Forest Engineering, Resources and Management
The mission of the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management (FERM) is to develop, communicate, and teach the science, knowledge and engineering necessary for the sustainable management of forest, land, and water resources to achieve economic, environmental, and social objectives. Teaching and research focus on support and enhancement of active forest management across the full range of owner objectives, from ecosystem restoration to timber production. FERM includes biologists, engineers, economists, biometricians, hydrologists, silviculturists and applied ecologists.
The Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management offers undergraduate degree programs leading to professional practice in forestry and forest engineering. It also offers more broadly defined graduate programs at the master’s and doctorate levels in Sustainable Forest Management, including six areas of concentration.
Forestry Undergraduate Program
The forest management profession requires an understanding of natural resource systems and the management of forest resources for multiple uses. The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Forestry provides a broad-based education with the goal of preparing students to be successful forest managers. Graduates must understand biological and physical processes occurring in forests, the social and economic forces that influence policies and actions affecting forests, natural resource systems, and management of forest resources for multiple uses. Students also learn how values affect forest management planning so they can communicate effectively with others and make relevant decisions.
The core curriculum provides a broad-based education which includes basic courses in the biological, physical, social sciences, as well as professional courses designed to prepare students to manage forest resources. The Forestry BS also requires six months of relevant work experience intended to provide the enhanced understanding of the professional workplace. Students are required to select one of three options and serves to fulfill the 180 credits for graduation:
- Forest Management
- Forest Operations Management
- Forest Restoration and Fire
Graduates are employed by private and public organizations. The private sector includes the timber and forest products industry, forestry consulting firms, environmental organizations, and self-employment. Public employers include federal, state, and local government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and state departments of forestry and natural resources.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
Forest Engineering Undergraduate Program
The Forest Engineering Undergraduate Program provides an engineering education within a strong forestry context. The program is founded on fundamental principles of forest science and engineering science. Forest Engineering program objectives are to prepare graduates to plan and implement complex forestry and natural resource operations that help meet global demands for wood products while sustaining water, habitat, and other forest resources. It provides "work-ready" graduates for entry into the diverse professional field of forest engineering. Early career accomplishments include harvest unit design, forest road location and design, contract inspection and administration, cost analysis, and forest transportation management. Mid-career accomplishments commonly expand to involve aspects of engineering management, including planning and budgeting, supervision, wood supply procurement, harvest and road design reviews, and scheduling and controlling forest operations.
Specifically, the Forest Engineering Undergraduate Program provides fundamental coverage of the following:
- Fundamental engineering and forestry principles
- Physical and biological aspects of soil and water resources
- Surveying and measurement of land and forest resources
- Analysis and design of the forest transportation system
- Analysis and design of harvesting operations
- Economics and operational planning principles
Integration of these topics enables forest engineering graduates to develop and manage safe, economical, and environmentally sound forest operations. Design experiences that integrate the topics listed above and steadily build on previous course material are distributed throughout the upper-division portion of the program. The Forest Engineering capstone sequence during the senior year provides an opportunity for students to bring together all the topics from the curriculum in a project framework that includes the field and office engineering tasks associated with the planning and design of forest operations. The capstone sequence is integrated with the Forestry capstone sequence to provide realistic interdisciplinary planning and design experience.
Forest engineering graduates are employed by private forestry firms, public forestry agencies, logging and construction companies, engineering consulting firms, and surveying firms. Some graduates establish their own consulting businesses after a few years of field experience. Career progression following graduation can be quite varied. Some graduates gravitate toward technical positions while others move quickly toward management of harvesting and other forest operations, or more broadly defined management of the forest land base.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Engineering can be earned through completion of the Forest Engineering program or the Forest Engineering-Civil Engineering double degree program. The Bachelor of Science and Honors Bachelor of Science degrees in Forest Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission ABET, http://www.ABET.org.
The BS in Forest Engineering is also accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
Completion of the five-year, double-degree Forest Engineering-Civil Engineering program results in a BS in Forest Engineering and a BS in Civil Engineering, offered by the School of Civil and Construction Engineering. The Bachelor of Science and Honors Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.ABET.org.
Forest engineering is a licensed profession in the state of Oregon. The BS in Forest Engineering meets the administrative rules established by the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying (OSBEELS) as evidence of adequate preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, the first of two examinations required for professional engineering licensing. The BS in Forest Engineering, with the completion of appropriate program electives, also meets the OSBEELS administrative rules for evidence of adequate preparation for the Fundamentals of Land Surveying Examination, the first of two examinations required for professional land surveyor licensing.
