Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, Canada

Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, Canada For more information, comments or suggestions e-mail: Cornell@tru.ca http://www.tru.ca/schs/nrsc/program/coursedescriptions.html The Faculty of Forestry at TRU offers four-year degree programs of undergraduate study in five areas of forestry: Forest Resource Management, Forest Operations, Forest Science, Wood Science and Industry, and Natural Resource Conservation. Field trips associated with our courses are numerous and diverse, and include visits to the Wells Gray Research Station, grassland, ecosystems, coastal and interior forest ecosystems, forest research stations, local ranches, a local sawmill, and a fish hatchery (locations may changes from year to year). Program courses that usually have field trips include FRST 112/122, FRST 200, FRST 210/220, FRST 211, NRSC 311/321, NRSC 317, NRSC 325, NRSC 326, NRSC 402, NRSC 403, and NRSC 410. Course Descriptions Below is a list of Course Descriptions for courses offered by the Natural Resource Sciences Department. Descriptions for required courses that are offered through other departments (e.g. English, Chemistry, Biology, Economics etc.) can be found in the UCC Calendar. Forestry All FRST and NRSC courses are open to non-program students if space is available, with the written permission of the program co-ordinator. Students who do not have specific prerequisites for a course they wish to take, but believe they have equivalent knowledge, may seek permission to enroll from the course instructor. FRST 100-2 Introduction to Forestry (2,0,0) This course is an overview of forestry and includes the history of forestry and the forestry profession; present status and role of forestry; forest policy; and future trends in use of forest resources. Prerequisites: None FRST 112-3 Dendrology 1 (3,0,2)(L) Dendrology is a survey of the structure, function, ecology, and identification of trees. The lecture component deals with two major areas: 1) the structure and function of trees, i.e., reproduction, development, anatomy, morphology and physiology; 2) the ecology and evolution of trees. The laboratory surveys a selection of Canadian, North American, and introduced tree species. Deciduous species are emphasized in FRST 112 and coniferous species in FRST 122. Field trips are an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: Biology 11 or BIOL 050, (preferably Biology 12 or BIOL 062) Corequisite: BIOL 111 FRST 122-3 Dendrology 2 (3,0,2)(L) This course is a continuation of Dendrology 1. The laboratory surveys a selection of B.C., Canadian, North American and introduced coniferous tree species. Prerequisites: FRST 112. Corequisite: BIOL 121 FRST 200-3 Introduction to the Study of Soils (3,0,2)(L) This course surveys the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. Topics include soil formation, classification, use and conservation. Particular emphasis will be placed on forest soils. Prerequisites: BIOL 111/121, FRST 112/122 Corequisite: CHEM 110

FRST 204-3 Forest and Environmental Climatology (3,0,2)(L) This is a Science Laboratory course designed for Forestry and Environmental Science students. It includes basic principles and processes of climatology; energy and plant water balance concepts; vertical and horizontal air movements; weather systems; microclimates; and the interrelationships among plants, soils, climates, and the biosphere. Prerequisites: BIOL 111/121, Physics 11, GEOG 112 highly recommended Note: Same as GEOG 204. FRST 210-3 Forest Ecology and Silvics 1 (3,0,2)(L) The main objectives of this course are to facilitate your learning of the complexities and interactions that make up forest ecosystems and how this knowledge can be used in predicting forest ecosystem responses to both natural and human induced disturbances. By the end of this course you will have an understanding and appreciation of: Forest ecosystem structures and functions, and how these components interact; how forest ecosystems change over time and the ecological effects of various forest management practices on these systems; the spatial variation in forest ecosystems, methods of describing these variations, and the characteristics of Biogeoclimatic zones in BC, and; the identification and interpretive use of indicator plant species in the description of forest ecosystems. Prerequisites: FRST 112/122 or completion of first year general science with FRST 112 as a corequisite. FRST 211-3 Introduction to Forest Mensuration and Photogrammetry (3,0,2)(L) This course teaches the student techniques used in basic photogrammetry, photo mapping and photo-based inventory systems. Use of maps and mapping systems will be implemented. Techniques for the measurement of tree stand variables, calculating tree volumes, estimating form and taper, as well as timber scaling and grading will be taught. Regression