The forestry curriculum offers courses dealing with the management of forest ecosystems for multiple benefits including biodiversity, recreation, water, wilderness, wildlife, and wood and fiber. Conservation and preservation of natural resources are emphasized. The department offers work for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in forestry and options in forest ecosystem management, interpretation of natural resources, urban and community forestry, natural resource conservation and restoration, or sustainable materials science and technology. All options lead to a professional degree in forestry (Bachelor of Science). The forestry major has been accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) since 1935. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes SAF as the specialized accrediting body for forestry education in the United States. The primary goal of the undergraduate curriculum in forestry is to educate foresters to be capable of scientifically managing the nation’s forest lands and related ecosystems - private and public.
Graduates understand and can apply scientific principles associated with forests, forest ecosystem management, and wood and non-wood products. Graduates are able to communicate effectively and work well in teams. They are capable of preparing and delivering effective oral and written communication of scientific and technical decisions to professional and lay audiences. They are proficient in technical skills such as measurements, computer usage, inventory, economic analysis, data and situation analysis, and ecosystem assessment. They recognize the importance of ethics in forestry and are sensitive to cultural diversity and broad environmental concerns.
Graduates of the forest ecosystem management option are skilled at understanding how forests function and how forests can be managed to produce desired goods (wood, fiber, recreation, wildlife habitat) and services (clean water, carbon sequestration, wilderness) in the long-run. They are skilled at interpretation of interactions and effects of abiotic and biotic factors in forests and quantification of bio-physical, social, and economic outputs from forest ecosystems. They are skilled at complex decision-making involving private and public forest resources where ethical, legal, social, economic, and ecological dimensions are explicitly considered.
Graduates of the interpretation of natural resources option are skilled at communicating with the public about the values associated with forest ecosystems and providing educational programs for all ages.
Graduates of the urban and community forestry option are able to combine biological, social, legal, and economic expertise to effectively manage trees or forests in an urban setting. They are skilled at decision-making related to site assessment, and long-term management of urban trees and forests to achieve multiple goals.
Graduates of the natural resource conservation and restoration option are skilled at assessing the natural functions of the environment and human impacts. They are skilled at interpretation of forest and other natural environments and making decisions relating to their conservation and preservation.
Graduates of the sustainable materials science and technology option understand the anatomical, physical, and chemical properties of wood and other bio-renewable materials and know wood processing operations involved in drying, composite materials manufacturing, and chemical treatment.
In consultation with their adviser, students can select elective courses related to elective courses in the forest ecosystem management option to emphasize forest ecology; wildlife, wilderness, and recreation management; water quality and erosion protection; quantitative-analytical techniques; business and marketing; and other areas related to natural resource management. Elective courses in the urban and community forestry option can be selected to emphasize plant health, policy and planning, ecology, hydrology, sociology, business administration, or horticulture/design. Elective courses related to the natural resource conservation and restoration option can be selected to emphasize, ecology, wildlife, recreation, nature interpretation, landscape design, sociology and ethics of conservation and preservation. Similarly, elective courses in the sustainable materials science and technology option can be selected to emphasize wood production, bio-renewable materials, wood fiber, business and marketing, and quality assurance. Elective courses in the interpretation of natural resources option can be selected to emphasize natural history, animal ecology, and environmental education.
Many private firms as well as national, regional, state, and local agencies seek forestry graduates to fill positions in management of natural resources for commodity and non-commodity multiple benefits. Graduates in forestry are prepared to be involved with evolving forestry systems, such as agroforestry and urban forestry. Wood processing industries, such as composite products, plywood, particle board, lumber, and pulp and paper offer professional opportunities in production, product development, quality control, and marketing.
With advanced graduate study, the range of professional job opportunities for a person with a B.S. in forestry is expanded. Opportunities include research and education as well as more specialized managerial and administrative positions with private firms and public agencies.
