management. Become familiar with common techniques to determine wildlife presence and relative abundance. Learn how forest management practices can directly and indirectly impact many wildlife species and their habitats in Kentucky. Understand how forestry and wildlife professionals manipulate forests to meet wildlife management and biodiversity conservation objectives at various spatial scales. Learn the direct and indirect impacts of some wildlife species on forest management. Class will be conducted in an outdoor forest setting often in steep terrain and inclement weather.

Prereq: FOR 219, FOR 250, FOR 330, FOR 340, FOR 350, FOR 370, and PLS 366, or consent of the field semester coordinator.

FOR 400

In an issues based format, students will study and write about societal trends and their impact on natural systems, the disconnect between society and nature, wildlife-human interactions, as well as problems related to globalization and urbanization. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.

Prereq: This course is approved to fulfill the Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) for forestry majors. To receive GCCR credit for this course, you must 1) already have sophomore status (completed 30 credit hours), 2) earn an average grade of C or better on the designated Composition and Communication intensive assignments, and 3) complete this course and the other approved GCCR course, FOR 480. This course provides partial credit for the written component of the GCCR for the forestry major in conjunction with FOR 480.

FOR 502

Lectures primarily address principles and concepts. Laboratories use a hands-on approach to demonstrate insect collecting and identification techniques, ecological concepts and management approaches, and use of reference materials.

Prereq: a minimum of 3 credits of basic biology (BIO 103 or BIO 148 or equivalent) or consent of instructor.

FOR 425

The principles of sustained yield forest management, management objectives, forest regulation, allowable cut, and timing of timber harvests. Students will identify management objectives for various properties and ownership types and integrate scientific knowledge and both timber and non-timber considerations with landowner objectives to derive management decisions.

Prereq: Completion of the Spring Field Semester or consent of instructor.

FOR 460

Principles and techniques involved in watershed management as it relates to the practice of forestry. Emphasis is placed on understanding the hydrologic cycle, plant-soil interactions from a land-use and landscape perspective, and the need for implementation of forestry best management practices.

Prereq: Forestry spring field semester, or NRE 320, or consent of instructor.

FOR 435

Review the ethical foundations of conservation biology, discuss the scientific evidence that illustrates recent rapid loss of biological diversity at multiple spatial and temporal scales, identify and elaborate on the causative factors of biodiversity loss, discuss various strategies for conserving biodiversity, and discuss ways that various human cultures and associated resource use influence non-human life and the human societies that depend on them. Conservation biology is multidisciplinary in scope and discussion topics include wildlife management, restoration ecology, economics, ethics, geology, evolution, philosophy, phylogeny, taxonomy, genetics, behavioral ecology, population ecology, disease, sociology, sustainable living, and human dimensions. Conservation topics will be global in scope, with well- studied case examples used to support class activities.

Prereq: Introductory biology course, or consent of instructor.

FOR 440

This course provides a basic knowledge of United States (U.S.) policy and law as it applies to management and administration of forests and related natural resources on public and private land. Topics include the sources, development, and analysis of relevant laws, administrative regulations, and other policies. Judicial decisions addressing the management of National Forests, biodiversity, wildlife and water resources, and other specific issues will be discussed. The course is composed of four sections. First, we will examine the political processes that distribute and allocate power and resources in the United States. The second section addresses the participants in the policy process. These include the three branches of government, as well as interest groups and the media. The third section of the course reviews important forest-related programs, laws, and policies. The fourth section looks at some economic policy instruments, and participation, collaboration and partnerships in natural resource management. While we will focus on forests and related issues in the U.S., some international perspectives and readings at the end of the course will place U.S. forest policy within a global context.

Prereq: FOR 320, FOR 370, FOR 400, and FOR 425.

FOR 480

Capstone course. Students will be presented with a real life management scenario in a forested location in Kentucky. Working in teams, students will collect data, determine management objectives, and develop action plans for managing the forest according to the desires of the owner, subject to realistic legal, economic, ethical, and social constraints. Students will be required to produce a professional management plan and present the plan in a public forum at the end of the semester. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK. Class will be conducted in an outdoor forest setting often in steep terrain and inclement weather.

Prereq: Completion of Field Semester, FOR 425, FOR 460, and Senior Standing