Undergraduate Programs
Majors
Minor
Graduate Programs
Major
Jeff Hatten, Department Head
216 Peavy Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-8615
Phone: 541-737-4952
Email: fermdept@oregonstate.edu
Website: http://ferm.forestry.oregonstate.edu/
Faculty & Staff
Forest Engineering (FE)
FE 101, INTRODUCTION TO FOREST ENGINEERING, 2 Credits
Introduction to the forest engineering discipline. Discussion of critical issues, available resources, career opportunities and professional opportunities. Overview of field instruments and analytical approaches.
FE 102, FOREST ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING AND TECHNOLOGY, 3 Credits
A technology applications course designed to introduce students to formulating and implementing computational solutions to engineering analysis and design problems in a digital environment. Students will learn to evaluate engineering problems, formulate one or more solution techniques or algorithms, and code the solution using spreadsheet and/or programming software. Professionalism in completing and presenting laboratory exercises is emphasized. Laboratory examples draw from a variety of engineering topics. This course may be substituted for CE 102, Civil Engineering I: Problem Solving and Technology.
Equivalent to: FE 215
Recommended: Calculus
FE 208, FOREST SURVEYING, 4 Credits
Introduces theory and practice of surveying methods and measurements as applied to the specifics of forestry problems and their solutions. Prepares students for the Fundamentals of Land Surveying exam, which is necessary to become a professional land surveyor.
Prerequisite: MTH 112 with C or better or MTH 112Z with C or better or MTH 241 with C or better or MTH 241H with C or better or MTH 245 with C or better or MTH 251 with C or better or MTH 251H with C or better or MTH 252 with C or better or MTH 252H with C or better
Recommended: A lower-division introductory statistics course
Available via Ecampus
FE 257, GIS AND FOREST ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS, 3 Credits
An introduction to the appropriate use and potential applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and related technologies (GPS and remote sensing) in forest management and operational planning and problem solving. Students are presented with lectures and exercises that cover a wide range of GIS and GIS-related topics and issues including spatial database creation, structure, analysis, and modeling.
Available via Ecampus
FE 307, JUNIOR SEMINAR, 1 Credit
College is the time to develop the skills necessary for the transition between academics and career. In conjunction with the expertise already available on campus, this course will guide students through career planning, exploration, placement, and employer expectations. CROSSLISTED as FE 307/FOR 307.
Equivalent to: FOR 307
FE 310, FOREST ROUTE SURVEYING, 4 Credits
Route surveying and site surveying applied to forestry problems. Use of surveying equipment; traversing; computations; leveling; horizontal, vertical, compound, reverse and spiral curves; earthwork; construction staking as applied to new road and existing road P-line survey. Includes rapid survey techniques. Lec/lab.
Prerequisite: (FE 208 with C or better or FE 308 with C or better) or CE 361 with C or better or CEM 263 with C or better
FE 312, FORESTRY FIELD SCHOOL, 2 Credits
A hands-on experience in the major aspects of forestry, including regeneration surveys, silviculture, cruising, recreation, forest disturbances, logging site and mill visits, east and west of the Cascades Range. CROSSLISTED as FE 312/FOR 312.
FE 312H, FORESTRY FIELD SCHOOL, 2 Credits
A hands-on experience in the major aspects of forestry, including regeneration surveys, silviculture, cruising, recreation, forest disturbances, logging site and mill visits, east and west of the Cascades Range. CROSSLISTED as FE 312/FOR 312.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
FE 315, SOIL ENGINEERING, 4 Credits
Use of soil in engineering and construction. Identification and classification. Engineering properties of soil: permeability, compressibility, and strength. Compaction principles and methods. Field control of soil engineering projects.
Prerequisite: ENGR 213 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better
FE 316, SOIL MECHANICS, 4 Credits
Soil strength and soil mechanics theories applied to analysis of slope stability, retaining structures, foundations, and pavements.
Prerequisite: FE 315 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better or CE 372 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better
FE 330, FOREST ENGINEERING FLUID MECHANICS AND HYDRAULICS, 3 Credits
Fluid properties, pressure, fluid statics, continuity, energy equation, single and series pipe flow, open channel hydraulics, peakflow estimates for culvert design, stream crossing design. Lec/lab.
Prerequisite: ENGR 213 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better and FE 102 (may be taken concurrently) [C-]
Equivalent to: FE 431
FE 370, HARVESTING OPERATIONS, 4 Credits
Timber harvesting and transport methods from the forest to the mill. Technical feasibility, economic, and environmental relationships in forestry operations.
Prerequisite: PH 201 with C or better or PH 211 with C or better or PH 211H with C or better
FE 371, HARVESTING PROCESS ENGINEERING, 4 Credits
Timber harvesting equipment and systems. Harvesting process evaluation and decisions aided by forest engineering analysis.