techniques will be used in the analysis of data collected by students. Some weekend fieldwork may be required. Prerequisites: COMP 135. Corequisite: STAT 200 or BIOL 300. FRST 220-3 Forest Ecology and Silvics 2 (3,0,2)(L) This course examines the ecological and silvical characteristics of forest trees of Western Canada with emphasis on ecological site assessment and applications of silvics in silviculture. This course will also explore the identification and interpretive use of indicator plant species in the description of forest ecosystems, the soil and site features used in determining site quality and the diagnostic procedures used in determining site quality. Prerequisites: FRST 112, completion of first year sciences and with FRST 122 as a corequisite; FRST 210 Corequisite: FRST 200 FRST 221-3 Forestry Mensuration (3,0,2)(L) Forest inventory methods. Growth and yield prediction. Applications of multiple linear regressions and sampling techniques. Regeneration and residue surveys. Introduction to multiple resource inventories. Prerequisites: FRST 211. FRST 263-3 Basic Forest Surveying (2 weeks in Spring)(L) An introduction to the basic techniques of surveying with emphasis on the problems encountered in a forest environment. This course will be offered as a two week course at the end of the winter semester. FRST 305-3 Silviculture (3,0,2) Silviculture is concerned with the art and science of controlling the establishment and growth, composition, health and quality of stands of trees in forests. The objective is to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis. Silviculture 1 is the first of a two-part series in the study of silviculture concepts and principles. Silviculture 1 and 2 have been designed to parallel, but are not identical to, Forestry 305 and 306 as currently offered by the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia and each conforms to the ABCPF Silviculture Academic Standards. This course will be offered in a distance format. Prerequisite: Dendrology, Forest Ecology, Forest Silvics, Forest Mensuration. Recommended: Forest Biometrics, Forest Economics, Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology, Forest Soils.

FRST 306-3 Silviculture 2 (3,0,2) Silviculture 2 deals with stand tending silviculture practices from free growing through to final harvest of a stand. These include thinning, fertilization, pruning, and silviculture systems and their relationship to timber quality, structural biodiversity, habitat and stand growth and yield and allowable cuts at the forest level. Decision making in crop planning, stand dynamics, operational problems and relevant history policy and regulatory issues and underlining science theory are also covered. Prerequisites: FRST 112/122, FRST 210, FRST 220, FRST 211, NRSC 320, FRST 200 FRST 307-3 Forest Harvesting (3,0,2) The field of forest harvesting addresses the engineering, economic, and environmental factors associated with transportation and harvesting systems used in integrated forest resource management. These include forest road design and location, geotechnical engineering, forest road drainage: planning, locating and scheduling the harvest; and an international perspective on logging systems and their application to meet silvicultural objectives. Forest harvesting is a specialized field within forestry, and professional competence within this field (especially road location and design) requires significant course work and extended field internship, in addition to the minimum standards identified here for the "general" forester. This course will be offered in a distance format. Prerequisite: Undergraduate Degree or Diploma from a recognized technical college or university, majoring in forestry or natural resource science. Natural Resource Science All NRSC and FRST courses are open to non-program students if space is available, with the written permission of the program coordinator. Students who do not have specific prerequisites for a course they wish to take, but believe they have equivalent knowledge, may seek permission to enrol from the course instructor. AGSC 210-3 Introduction to Food Production Systems (3,2,0) This course is a study of the fundamental concepts and principles of food production systems. The course will survey a range of agricultural systems using global, North American, Canadian, and B.C. examples. Students will learn how agriculture interacts with natural ecosystems and other land uses. Required field trips are an integral part of the course, and some weekend trips are mandatory. AGSC 220-4 Food Systems at a Local Level and Beyond (6,0,0) An introductory course to agriculture and food systems focusing on the local level but including information on global systems. Discussions will focus on local food production, food security and food policy, ethics, using a systems approach, commercialization, and globalization. A Problem Based Learning