During fall semester of the second year of study (sophomore year, typically), forestry students are required to enroll in the department’s integrated forestry modules consisting of:
| FOR 201 | Forest Biology | 2 |
| FOR 202 | Sustainable Materials: Wood Utilization | 2 |
| FOR 203 | Resource Measurements/Evaluation | 2 |
| FOR 204 | Forest Ecosystem Decision-Making | 2 |
| FOR 205 | Integrated Forestry Laboratory | 3 |
| FOR 206 | Fall Forestry Camp | 4 |
That semester, consisting entirely of forestry coursework, is designed to give students an early understanding of the many aspects of forestry and how they are interrelated. In addition to work in the classroom, students will spend time in laboratory and field work each week. A 3-week off-campus fall camp during the semester will reinforce concepts learned both in the classroom and during laboratory/field sessions. Transfer students should check with the department for counsel on timing their completion of the integrated forestry modules.
Forestry Minor
The department offers a minor in forestry which can be earned by completion of a minimum of 15 credits in forestry courses. Students wishing to emphasize management and environmental aspects of forestry must select at least 15 credits from the following courses:
| ENSCI 345 | Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| FOR 302 | Silviculture | 4 |
| FOR 356 | Dendrology | 3 |
| FOR 416 | Forest Insects and Diseases | 3 |
| FOR 416L | Forest Insects and Diseases Laboratory | 1 |
| FOR 442 | Dynamics of Forest Stands | 3 |
| FOR 451 | Forest Resource Economics and Quantitative Methods | 4 |
| FOR 452 | Ecosystem Management | 3 |
| FOR 475 | Urban Forestry | 3 |
| NREM 120 | Introduction to Renewable Resources | 3 |
| NREM 301 | Natural Resource Ecology and Soils | 4 |
| NREM 345 | Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| NREM 390 | Fire Ecology and Management | 3 |
| NREM 407 | Watershed Management | 4 |
| NREM 446 | Integrating GPS and GIS for Natural Resource Management | 3 |
| NREM 471 | Agroforestry Systems; Local and Global Perspectives | 3 |
Sustainable materials science and technology emphasis: FOR 280 Wood Properties and Identification and an additional 12 credits from the following courses:
| FOR 480 | Wood Anatomy and Fiber Analysis | 3 |
| FOR 481 | Conversion of Lignocellulosic Materials | 3 |
| FOR 485 | Wood and Natural Fiber Composites | 3 |
| FOR 486 | Drying Processes for Wood and Other Lignocellulosic Materials | 3 |
| FOR 487 | Physical Properties of Wood | 4 |
| NREM 490B | Independent Study: Forestry | 1-4 |
Curriculum in Forestry
Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.
Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.
International Perspective: 3 cr.
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
Communications Proficiency (with a C or better):
| English composition | 6 | |
| Speech fundamentals | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Communication/Library: 13 cr.
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| One course from: | 3 | |
| Business Communication | ||
| Proposal and Report Writing | ||
| Biological Communication | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Humanities and Social Sciences: 6 cr.
6 cr. from approved list.
Ethics: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved list.
Mathematics, Physical and Life Sciences: 21 cr.
| MATH 140 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 150 | Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences | 3 |
| CHEM 163 | College Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 163L | Laboratory in College Chemistry | 1 |
| AGRON 182 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3 |
| BIOL 211 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | Principles of Biology Laboratory I | 1 |
| One course from: | 3-4 | |
| Principles of Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Total Credits | 21-22 | |
Forestry: 30 cr.
| NREM 104 | Practical Work Experience | R |
| NREM 110 | Orientation in Natural Resource Ecology and Management | 1 |
| NREM 120 | Introduction to Renewable Resources | 3 |
| NREM 211 | Careers in Natural Resources | 1 |
| FOR 201 | Forest Biology | 2 |
| FOR 202 | Sustainable Materials: Wood Utilization | 2 |
| FOR 203 | Resource Measurements/Evaluation | 2 |
| FOR 204 | Forest Ecosystem Decision-Making | 2 |
| FOR 205 | Integrated Forestry Laboratory | 3 |
| FOR 206 | Fall Forestry Camp | 4 |
| FOR 302 | Silviculture | 4 |
| FOR 451 | Forest Resource Economics and Quantitative Methods | 4 |
| FOR 454 | Forestry Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Electives: Students majoring in forestry are required to choose one of the following options at the end of their sophomore year: forest ecosystem management; sustainable material science and technology; urban and community forestry; natural resource conservation and restoration; or interpretation of natural resources.