Prerequisite: (ENGR 211 with C or better or ENGR 211H with C or better) and FE 102 [C]
FE 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 406, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 407, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 415, FOREST ROAD ENGINEERING, 3 Credits
Location, surveying, design, cost estimation, and construction practices for forest roads. Lecture on principles, and laboratory field practice in locating, surveying, designing, and cost estimating.
Prerequisite: FE 310 with C or better
FE 416, FOREST ROAD SYSTEM MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Structural characteristics of bridges, load rating, structural design of culverts, aggregate testing and evaluation, environmental assessment of forest road systems, road maintenance cycles and management.
Prerequisite: (ENGR 211 with C or better or ENGR 211H with C or better) and (ENGR 213 [C] or ENGR 213H [C]) and FE 316 [C] and FE 415 [C]
FE 423, UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM REMOTE SENSING, 3 Credits
Presents and explores techniques in Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) design and applications for remote sensing measurements of both natural and constructed landscapes.
Prerequisite: GEOG 380 with C or better or GEOG 480 with C or better or GEOG 481 with C or better
Recommended: FE 444
FE 430, WATERSHED PROCESSES, 4 Credits
Effects of land use practices on the physical hydrology (interception, infiltration, evapotranspiration, subsurface flow and surface runoff, water yields, and peak flows) of forested watersheds. Surface erosion, mass soil movements, stream temperatures, nutrient levels and effects of management activities upon riparian systems; forest practice rules.
Available via Ecampus
FE 434, FOREST WATERSHED MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Physical hydrology, erosion processes, streams, and riparian areas of forested ecosystems. The material can be widely applied, but is applicable primarily to the humid, temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
Prerequisite: (CH 121 with C or better or CH 201 with C or better or CH 231 with C or better or CH 231H with C or better) and (SOIL 205 [C] or SOIL 205H [C] or CSS 305 [C] or CSS 205 [C]) and (MTH 241 [C] or MTH 251 [C] or MTH 251H [C])
FE 436, FOREST DISTURBANCE HYDROLOGY, 3 Credits
Impacts of forest disturbance, including timber harvest, wildfire, insect outbreaks, and low frequency storms and floods on watershed hydrology and streams.
Prerequisite: FE 434 with C or better
FE 440, FOREST OPERATIONS ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Identification and measurement of production components in harvesting systems. Methods analysis, productivity improvement and engineering economics. Report writing skills emphasized.
Prerequisite: FE 102 with C or better and (FE 370 [C] or FE 371 [C])
Recommended: Basic statistics
FE 444, FOREST REMOTE SENSING AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY, 4 Credits
Introduction to spectral reflectance, photogrammetry, image analysis, and point clouds. Fundamentals of data acquisition with passive and active sensors installed on airborne and spaceborne platforms. Radar and lidar in forestry.
Prerequisite: FE 257 with C or better and (MTH 112 [C] or MTH 112Z [C] or MTH 241 [C] or MTH 251 [C] or MTH 251H [C] or MTH 252 [C] or MTH 252H [C]) and (PH 201 [C] or PH 211 [C] or PH 211H [C])
Available via Ecampus
FE 456, *INTERNATIONAL FORESTRY, 3 Credits
An introduction to the biological, physical, and sociological factors that shape the world's forests and the activities used to manage those forests. What influence these factors have on forest policies, practices, and outcomes. CROSSLISTED as FE 456/FOR 456.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Equivalent to: FOR 456
Recommended: Introductory course in biology.
FE 457, TECHNIQUES FOR FOREST RESOURCE ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Use of linear programming, nonlinear programming, dynamic programming, and simulation to solve complex forest management problems, with emphasis on intertemporal multiple-use scheduling. Forestry transportation problems, multiple-use allocation, and investment analysis. Field trips required. CROSSLISTED as FE 457/FOR 457 and FE 557.
Prerequisite: FOR 329 with C or better and (FOR 441 [C] or FOR 443 [C])
Equivalent to: FOR 457
FE 459, FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND DESIGN I, 4 Credits
Integration of environmental, economic, and social aspects of forestry in management planning. Development of strategic and tactical plans using diverse data types and sources. Senior capstone class projects. Lec/lab. CROSSLISTED as FE 459/FOR 459.