format will be used to help students develop critical thinking, problem solving, communication and conflict resolution skills. NRSC 111-3 The Science and Management of Natural Resources (2,0,2) The primary goal of this course is to provide students with a solid overview of the principles, approaches and issues that are involved in the many areas of natural resource management. Although NRSC 111 serves as the introductory core course in the natural resources science program, it is tailored to all students with a general interest in natural resources. The lectures and labs in the course provide a general overview of how scientific inquiry and knowledge can be integrated with social, economic and cultural values to provide a platform for the management of natural resources. The topics covered include a diversity of resources and values, such as forestry, soils, agriculture, rangeland (livestock), water, fisheries, wildlife, recreation, first nations issues and aesthetics. Other relevant topics considered in the course are the theory and practice of conflict resolution and the difficulty but importance of including non-market values into management decision making. The course is global in scope, although attention is paid to dealing with subjects particularly relevant to British Columbia. The course is team-taught, primarily by faculty in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences. NRSC 223-4 Geographic Information Systems (2,3,3)(L) This course is an introduction to basic concepts and applications of geographic information systems. The major topics are: spatial analysis systems; applications of GIS on microcomputers to natural resource systems; spatial data entry; data compilation; and map output. Same as GEOG 275. Prerequisites: P.C. computer skills.

NRSC 300-3 Diversity and Ecology of the Vertebrates (3,0,3) (L) This course provides an introduction to vertebrate biology for students in the natural resource field. The course has three main themes: animal ecology, comparative anatomy, and the systematics and identification of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Lectures address the evolutionary ecology of these groups, including the adaptive significance of morphological, physiological and behavioural traits. Key concepts of vertebrate ecology are introduced, such as predator-prey theory, optimal foraging strategy, reproductive success, dispersal, metapopulation theory, and wildlife management. Basic vertebrate anatomy and functional morphology also are covered. Laboratory work involves anatomical dissections and the taxonomic identification of terrestrial vertebrates, particularly those species found in British Columbia. Prerequisite: 3rd or 4th year standing in the Natural Resource Science program. Corequisite: BIOL 303 Note: Students who have taken BIOL 225 and/or BIOL 427 cannot receive credit for this course. NRSC 311-3 Range Ecology (3,0,2)(L) An introduction to range ecology principles with the focus on BC grassland systems. Lectures will cover rangeland physical characteristics, rangeland ecosystems, succession, range condition concepts, plant physiology, life history patterns, and rangeland plant communities. Lab will focus on range plant identification.some field data collection will be required. Prerequisite: FRST 210/220, FRST 200. NRSC 317-3 Ichthyology (3,0,3)(L) The systematics, anatomy, physiology, life history and ecology of freshwater and marine fishes. Students will learn to identify local freshwater fishes, as well as representative fish orders from around the world. Same as BIOL 329. Prerequisite: FRST 210 or BIOL 302 Corequisite: BIOL 303 NRSC 320-3 Silviculture (3,2,0)(L) This course emphasizes silvicultural concepts and principles as they apply to forest stand and landscape level management. Specific topics will include principles of forest tree improvement; seed handling; nursery practices and artificial regeneration; natural regeneration and stand tending practices (thinning, pruning, vegetation management, fertilization and site preparation). As well, different silvicultural systems will be discussed in relation to economics, wildlife, biodiversity, and sustainability. The laboratories are designed as both field exercises and indoor laboratory sections (including computer modelling). There will also be several field trips dealing with forest nursery operations, woodlot management, and forest operations. Prerequisites: FRST 200, FRST 210, 211, 220 NRSC 321-3 Range Management (3,2,0) A course on applied range ecology and range management planning. Lectures will cover such areas as range history, range inventory and monitoring, animal management, stocking rates, animal distribution, grazing systems, cultivated forages, range improvements and developments, integrated use, legislation, and current grassland issues. Course material will be used to develop a range management plan. Prerequisites: