Curriculum in Forestry
2007 – 2009 Catalog
The Forestry curriculum primary goal is to educate foresters to be capable of scientifically managing the nation’s forest lands – private and public. The program offers courses that are concerned with the management of forest ecosystems for multiple benefits including wood and fiber products, biodiversity, recreation, interpretation, water, wilderness, and wildlife. Conservation and preservation of natural resources are emphasized.
Core Degree Requirements
Interpersonal and Public Communication Skills (12.5 cr.)
- Engl 150 and 250, C or better
- Lib 160
- One course from Engl 302, Engl 309, or Engl 314
- Sp Cm 212, C or better
Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (22 cr.)
- Agron 154
- Biol 211 with 211L
- Chem 163 with 163L
- Math 140
- Math 150
- Stat 101
Forestry (29 cr.)
- For 201
- For 202
- For 203
- For 204
- For 205
- For 206 (See Forestry Camp)
- For 302
- For 451
- For 454
- NREM 110
- NREM 120
- NREM 211
Credits in the following (15 cr.)
Practical Experience Requirement
- NREM 104, 400 hours of career-related experience approved by academic adviser
Free Electives (5.5 – 15.5 cr.)
Students in the College of Agriculture are required to complete three credits in communication embedded course work, problem-solving embedded course work, three credits in environmental embedded course work, and demonstrate computer proficiency according to procedures established by the department. All options satisfy the embedded course requirements automatically in their core requirements.
Normally, students will be expected to complete the mathematical sciences, physical sciences, and biological science requirements by the end of their sophomore year. Many of these courses are prerequisites for advanced-level coursework.
Options
Students are expected to choose one of the following options by the end of their sophomore year.
The Forest Ecosystem Management option concentrates on the management of the complete forest ecosystem. It deals with the spectrum of forestland use from wilderness preservation to timber harvest to supply the nation's demand for wood products. This area focuses on fundamental principles of forest biology, ecology, and management of forest ecosystems, which includes recreational uses, water quality, timber production, prescribed burns and wildlife habitat. 35 credits.
- Biol 212 with 212L
- For 280
- For 342
- For 356
- For 452
- One course from Math 151 or 181
- NREM 301
- NREM 345
- Pl P 416
- One course from For 453, NREM 385, or NREM 460
The Interpretation of Natural Resources option includes courses in natural history, earth science and communication techniques with the basic forestry education background. Graduates are skilled at communicating with the public about the values associated with forest ecosystems and providing educational programs for children and adults. 34 credits.
- A Ecl 365
- A Ecl 366
- Biol 212 with 212L
- Biol 366
- Ent 370
- For 452
- NREM 303
- NREM 330
- NREM 430
- One course from For 453, NREM 385, or NREM 460
- One course from Agron 206, Astro 120, Geol 100, Geol 101, or Geol 108
The Natural Resource Conservation and Restoration option is similar to the Forest Ecosystem Management option, however it emphasizes the management of natural resources other than timber harvest. Students focus on courses on the production and care of forests and natural areas with an emphasis on forest ecosystem conservation and preservation, environmental benefits and human impact. 44 credits.
- A Ecl 312
- Biol 212 with 212L
- Biol 204
- For 356
- For 452
- One course from For 453, NREM 385, or NREM 460
- One course from Math 151 or Math 181
- NREM 301
- NREM 330
- NREM 390
- NREM 407
- Pl P 416
- 3 credits from approved department list
The Sustainable Materials Science and Technology option are focused on the development and use of wood products ranging from structural lumber to veneer to paper products that we depend on every day. Students in these options study the anatomical, physical and chemical properties of wood and different wood processing operations. 40 credits.
- Chem 231 with 231L
- Econ 101
- For 280
- For 480
- For 481
- For 483
- For 485
- For 486
- For 487
- Math 151
- Mkt 340
- Stat 401
The Urban and Community Forestry option focuses on the management of trees in the urban setting such as city parks, greenbelt areas and boulevards. Students take a combination of courses in the biological and social settings, along with communication and management courses. Urban Foresters must poses knowledge and skills to implement site assessments, long-term management plans and pest management along with effectively communicating to their peers and the public. 37 credits.
- Biol 212 with 212L
- C R P 253
- For 280
- For 356
- For 452
- For 475
- One course from For 453, NREM 385, NREM 460
- One course from Hort 342 or Hort 344
- One course from Math 151 or Math 181
- Pl P 416
- One course from Soc 310 or Soc 382
Suggested Course Sequence*
Fall (16 cr.)
Biol 211. Principles of Biology (3 cr.)
Biol 211L. Lab (1 cr.)
NREM 110. Orientation in NREM (R)
Engl 150. Critical Thinking and Communication (3 cr.)
Math 140. College Algebra (3 cr.)**
NREM 120. Intro to Renewable Resources (3 cr.)
Soc 130 or 134. Sociology Elective (3 cr.)
Spring (15.5 cr.)
Agron 154. Fundamentals of Soil Science (3 cr.)
Chem 163. General Chemestry (3 cr.)
Chem 163L. Lab (1 cr.)
Stat 101. Intro to Statistics (4 cr.)
Lib 160. Library Instruction (0.5 cr.)
Math 150. Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences (3 cr.)
Fall (15 cr.)***
For 201. Forest Biology (2 cr.)
For 202. Wood Utilization (2 cr.)
For 203. Res. Meas./Eval. (2 cr.)
For 204. Ecosystem Decision-making (2 cr.)
For 205. Integrated Forestry Lab (3 cr.)
For 206. Fall Forestry Camp (4 cr.)
Spring (17 cr.)
Sp Cm 212. Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 cr.)
Engl 250. Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (3 cr.)
Biol 212 with 212L or For 280. (4 cr.)
International Perspectives Elective (3 cr.)
Free Elective (3 cr.)
NREM 211. Careers in Natural Resources (1 cr.)
* Students are required to successfully complete the majority of the core curriculum courses suggested for the
freshman and sophomore years before declaring an option. The academic adviser will review the student's
coursework and must approve the option before it will be recognized by the department.
** 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 costs.
*** Students enroll only in the designated Forestry courses for fall semester of the sophomore year. These
courses will be interrupted during the semester for the three-week Fall Forestry Camp (For 206). A
special fee will be assessed for the Fall Camp.
Total: 128 credits