Prerequisite: FE 457 with C or better or FOR 457 with C or better
Equivalent to: FOR 459
FE 460, ^FOREST OPERATIONS REGULATIONS AND POLICY ISSUES, 3 Credits
Reviews regulations and other policies that affect timber harvesting and other forest practices, particularly policies that address concerns of environment, safety, employment and transportation. Discusses how such rules and other policies evolve, including the role of public perceptions, forestry professionals and other key policy players.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
FE 463, ^FOREST POLICY AND REGULATION, 3 Credits
Explores policy formulation and analysis of policies affecting land management, timber harvesting, and other forest practices on both private and public lands, particularly policies that address environmental concerns. Evaluates how regulations and policies evolve, including the role of public perceptions, forestry professionals, and other key policy players. Integrates writing appropriate in topic and style for natural resource professionals. CROSSLISTED as FE 463/FOR 463.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Equivalent to: FOR 463
FE 469, FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND DESIGN II, 4 Credits
A team-based, project-centric course for integrated timber harvest planning. Establish tactical and operational planning goals and constraints, identify feasible harvesting and transportation systems, and design harvest units to meet objectives and constraints. Lec/lab. CROSSLISTED as FE 469/FOR 469.
Prerequisite: FE 459 with C or better or FOR 459 with C or better
Equivalent to: FOR 469
FE 470, LOGGING MECHANICS, 4 Credits
Relationship of torque, power, and thrust to the operation of cable and ground-based harvesting systems. On-highway and off-highway heavy truck performance.
Prerequisite: (ENGR 211 with C or better or ENGR 211H with C or better) and ENGR 213 [C] and FE 371 [C]
FE 471, HARVESTING MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Verification of harvesting assessment plans and operational planning/field layout. Practical logging skills related to harvest planning, operations monitoring, and designing worker training programs.
FE 480, FOREST ENGINEERING PRACTICE AND PROFESSIONALISM, 1 Credit
Personal and professional skills, attributes, and issues in forest engineering practice. Includes topics such as ethics, land stewardship, media relations and risk management.
FE 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
FE 501, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARHSIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
FE 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Subject matter as required by graduate programs.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 515, FOREST ROAD ENGINEERING, 3 Credits
Location, surveying, design, cost estimation, and construction practices for forest roads. Lecture on principles, and laboratory field practice in locating, surveying, designing, and cost estimating.
Recommended: Basic surveying
FE 516, FOREST ROAD SYSTEM MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Structural characteristics of bridges, load rating, structural design of culverts, aggregate testing and evaluation, environmental assessment of forest road systems, road maintenance cycles and management.
FE 523, UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM REMOTE SENSING, 3 Credits
Presents and explores techniques in Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) design and applications for remote sensing measurements of both natural and constructed landscapes.
Prerequisite: GEOG 560 with C or better or GEOG 561 with C or better or GEOG 580 with C or better or GEOG 581 with C or better or OC 678 with C or better
Recommended: FE 544
FE 530, WATERSHED PROCESSES, 4 Credits
Effects of land use practices on the physical hydrology (interception, infiltration, evapotranspiration, subsurface flow and surface runoff, water yields, and peak flows) of forested watersheds. Surface erosion, mass soil movements, stream temperatures, nutrient levels and effects of management activities upon riparian systems; forest practice rules.
FE 532, FOREST HYDROLOGY, 4 Credits
Physical hydrology, erosion processes, and attributes of stream ecosystems for forested watersheds. Material can be widely applied, but is applicable primarily to the humid, temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
Recommended: BEE 512 or introductory hydrology course
FE 536, FOREST DISTURBANCE HYDROLOGY, 3 Credits
Impacts of forest disturbance, including timber harvest, wildfire, insect outbreaks, and low frequency storms and floods on watershed hydrology and streams.
Recommended: FE 434
FE 540, FOREST OPERATIONS ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Identification and measurement of production components in harvesting systems. Methods analysis, productivity improvement and engineering economics. Report writing skills emphasized.
Recommended: FE 102 and (FE 370 or FE 371) and basic statistics.
FE 544, FOREST REMOTE SENSING AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY, 4 Credits
Introduction to spectral reflectance, photogrammetry, image analysis, and point clouds. Fundamentals of data acquisition with passive and active sensors installed on airborne and spaceborne platforms. Radar and lidar in forestry.
Recommended: FE 257 and (MTH 112Z or MTH 241 or MTH 251 or MTH 252)
FE 545, FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY, 4 Credits
Emphasizes fluvial-hydraulic dynamics occurring in streams and rivers. Discusses the functioning of rivers and compares the unique characteristics that distinguish one river from another. Delves into fluid dynamics and sediment transport, while also exploring how the river channel adapts to accommodate sediment and water supplied by a given watershed. Focuses on study in the context of alluvial gravel bed-rivers. CROSSLISTED as BEE 545/FE 545.
Equivalent to: BEE 545
FE 552, FOREST TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS, 4 Credits
Analysis of interactions between harvesting and road systems. Advanced topics in road and landing spacing, determination of road standards, analysis of logging road networks, transfer and sort yard facility location. Simultaneous resource scheduling and transportation planning.
FE 555, FOREST SUPPLY CHAIN MGMT, 3 Credits
Develop and implement operational planning and logistics scheduling systems to manage a forestry supply chain for typical forest organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Once developed, these supply chain plans will be implemented using simulation software that will allow students to view the results of their forest operations plans.