Forest Ecosystem Management
| FOR 280 | Wood Properties and Identification | 4 |
| FOR 356 | Dendrology | 3 |
| PL P 416 | Forest Insects and Diseases | 3 |
| PL P 416L | Forest Insects and Diseases Laboratory | 1 |
| FOR 442 | Dynamics of Forest Stands | 3 |
| FOR 452 | Ecosystem Management | 3 |
| NREM 301 | Natural Resource Ecology and Soils | 4 |
| NREM 345 | Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| One course from: | 3-4 | |
| Calculus for Business and Social Sciences | ||
or MATH 181 | Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences | |
| One course from: | 3-4 | |
| Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates | ||
| Energy, Environmental and Resource Economics | ||
| Fire Ecology and Management | ||
| Watershed Management | ||
| Integrating GPS and GIS for Natural Resource Management | ||
| Agroforestry Systems; Local and Global Perspectives | ||
| One course from: | 3 | |
| Natural Resource Policy | ||
or NREM 460 | Controversies in Natural Resource Management | |
| Total Credits | 33-35 | |
Interpretation of Natural Resources
| A ECL 365 | Vertebrate Biology | 4 |
| A ECL 366 | Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates | 3 |
| BIOL 366 | Plant Systematics | 4 |
| ENT 370 | Insect Biology | 3 |
| FOR 452 | Ecosystem Management | 3 |
| NREM 303 | Internship | 1-3 |
| NREM 330 | Principles of Interpretation | 3 |
| One course from: | 3-4 | |
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Dendrology | ||
| One course from: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Weather and Climate | ||
| The Sky and the Solar System | ||
| How the Earth Works | ||
| Environmental Geology: Earth in Crisis | ||
| Introduction to Oceanography | ||
| One course from: | 3 | |
| Natural Resource Policy | ||
| Controversies in Natural Resource Management | ||
| Total Credits | 30-34 | |
Natural Resource Conservation and Restoration
| A ECL 366 | Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates | 3 |
| FOR 356 | Dendrology | 3 |
| FOR 452 | Ecosystem Management | 3 |
| NREM 301 | Natural Resource Ecology and Soils | 4 |
| NREM 390 | Fire Ecology and Management | 3 |
| NREM 407 | Watershed Management | 4 |
| MATH 151 | Calculus for Business and Social Sciences | 3-4 |
| or MATH 181 | Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences | |
| PL P 416 | Forest Insects and Diseases | 3 |
| PL P 416L | Forest Insects and Diseases Laboratory | 1 |
| One course from: | 3 | |
| Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Integrating GPS and GIS for Natural Resource Management | ||
| One course from: | 3 | |
| Natural Resource Policy | ||
| Controversies in Natural Resource Management | ||
| Three credit hours from approved list of electives | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 36-37 | |
Sustainable Materials Science and Technology
| FOR 280 | Wood Properties and Identification | 4 |
| FOR 480 | Wood Anatomy and Fiber Analysis | 3 |
| FOR 481 | Conversion of Lignocellulosic Materials | 3 |
| FOR 485 | Wood and Natural Fiber Composites | 3 |
| FOR 486 | Drying Processes for Wood and Other Lignocellulosic Materials | 3 |
| FOR 487 | Physical Properties of Wood | 4 |
| MATH 151 | Calculus for Business and Social Sciences | 3 |
| MATH 181 | Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences | 4 |
| One course from: | ||
| TSM 270 | Principles of Injury Prevention and Safety | 3 |
| or TSM 310 | Total Quality Improvement | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Urban and Community Forestry
| FOR 280 | Wood Properties and Identification | 4 |
| C R P 201 | The North American Metropolis | 3-4 |
| or C R P 301 | Urban Analytical Methods | |
| HORT 342 | Landscape Plant Installation, Establishment, and Maintenance | 3 |
| FOR 356 | Dendrology | 3 |
| FOR 452 | Ecosystem Management | 3 |
| FOR 475 | Urban Forestry | 3 |
| MATH 151 | Calculus for Business and Social Sciences | 3-4 |
| or MATH 181 | Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences | |
| PL P 416 | Forest Insects and Diseases | 3 |
| PL P 416L | Forest Insects and Diseases Laboratory | 1 |
| SOC 310 | Community | 3 |
| or SOC 382 | Environmental Sociology | |
| One course from: | 3 | |
| Natural Resource Policy | ||
| Controversies in Natural Resource Management | ||
| Total Credits | 32-34 | |
Forestry, B.S. - forest ecosystem management option
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 211 | 3 | MATH 150 | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | 1 | CHEM 163 | 4 |
| NREM 110 | 1 | CHEM 163L | 1 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | STAT 101 | 4 |
| MATH 140** | 3 | LIB 160 | 1 |
| NREM 120 | 3 | NREM 211 | 1 |
