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Forestry

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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 201Forest Biology2
FOR 202Sustainable Materials: Wood Utilization2
FOR 203Resource Measurements/Evaluation2
FOR 204Forest Ecosystem Decision-Making2
FOR 205Integrated Forestry Laboratory3
FOR 206Fall Forestry Camp4

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 345Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems3
FOR 302Silviculture4
FOR 356Dendrology3
FOR 416Forest Insects and Diseases3
FOR 416LForest Insects and Diseases Laboratory1
FOR 442Dynamics of Forest Stands3
FOR 451Forest Resource Economics and Quantitative Methods4
FOR 452Ecosystem Management3
FOR 475Urban Forestry3
NREM 120Introduction to Renewable Resources3
NREM 301Natural Resource Ecology and Soils4
NREM 345Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems3
NREM 390Fire Ecology and Management3
NREM 407Watershed Management4
NREM 446Integrating GPS and GIS for Natural Resource Management3
NREM 471Agroforestry Systems; Local and Global Perspectives3

Sustainable materials science and technology emphasis: FOR 280 Wood Properties and Identification and an additional 12 credits from the following courses:

FOR 480Wood Anatomy and Fiber Analysis3
FOR 481Conversion of Lignocellulosic Materials3
FOR 485Wood and Natural Fiber Composites3
FOR 486Drying Processes for Wood and Other Lignocellulosic Materials3
FOR 487Physical Properties of Wood4
NREM 490BIndependent Study: Forestry1-4

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 composition6
Speech fundamentals3
Total Credits9
Communication/Library: 13 cr.
ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
LIB 160Information Literacy1
SP CM 212Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
One course from:3
Business Communication
Proposal and Report Writing
Biological Communication
Technical Communication
Total Credits13
 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 140College Algebra3
MATH 150Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences3
CHEM 163College Chemistry4
CHEM 163LLaboratory in College Chemistry1
AGRON 182Introduction to Soil Science3
BIOL 211Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 211LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory I1
One course from:3-4
Principles of Statistics
Introduction to Statistics
Total Credits21-22
Forestry: 30 cr.
NREM 104Practical Work ExperienceR
NREM 110Orientation in Natural Resource Ecology and Management1
NREM 120Introduction to Renewable Resources3
NREM 211Careers in Natural Resources1
FOR 201Forest Biology2
FOR 202Sustainable Materials: Wood Utilization2
FOR 203Resource Measurements/Evaluation2
FOR 204Forest Ecosystem Decision-Making2
FOR 205Integrated Forestry Laboratory3
FOR 206Fall Forestry Camp4
FOR 302Silviculture4
FOR 451Forest Resource Economics and Quantitative Methods4
FOR 454Forestry Practicum3
Total Credits31

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 280Wood Properties and Identification4
FOR 356Dendrology3
PL P 416Forest Insects and Diseases3
PL P 416LForest Insects and Diseases Laboratory1
FOR 442Dynamics of Forest Stands3
FOR 452Ecosystem Management3
NREM 301Natural Resource Ecology and Soils4
NREM 345Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems3
One course from:3-4
Calculus for Business and Social Sciences
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
Controversies in Natural Resource Management
Total Credits33-35

 Interpretation of Natural Resources

A ECL 365Vertebrate Biology4
A ECL 366Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates3
BIOL 366Plant Systematics4
ENT 370Insect Biology3
FOR 452Ecosystem Management3
NREM 303Internship1-3
NREM 330Principles of Interpretation3
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 Credits30-34

 Natural Resource Conservation and Restoration

A ECL 366Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates3
FOR 356Dendrology3
FOR 452Ecosystem Management3
NREM 301Natural Resource Ecology and Soils4
NREM 390Fire Ecology and Management3
NREM 407Watershed Management4
MATH 151Calculus for Business and Social Sciences3-4
or MATH 181 Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences
PL P 416Forest Insects and Diseases3
PL P 416LForest Insects and Diseases Laboratory1
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 electives3
Total Credits36-37

Sustainable Materials Science and Technology

FOR 280Wood Properties and Identification4
FOR 480Wood Anatomy and Fiber Analysis3
FOR 481Conversion of Lignocellulosic Materials3
FOR 485Wood and Natural Fiber Composites3
FOR 486Drying Processes for Wood and Other Lignocellulosic Materials3
FOR 487Physical Properties of Wood4
MATH 151Calculus for Business and Social Sciences3
MATH 181Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences4
One course from:
TSM 270Principles of Injury Prevention and Safety3
or TSM 310 Total Quality Improvement
Total Credits30

 Urban and Community Forestry

FOR 280Wood Properties and Identification4
C R P 201The North American Metropolis3-4
or C R P 301 Urban Analytical Methods
HORT 342Landscape Plant Installation, Establishment, and Maintenance3
FOR 356Dendrology3
FOR 452Ecosystem Management3
FOR 475Urban Forestry3
MATH 151Calculus for Business and Social Sciences3-4
or MATH 181 Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences
PL P 416Forest Insects and Diseases3
PL P 416LForest Insects and Diseases Laboratory1
SOC 310Community3
or SOC 382 Environmental Sociology
One course from:3
Natural Resource Policy
Controversies in Natural Resource Management
Total Credits32-34

Forestry, B.S. - forest ecosystem management option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2113MATH 1503
BIOL 211L1CHEM 1634
NREM 1101CHEM 163L1
ENGL 1503STAT 1014
MATH 140**3LIB 1601
NREM 1203NREM 2111
SOC 130/1343Free Elective3
 17 17
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
FOR 2012SP CM 2123
FOR 2022ENGL 2503
FOR 2032BIOL 2123
FOR 2042BIOL 212L1
FOR 2053FOR 2804
FOR 2064Free Elective3
 15 17
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 151/1813FOR 3024
FOR 3563FOR 4514
NREM 3014Required Electives6
NREM 345 or FOR 3423Free Elective3
Required Elective3 
 16 17
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
FOR 342 or NREM 3453Policy Elective3
FOR 4163FOR 4543
FOR 4523Required Elective3
Communications Elective3Free Elective6
Free Electives3 
 15 15

Expand all courses

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.

(0-8) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in FOR 201, FOR 202, FOR 203, FOR 204, and FOR 206
Field and laboratory exercises integrating the evaluation and management of forest goods, services, and the processing of wood products.

Cr. 4. F.

Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in FOR 201, FOR 202, FOR 203, FOR 204, and FOR 205
Three-week field camp to address topics and issues covered in 201, 202, 203, 204, and 205.

(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

(3-3) Cr. 4. S.

Prereq: FOR 201, FOR 356, NREM 301
Manipulation of forest vegetation based on ecological principles for the production of goods and services.

(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.

(Cross-listed with PL P). (0-3) Cr. 1. F.

Prereq: 8 credits in biological sciences, including BIOL 211 or equivalent. Credit or enrollment in PL P 416.
Laboratory experience working with insect and fungal pests of trees.

(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.