FOR 322 - Forest Models

Instructor: David W. Hann

Course Offered: Winter Term

Format: Two lectures and one lab/lecture per week

Credits: Three

Prerequisites:
You must have the following prerequisites in order to take FOR322:
1. MTH 241 and MTH 245
2. ST 351 and ST 352
3. FOR 321
Students who have not taken the prerequisites must drop the class by 10:00 am on Thursday, January 6, 2005.

Course Rationale:
If a forester could easily and inexpensively measure all current and future attributes of trees and stands that may be of interest (such as tree volume and future stand growth) the use of forest models would not be necessary. In practice, however, it is often not practical to make direct measurements on many of the current tree and stand attributes of interest, and impossible on future attributes.

Forest models are useful in these cases because they take the basic attributes that are relatively easy or cost—effective to measure, and uses those attributes in mathematical equations to predict other attributes that are more difficult or costly to measure.

In FOR 321 (Forest Mensuration), students have had experience in making many of the basic measurements on actual tree and stand attributes. The purpose of FOR 322 is to introduce undergraduate students to the development, use, and validation of static and dynamic forest models. These forest models predict selected attributes of both individual trees and forest stands (cubic—foot volume per acre is an example of a tree attribute and basal area per acre is an example of a stand attribute). Static forest models predict attributes at a given point in time, and dynamic models predict changes over time.

Course Goals:
After successfully completing FOR 322, students will:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of regression methods.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of static models used for estimating tree volume/taper, stand density relationships, and productivity.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how stand attributes change in relation of time, initial density, and productivity.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dynamic models used for predicting growth and yield of forest stands.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of validating forest models.
6. Develop additional professional forestry vocabulary.

Class Notes:
I have turned my Class Notes (i.e., my lecture notes) into PDF files and these are available on T:\\FORESTRY\TEACH\CLASSES\FOR322 along with a copy of Adobe’s Acrobat reader. You are strongly encouraged to make a copy of the Class Notes in order to minimize problems with note taking during class and to build your professional library.

Required Text and Materials:
AB = Avery and Burkhart (2002)
You will also need to either purchase or check out a Hewlett—Packard model 30s
scientific calculator in order to do the problem sets and the examinations. Optional Text:
ESM = Elementary Statistical Methods — Freese

Course Structure
The course is structured around four activies: (1) lectures and labs, (2) six problem sets, (3) eight quizzes, and (4) two tests (a midterm and a final). The problem sets are designed to provide you an opportunity to apply mathematics with formulas commonly used in forestry in order to provide practice and reinforce understanding of how quantitative concepts apply to forestry decision—making tools. The quizzes and tests will verify that you have mastered the materials in the course.

Grading:
Your course grade will depend upon your performance on the eight quizzes and two tests. The eight quizzes will count a total of 100 points, the midterm exam will count 100 points and the final exam will count 100 points. Therefore, there will be a total of 300 points possible.

The class will be graded using the following system:

Recommended Study Technique:
1. Make a copy of the Class Notes.
2. Before each lecture, read the Class Notes and the Avery and Burkhart (2002) assignment given in the syllabus. Formulate questions concerning areas that are unclear.
3. Attend the lecture and be a active listener by remaining focused on the lecture presentation. If the lecture does not clear up the areas of confusion, then ask the questions formed prior to class.
4. During the lecture, enhance your copy of the Class Notes by making notes in their margins.
5. Solve the problem sets given you with the Hewlett—Packard 30s calculator. Then compare your results to the answers given. If you cannot resolve diflerences, ask questions at the end of class or during office hours.

Academic Honesty:
Complete academic honesty is expected during the quizzes and exams.

Student Behavior:
It is expected that all students in the class will behave in a courteous, respectful and professional manner to the instructor and fellow students. This includes:
1. showing up to class on time.
2. staying in class for the entire period or until excused by the instructor.
3. showing respect for all other students and their contributions to class discussions.
4. showing up to class free of the influence of drugs or alcohol.
5. Remaining quite, focused, and attentive during all lectures and labs.
Failure to meet these expectations could result in a lower grade for the course.

Students with Disabilities:
Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who have an emergency medical information the instructor should know of, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should make an appointment with the instructor as early as possible, but no later than the first week of the term.

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