FE 557, TECHNIQUES FOR FOREST RESOURCE ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Use of linear programming, nonlinear programming, dynamic programming, and simulation to solve complex forest management problems, with emphasis on intertemporal multiple-use scheduling. Forestry transportation problems, multiple-use allocation, and investment analysis. Field trips required. CROSSLISTED as FE 457/FOR 457 and FE 557.
Equivalent to: FOR 557
FE 570, LOGGING MECHANICS, 4 Credits
Relationship of torque, power, and thrust to the operation of cable and ground-based harvesting systems. On-highway and off-highway heavy truck performance.
FE 571, HARVESTING MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Verification of harvesting assessment plans and operational planning/field layout. Practical logging skills related to harvest planning, operations monitoring, and designing worker training programs.
FE 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 601, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
FE 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 606, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Subject matter is required by graduate programs.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FE 640, SPECIAL TOPICS IN FOREST ENGINEERING, 1-3 Credits
Recent advances in logging engineering, forest engineering, and forest operations. Content will vary with instructor. May be retaken for credit.
This course is repeatable for 99 credits.
Forestry (FOR)
FOR 004, INTERNSHIP, 0 Credits
Provides basic personal and professional skills that can be used within and outside of a work setting. Through practice, this experience guides students in building and maintaining positive professional relationships, networking/mentoring relationships, and enhances students’ understanding of the connection between theory and practice in their respective disciplines.
FOR 111, INTRODUCTION TO FORESTRY, 3 Credits
Forest resources in the world; forests and human well-being; where and how forests grow; environmental and human values; products, characteristics, and uses; basic elements of use, planning and management. Interpretation of forestry literature; professional origins in the U.S. Field trips required.
Equivalent to: F 111
Available via Ecampus
FOR 112, COMPUTING APPLICATIONS IN FORESTRY, 3 Credits
An overview of computing applications used in all aspects of forestry work, but largely focused on development of intermediate and advanced spreadsheet skills using Microsoft Excel (e.g., complex formulas and functions, charting, and pivot tables). Additionally, the course rounds out essential skills in document formatting and presentation development.
Available via Ecampus
FOR 199, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 206, *FOREST SOILS LABORATORY FOR SOIL 205, 1 Credit
Laboratory exercise and field trips designed to develop student competency in soil processes, description, analysis, and assessment with a particular emphasis on the role of soils in managed and unmanaged forest ecosystems. (Bacc Core Course if taken with SOIL 205)
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Corequisites: SOIL 205
FOR 208, FOREST SOILS RECITATION, 1 Credit
Readings, exercises, discussions designed to develop student competency in forest soil processes, description, analysis, and assessment. A particular emphasis will be placed on the role of soils in managed and unmanaged forest ecosystems.
Recommended: An introductory soils course.
Available via Ecampus
FOR 210, TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION AND NATURAL HISTORY, 3 Credits
Reviews principles used for locating, observing, and identifying terrestrial vertebrates, with an emphasis on using morphological characteristics in concert with behaviors and vegetation associations. Emphasizes on taxonomic relationships and traits used for identifying species within each terrestrial vertebrate group (i.e., birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals). Gains experience in species identification under field conditions and explores the relationship between animals and their environments.
Recommended: One term or year of introductory biology
Available via Ecampus
FOR 252, WILDLAND FIRE GUARD SCHOOL, 2 Credits
Builds solid foundation in wildland firefighting and basic fire behavior. Incorporates National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) online curricula. Develops firefighting skills, including fire shelter deployment and a Work Capacity Test (WCT) opportunity, through a series of field-based exercises.
FOR 307, JUNIOR SEMINAR, 1 Credit
College is the time to develop the skills necessary for the transition between academics and career. In conjunction with the expertise already available on campus, this course will guide students through career planning, exploration, placement, and employer expectations. CROSSLISTED as FE 307/FOR 307.
Equivalent to: FE 307
FOR 312, FORESTRY FIELD SCHOOL, 2 Credits
A hands-on experience in the major aspects of forestry, including regeneration surveys, silviculture, cruising, recreation, forest disturbances, logging site and mill visits, east and west of the Cascades Range. CROSSLISTED as FE 312/FOR 312.
FOR 321, FOREST MENSURATION, 5 Credits
Encompasses methods used to measure tree, stand and forest-level attributes, and sample and analyze forest resources data. Provides information that support forest management decisions at the stand and forest levels. Focuses mainly on quantitative analysis of forest vegetation. Uses considerable time and effort on measuring other forest resources (e.g., wildlife habitat and riparian zones).