NRSC 311 Corequisite: NRSC 325 NRSC 322-3 Wildlife Management (3,0,2) This course emphasizes the use of ecological theory and principles as a guide for wildlife management strategies for game harvest, habitat and species at risk, the conservation of biodiversity, and a better understanding of predatorprey relationships. Lectures will cover areas such as the history of wildlife management, preservation versus conservation biology, population biology, risks of extinction, and the philosophy behind different management practices. In the seminars, students take part in group discussions on current topics and literature in the filed of wildlife management. Although this is not a course in field techniques students become exposed to useful methods such as biotelemetry, mark-recapture studies, immobilization, statistical analyses, and mathematical modelling. Prerequisites: BIOL 300 and BIOL 303 for all students; BNRS students must have taken NRSC 300; B.Sc. students must have taken at least one of BIOL 225, BIOL 302, or BIOL 427 Corequisites: NRSC 325 for students in the BNRS program

NRSC 325-3 Natural Resource Management 1 - Field Studies (0,2,8)(L) This course provides students in the BNRS program with hands-on experience in the field, on a variety of topics pertinent to natural resource management. Under the rotating supervision of different faculty members, students conduct field surveys or visit sites where management activities are underway. The exercises include GIS and vegetation mapping, soil analyses, range management, and fisheries and wildlife work. Some field exercises require data analysis and written reports. Participation and completion of all field trips and subsequent reports are required. This course also serves the purpose of providing pertinent field trips for other concurrent fourth-year courses in the BNRS program. Some weekend field work is required. Prerequisites: NRSC 223, NRSC 413, BIOL 300 and fourth year standing in the BNRS program. Corequisites: NRSC 321/322 NRSC 326-3 Limnology (3,0,3)(L) Theoretical and applied aspects of limnology. Consideration of the ecology of inland water organisms in relation to physical, chemical and biological factors affecting their interactions and production. One weekend field trip required. Same as BIOL 402. Prerequisites: FRST 210 or BIOL 302, BIOL 300. NRSC 402-3 Natural Resource Entomology (2,0,2)(L) Environmental and economic role of insects in forest ecosystems; identification and basic biology of major groups of forest insects; behavioural ecology and population dynamics of major insect pests; introduction to chemical ecology of insects; forest health and beneficial/pest insect balance; introduction to management strategies for major forest insect pests and implications in context of the Forest Practices Code. Prerequisites: BIOL 303, FRST 210/220 Corequisite: NRSC 320 NRSC 403-3 Natural Resource Pathology (2,0,2)(L) Pathology delas with the biology (anatomy, morphology, physiology, lifecycles), ecology, identification, and management of diseases. This course will emphasize the common tree diseases of western North American forests, British Columbia in particular. The course will include information on diseases of ornamental trees and common pathogens of animals. Prerequisites: BIOL 303, FRST 210/220 Corequisite: NRSC 320/402/413 NRSC 410-3 Fisheries Management (3,2,0) Topics will include methods of quantitative stock assessment, fisheries regulations, habitat restoration, stocking and government policy. Students will use microcomputers to model recruitment, mortality and yield of various fisheries. Prerequisites: BIOL 303, FRST 210 or BIOL 302, NRSC 317/326 Corequisites: NRSC 325 NRSC 411-3 Watershed Management (3,2,0) An introduction to the basic principles of wildland hydrology and watershed management. The role of climate, physiography and vegetation in watershed function. The effects of land use on streamflow quantity, timing and water quality. Techniques used in monitoring, and assessing the impacts of land management on the water resource. Prerequisites: FRST 200/210/220 NRSC 413-3 Fire Ecology and Management (3,2,0) This course is designed to provide the student with a solid understanding of the importance of fire to ecosystems, communities, species, and human society. The first part of the course will be devoted to understanding what fire is, and how it interacts with the abiotic and biotic environment. In the second part of the course, the focus will shift to the importance of fire in a historical, social and political context. Time also will be devoted to understanding the theory, principles, tools, and organization of fire management, particularly as it applies to British Columbia and other regions of Canada. The basic and foremost goal of this course is to increase the student s awareness of the role of fire in ecosystems. Prerequisites: Year 4 standing in the BNRS program.

