Forest Ecology

Instructor: Dr. Robert M. Scheller

Not currently offered.

Course Objectives:

We will explore the theories and concepts of forest ecology through the lenses of ecosystem, community, and landscape ecology. This course will:

• Synthesize the dominant paradigms of forest ecology;

• Expose students to the current research trends in the field;

• Explore applications though the literature, labs, and field trips.

The course was designed for Graduate students and junior or senior undergraduates with an interest in natural resources, ecology, conservation biology, geography, and other fields.

What is Forest Ecology?

• Forest ecology is the study of forested ecosystems, their biotic and abiotic drivers, and the theories and tools that we use to understand forest ecosystems and project how they will change;

• Encompasses the entire forest community of plants, animals, fungi;

• Analyzes forest carbon and nitrogen dynamics, soils, climate and weather, water and energy balances;

• Incorporates disturbance dynamics including wildfire, insects, wind storms, and logging;

• Is the critical discipline for understanding many ecosystem services.