Prerequisite: FES 241 with C or better and FE 208 [C] and (MTH 241 [C] or MTH 245 [C] or MTH 251 [C] or MTH 251H [C]) and (ST 201 [C] or ST 243Z [C] or ST 314 [C] or ST 314H [C] or ST 351 [C] or ST 351H [C])
FOR 322, FOREST MODELS, 3 Credits
Focuses on introduction to static and dynamic forest models: defining what they are, how they might be used, and, in general terms, how they are developed.
Prerequisite: FOR 321 with C or better and (MTH 241 [C] or MTH 241H [C] or MTH 251 [C] or MTH 251H [C]) and (ST 201 [C] or ST 243Z [C] or ST 314 [C] or ST 314H [C] or ST 351 [C] or ST 351H [C])
FOR 329, FOREST RESOURCE ECONOMICS I, 4 Credits
Explores main concepts associated with the sustainable use of forest resources from an economic perspective. Introduces financial and economic aspects of forest management decision making, at both the stand and forest level. Topics including forest products markets, appraisal, rotation, thinning, uneven-aged management and forest regulation. Covers economics of timber management and harvest scheduling.
Prerequisite: ST 201 with C or better or ST 243Z with C or better or ST 314 with C or better or ST 314H with C or better or ST 351 with C or better or ST 351H with C or better
Equivalent to: FOR 331
FOR 332, FOREST RESOURCE ECONOMICS II, 2 Credits
Utilizes tools of investment analysis and approaches to capital budgeting under risk. Explores basic wood products markets. Examines forest resource market failures and externalities. Evaluates nonmarket valuation and multiple-use forestry. Discusses impacts of forest management and public policy decisions on forest resource use. Analyzes international trade considerations.
Prerequisite: FOR 329 with C or better
Equivalent to: FOR 330
FOR 346, TOPICS IN WILDLAND FIRE, 3 Credits
An interdisciplinary survey of concepts relating to fire science, ecology, management, and policy. Includes case studies of several representative ecosystems, ranging from west- and eastside forests of the Pacific Northwest to shrub steppe ecosystems of the Intermountain West and chaparral ecosystems of southern California. Distance and campus-based delivery using videos, website, and discussion.
Equivalent to: FW 346, RNG 346
Recommended: Coursework in forest biology or ecology (eg. FOR 240 or FES 240 or FES 341)
Available via Ecampus
FOR 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 0-16 Credits
Equivalent to: FOR 399H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 399H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: FOR 399
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 401, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 401
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 405, FRR 405
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 406, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 407, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 407, FRR 407
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 408, WORKSHOP, 1-3 Credits
Equivalent to: FRR 408
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
Full-time supervised professional experience emphasizing functional proficiency under joint sponsorship of university and agency personnel.
Equivalent to: FRR 410
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 413, FOREST PATHOLOGY, 3 Credits
Analyzes effects of diseases on forest ecosystems. Focuses on recognition of important groups, prediction of pathogen responses to environmental changes, and management strategies for protection of forest resources. CROSSLISTED as BOT 413/FOR 413.
Prerequisite: BI 204 with C or better or BI 212 with C or better or BI 212H with C or better or BI 213 with C or better or BI 213H with C or better or BI 221 with C or better or BI 221H with C or better or FES 240 with C or better
Equivalent to: BOT 413
FOR 431, ECONOMICS AND POLICY OF FOREST WILDLAND FIRE, 3 Credits
Explores current issues in wildfire policy and management. Analyzes relevant laws and regulations, including liability standards and air quality rules. Uses an economic framework for evaluating allocation of resources, the role of incentives and risk preferences, and for valuation of forest assets under risk.
Prerequisite: FOR 330 with C or better or FOR 332 with C or better or ECON 201 with C or better or ECON 201H with C or better or AEC 250 with C or better or AEC 250H with C or better
Available via Ecampus
FOR 436, WILDLAND FIRE SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Principles and applications of fire as a natural resource management tool; the role of fire in conservation management, restoration, and preservation of ecosystems. Covers basic techniques and current research used to describe fire behavior and spread, fuels and fuel manipulation, and fire effects on the biota. Focus will be on fire as a natural process in ecosystem dynamics.
Equivalent to: RNG 436
Available via Ecampus
FOR 441, SILVICULTURE PRINCIPLES, 4 Credits
Nursery operation, vegetation management, herbivores, fire, seeding and planting techniques. Introduction to principles and techniques involving vegetation control, thinning, fertilizing, and harvesting. Environmental considerations related to forest stand treatments.