NRSC 421-3 Conflict Resolution in the Natural Resources (2,2,0) An exploration of the principles of conflict and conflict resolution as they are used and applied, with focus in the area of natural resource management. Topics include what conflict is, how it arises, and how consensus is achieved by facilitation, interest-based negotiation and/or mediation. Emphasis is placed on moving beyond simple problemsolving to the actual resolution of underlying conflicts and issues, such as shifting from positional to interest-based arguments. Reviews of past, current and emerging conflicts in the natural resource sector also are incorporated into the course. Considerable time is devoted to role-playing exercises, during which students learn from one another as they enact mock conflict situations. Prerequisites: Fourth year standing in the BNRS program Corequisite: NRSC 411 NRSC 423-3 Graduating Essay (1,0,0)(2,0,0) An essay or technical report completed under the direction of a faculty member. The essay can be a technical review and description of a scientific study or a detailed literature review of a selected subject area appropriate for the BNRS degree program. With permission of the Department one year prior to enrolling in the course, students may use data from personal research. Students will be required to make an oral presentation summarizing the essay. Prerequisites: Final year in the BNRS program NRSC 424-3 Research Design, Analysis and Reporting (3,0,2) This course is designed for students in science, although non-science majors may take the course under special permission from the instructor. The course allows senior students to advance their understanding of the basic principles of conducting research, from the initial design of the project, through data collection and analysis, and into the final presentation of the results. Topics covered in lecture and seminar include scientific hypothesis testing, preand post-hoc power analysis, statistical design, pseudoreplication, modelling, data coding and entry, logistical constraints to research, and graphical presentation of data. A cursory introduction also is provided to more advanced statistical methods that students likely will encounter if they pursue a career in research, such as power-analysis, multi-variate statistical analysis, logistic regression, survival analysis and Bayesian statistics. In the laboratory, students will learn to use various types of software, including modelling, statistical analysis, and graphing packages. Students also become familiar with the process of scientific peer-review, through the submission of a research paper to a mock 'journal office'. Prerequisite: C+ or higher in BIOL 300 or an equivalent statistical course. A basic competency in statistics and the use of computers is assumed. NRSC 424 is open to senior undergraduates (3rd or 4th year standing) in the Faculty of Science. Senior undergraduates outside the Faculty of Science may also be admitted to the course upon direct permission from the instructor. NRSC 425-6 Field School in Tropical Forestry, Nurseries, Soils and Natural Resources (3,3,30)(L) This field course serves to accommodate trips from one to six weeks long and may occur within or outside of Canada. Topics covered will depend on the destination, but may include an examination of the biology, ecology, management, or cultural aspects of natural resources. Prerequisites: Year 3 standing in the BNRS program or equivalent standing from another institution. NRSC 498-4 Honours Seminar (0,2*,0)(0,2*,0) This course serves to provide honours students with constructive criticism of their thesis research project. It also allows students to explore and discuss topics of particular relevance to the field of natural resource science. The seminars consist of readings, group discussions, and alternating seminar presentations by students and interested faculty. Students register in this course in both the Fall and Winter terms of their last academic year of study. Prerequisites: 4th year standing in the BNRS Honours program Corequisites: NRSC 499 *Denotes seminars run alternate weeks NRSC 499-6 Honours Thesis This course requires an original research project conducted by students in the Honours Program of the Bachelor of Natural Resource Science (BNRS) degree. It is completed under the direction of a faculty member in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences, or a scientist from outside the department. Students accepted into the BNRS Honours Program register in this course in both the Fall and Winter semesters of their final academic year. Prerequisites: 4th year standing in the BNRS Honours program Corequisites: NRSC 498