| SOC 130/134 | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| FOR 201 | 2 | SP CM 212 | 3 |
| FOR 202 | 2 | ENGL 250 | 3 |
| FOR 203 | 2 | BIOL 212 | 3 |
| FOR 204 | 2 | BIOL 212L | 1 |
| FOR 205 | 3 | FOR 280 | 4 |
| FOR 206 | 4 | Free Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 151/181 | 3 | FOR 302 | 4 |
| FOR 356 | 3 | FOR 451 | 4 |
| NREM 301 | 4 | Required Electives | 6 |
| NREM 345 or FOR 342 | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 17 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| FOR 342 or NREM 345 | 3 | Policy Elective | 3 |
| FOR 416 | 3 | FOR 454 | 3 |
| FOR 452 | 3 | Required Elective | 3 |
| Communications Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 6 |
| Free Electives | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| * | To complete degree program in 4 years students must maintain an average of 16 credits per semester. |
| ** | Initial math course is determined on the basis of high school math and placement test scores. A non-credit math course (MATH 10) may be required at additional course. |
| *** | In scheduling coursework, students should pay particular attention to courses with limited offerings (e.g., offered only on alternate years) and to course sequences (i.e., where a course serves as a prerequisite for another course). |
| Note: | In addition to coursework listed above, students must complete departmental requirements for Practical Work Experience requirement (NREM 104). See https://www.nrem.iastate.edu/workexperience |
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in FOR 202, FOR 203, FOR 204, FOR 205, and FOR 206
Discussion of ecological concepts, individual tree structure and growth, variation and diversity in tree populations. Physical environment of trees and forests, ecological processes in forest communities, and introduction to different regional forest communities.
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in FOR 201, FOR 203, FOR 204, FOR 205, and FOR 206
Basis for use of wood as an industrial raw material for lumber, composites, pulp and paper, energy and chemicals. Implications of use of alternative renewable and non-renewable materials for societal infrastructure and consumer goods.
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in FOR 201, FOR 202, FOR 204, FOR 205, and FOR 206; MATH 140
Survey techniques involved in quantification, valuation, and evaluation of tree and stand growth and other variables in the forest environment (e.g., recreational use, wildlife habitat value, biomass, and solid wood).
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in FOR 201, FOR 202, FOR 203, FOR 205, and FOR 206
Methods of decision-making related to forest ecosystems including communications, teams and conflict resolution. Current issues relating to public, private, and urban forests; quantification of processes, services, and goods produced by the forest and expected by the public such as wildlife, water, range, recreation, wilderness, biodiversity, as well as wood and fiber products.
(3-3) Cr. 4. S.
Properties of wood and how they relate to its successful use. Comparative anatomical characteristics, scientific nomenclature, and hand lens identification of commercially important North American woods.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, ENT, HORT). (2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Core background and specialty topics in agricultural, and horticultural pesticide applicator certification. Students can select certification categories and have the opportunity to obtain pesticide applicator certification at the completion of the course. Commercial pesticide applicator certification is emphasized.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Freshman or Sophomore classification, permission of instructor
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Freshman or Sophomore classification, permission of instructor
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Freshman or Sophomore classification, permission of instructor
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Freshman or Sophomore classification, permission of instructor
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Freshman or Sophomore classification, permission of instructor
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Freshman or Sophomore classification, permission of instructor
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: BIOL 211
Identification and ecology of North American woody plant species. Importance of woody plants in timber production and wildlife habitat. Historical conditions of North American forest regions will also be addressed.