Prerequisite: (FES 240 with C or better or FES 240H with C or better) and FES 241 [C]
Available via Ecampus
FOR 442, SILVICULTURE REFORESTATION, 4 Credits
Silvicultural principles and practices needed to successfully regenerate forestlands in North America. Topics include artificial and natural regeneration, genetic improvement, seed orchards, forest tree nurseries, site preparation, seedling quality and handling, vegetation management, animal damage protection, early stand management, and ecological and ecophysiological considerations. Emphasis is placed on regeneration methods applied to plantations in western Oregon. Field trips required.
Prerequisite: (SOIL 205 with C or better or SOIL 205H with C or better or CSS 205 with C or better or CSS 305 with C or better) and (FES 240 [C] or FES 240H [C])
Corequisites: FOR 443
FOR 443, SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES, 4 Credits
Manipulation of forest stand structure and dynamics to meet various resource management objectives. Covers key concepts and practices associated with vegetation control, thinning, fertilization, even-aged and uneven-aged regeneration systems including social and environmental considerations associated with treatments. Two-day field trip required.
Prerequisite: (FES 240 with C or better or FES 240H with C or better) and FOR 321 [C]
Corequisites: FOR 442
FOR 452, PRESCRIBED FIRE PRACTICUM, 3 Credits
Explores prescribed fire in an ecological context and as a management tool. Emphasizes evaluating sites for prescribed fire potential/suitability, developing burn prescriptions and burn plans to meet landowner and ecological objectives, monitoring results, and accessing resources and expertise. Develops a burn plan and implements a prescribed burn.
Prerequisite: FOR 252 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better
FOR 456, *INTERNATIONAL FORESTRY, 3 Credits
An introduction to the biological, physical, and sociological factors that shape the world's forests and the activities used to manage those forests. What influence these factors have on forest policies, practices, and outcomes. CROSSLISTED as FE 456/FOR 456.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Equivalent to: FE 456
Recommended: Introductory course in biology.
FOR 457, TECHNIQUES FOR FOREST RESOURCE ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Use of linear programming, nonlinear programming, dynamic programming, and simulation to solve complex forest management problems, with emphasis on intertemporal multiple-use scheduling. Forestry transportation problems, multiple-use allocation, and investment analysis. Field trips required. CROSSLISTED as FE 457/FOR 457 and FE 557.
Prerequisite: FOR 329 with C or better and (FOR 441 [C] or FOR 443 [C])
Equivalent to: FE 457
FOR 459, FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND DESIGN I, 4 Credits
Integration of environmental, economic, and social aspects of forestry in management planning. Development of strategic and tactical plans using diverse data types and sources. Senior capstone class projects. Lec/lab. CROSSLISTED as FE 459/FOR 459.
Prerequisite: FE 457 with C or better or FOR 457 with C or better
Equivalent to: FE 459
FOR 460, ^FOREST POLICY, 4 Credits
Policy formulation and analysis for forest resources. Consideration of policy affecting land management approaches to planning, management, and social and economic development. Major forestry policy areas covered include outdoor recreation, range, timber, wilderness, and wildlife and fish.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
FOR 461, FOREST POLICY ANALYSIS, 3 Credits
Explores tools and techniques for policy analysis, with an emphasis on policies impacting forest management. Uses case studies to demonstrate and practice using an analytic framework. Uses the model of an eightfold process to understand problem-solving and policy analysis in contemporary forest policy issues. Builds a multi-dimensional framework to analyze and evaluate trade-offs.
FOR 463, ^FOREST POLICY AND REGULATION, 3 Credits
Explores policy formulation and analysis of policies affecting land management, timber harvesting, and other forest practices on both private and public lands, particularly policies that address environmental concerns. Evaluates how regulations and policies evolve, including the role of public perceptions, forestry professionals, and other key policy players. Integrates writing appropriate in topic and style for natural resource professionals. CROSSLISTED as FE 463/FOR 463.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Equivalent to: FE 463
FOR 469, FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND DESIGN II, 4 Credits
A team-based, project-centric course for integrated timber harvest planning. Establish tactical and operational planning goals and constraints, identify feasible harvesting and transportation systems, and design harvest units to meet objectives and constraints. Lec/lab. CROSSLISTED as FE 469/FOR 469.
Prerequisite: FE 459 with C or better or FOR 459 with C or better
Equivalent to: FE 469
FOR 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 0-16 Credits
Topics of current importance in forest resources issues, education, policies, economics, management, business, social values, silviculture, and biometrics. Topics will change from term to term. May be repeated with different topics for credit. Section 8: Social aspects of natural resource management (3 credits) graded.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
FOR 501, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 501
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 503
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
FOR 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 505, FRR 505
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 506
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 507, FRR 507
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 508, WORKSHOP, 1-3 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-9 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 513, FOREST PATHOLOGY, 3 Credits
Analyzes effects of diseases on forest ecosystems. Focuses on recognition of important groups, prediction of pathogen responses to environmental changes, and management strategies for protection of forest resources. CROSSLISTED as BOT 513/FOR 513.