(Cross-listed with NREM). (0.5-1) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: BIOL 212
Survey of the major plant families, general, and representative species of the forest herbaceous layer. Functional ecology and restoration.
(Cross-listed with PL P). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 8 credits in biological sciences, including BIOL 211 or equivalent.
Nature of insects and pathogens of forest and shade trees; their role in the dynamics of natural and managed forest ecosystems; and the management of indigenous and exotic pests.
(Dual-listed with FOR 542). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: NREM 301, FOR 302, STAT 101 or their equivalents
Change in forest species composition and structure at the stand and landscape scales resulting from site quality, tree growth, competition, succession, and disturbance. Methods for assessing tree growth and reconstructing past stand development. Applications to forest and savanna management.
(3-3) Cr. 4. S.
Prereq: FOR 203, MATH 150
Application of economic principles to forest resource management considering both market and non-market goods and services. Methods of identifying and specifying problems in the management and use of forest resources. Application of mathematical and statistical models to the solution of managerial problems.
(Dual-listed with FOR 552). (Cross-listed with NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Senior classification, and NREM 120 or its equivalent
Principles of planning, regulating, and decision-making associated with public and private lands, with consideration of forest, grassland, wetland, and freshwater aquatic ecosystems. Integrated natural resources management within ecological, social, economic and policy constraints.
(1-4) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: 20 credits in student's major at 300 level or above
Integrated decision-making related to the conservation, management, and preservation of private and public forests, wildlands, urban/community forests, and/or the production and utilization of wood products. Student teams work with a client and develop management plans that incorporate ecological, social, economic, ethical, and institutional/political factors. Effective teamwork, written/oral/visual communication, and problem-solving stressed. Multiple trips to project site and client.
(Cross-listed with HORT). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Junior or senior classification, 3 credits in biology
Discussion of establishment and management of woody perennials in community-owned urban greenspaces, consideration of urban site and soil characteristics, plant physiology, plant culture, urban forest valuation, inventory methods, species selection, and urban forest maintenance (health care and pest management).
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: FOR 280 or permission of instructor
Microscopic anatomy and ultrastructure of wood and other industrial lignocellulosic materials. Microscopy techniques for fiber analysis. Comparison of fiber properties.
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: FOR 280 or equivalent
Chemical properties of lignocellulosic materials. Wood chemistry. Various conversion processes. Pulp and paper technology. Biobased products. Other fiber products. Cellulose derivatives. Term paper and/or student project required for graduate level.
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: FOR 280 or TSM 240
Consolidation behavior of wood and other lignocellulosic materials. Principles of adhesion. Manufacturing processes for wood and lignocellulose composites such as plywood, oriented strand products, laminated lumber, particleboard, medium density fiberboard, and bast fiber products. Extrusion processing of natural fiber/plastic composites.
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: FOR 280 or TSM 240
Principles of moisture relations in hygroscopic materials; adsorption, desorption, equilibrium moisture content. Transport processes in natural materials such as wood. Drying processes for wood and other lignocellulosic materials. Influence of moisture on dimensional stability and durability of wood and lignocelluosic composites.
(3-3) Cr. 4. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: FOR 280
Mechanical, thermal, electrical, and acoustical properties of wood. Lumber grading and stress rating, nondestructive evaluation of wood and wood composite products.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(Dual-listed with FOR 442). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: NREM 301, FOR 302, STAT 101 or their equivalents
Change in forest species composition and structure at the stand and landscape scales resulting from site quality, tree growth, competition, succession, and disturbance. Methods for assessing tree growth and reconstructing past stand development. Applications to forest and savanna management.
(Dual-listed with FOR 452). (Cross-listed with NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Senior classification, and NREM 120 or its equivalent
Principles of planning, regulating, and decision-making associated with public and private lands, with consideration of forest, grassland, wetland, and freshwater aquatic ecosystems. Integrated natural resources management within ecological, social, economic and policy constraints.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Courses for graduate students:
(Cross-listed with AGRON, BBMB, GDCB, HORT, PLBIO). Cr. 1. Repeatable.
Research seminars by faculty and graduate students.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.