Equivalent to: BOT 513
FOR 520, GEOSPATIAL FOREST ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Examines passive and active sensors used in remote sensing. Explores manipulation of geospatial data in R and classification of images using machine learning. Extract forest relevant information from lidar and photogrammetric point clouds. Sampling for accuracy assessment.
Prerequisite: FE 544 with C or better or GEOG 580 with C or better
FOR 524, FOREST BIOMETRICS, 3 Credits
Advanced topics in forest biometrics, including measurement of forest structure and dynamics, application of sampling theory and methods, and statistical techniques for interpreting forestry data.
Equivalent to: F 524
FOR 525, FOREST MODELING WITH MACHINE LEARNING, 4 Credits
Develops forest models using regression and machine learning models. Explores techniques and assumptions used to develop static and dynamic models. Emphasizes regression analysis, random forests, and neural networks.
Prerequisite: ST 521 with C or better or ST 552 with C or better
FOR 526, 3-PG FOREST GROWTH MODEL, 2 Credits
Focuses on the foundations and practical use of the process-based model 3-PG (Physiological Processes Predicting Growth). Utilizes output from the 3-PG model, which includes leaf area index, stand transpiration, stem biomass and volume, quadratic mean diameter, and basal area to evaluate site potential and analyze the effects of varying growing conditions or management actions.
Recommended: BOT 588
FOR 528, PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION AND ETHICS, 2 Credits
Conventions of written and oral communication in forestry and related disciplines including basic narrative development. Exploration of environmental, professional, and research ethics, and the role they play in effective communication with multiple stakeholders.
FOR 530, SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY RESEARCH, 4 Credits
Focuses on foundation of the sustainable forest management research. Topics include framing a testable research question, formulation of models, and hypotheses. Selection between Bayesian and Frequentist approaches to research. Emphasizes sustainability and its influence on decision-making in forest management, with example from forest certification, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and equity. Interprets and disseminates methods and results.
Recommended: Introduction to statistics
FOR 531, ECONOMICS AND POLICY OF FOREST WILDLAND FIRE, 3 Credits
Explores current issues in wildfire policy and management. Analyzes relevant laws and regulations, including liability standards and air quality rules. Uses an economic framework for evaluating allocation of resources, the role of incentives and risk preferences, and for valuation of forest assets under risk.
Recommended: FOR 332 or ECON 201 or AEC 250
Available via Ecampus
FOR 534, ECONOMICS OF THE FOREST RESOURCE, 3 Credits
Topics include optimal stand and forest management for timber production, economics of ecosystem services (e.g. recreation, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water quality and regulation), non-market valuation methods, management under risk and uncertainty, discounting, intergenerational equity, sustainability, international trade and other global issues.
Recommended: FOR 330 and FOR 331
FOR 536, WILDLAND FIRE SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Principles and applications of fire as a natural resource management tool; the role of fire in conservation management, restoration, and preservation of ecosystems. Covers basic techniques and current research used to describe fire behavior and spread, fuels and fuel manipulation, and fire effects on the biota. Focus will be on fire as a natural process in ecosystem dynamics.
Equivalent to: RNG 536
FOR 542, INTERNATIONAL INTENSIVE SILVICULTURE, 2 Credits
Operational and ecological aspects of intensive silvicultural management of planted forests around the world. Guest speakers in different countries will describe the type of silvicultural management that is carried out in the speaker's country from species and genetic selection, to harvest and rotation length, including site preparation and planting techniques. Emphasis on comparing silvicultural practices in each country to the management of plantations in western Oregon.
FOR 543, SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES, 5 Credits
Manipulation of immature and mature forest stands for various resource management objectives. Principles and techniques involving vegetation control, thinning, fertilizing, and harvesting. Environmental considerations related to stand treatments. Two-day field trips required.
FOR 549, SILVICULTURAL INFLUENCES ON FOREST ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS, 3 Credits
Fundamental biological and ecological principles for the design and implementation of silvicultural regimes that achieve a wide diversity of forest ecosystem management objectives.
Recommended: Undergraduate course in silviculture and in forest mensuration.
FOR 550, SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Sustainable forestry as part of the global sustainability movement. History of sustainability and its influence on decision-making in forest management. Current dimensions of sustainability: forest certification, climate change, role of environmental ethics, biodiversity conservation, maintenance of long-term site productivity, conservation of soil and water resources, roles of social institutions, and links to concerns for social justice.
FOR 552, PRESCRIBED FIRE PRACTICUM, 3 Credits
Explores prescribed fire in an ecological context and as a management tool. Emphasizes evaluating sites for prescribed fire potential/suitability, developing burn prescriptions and burn plans to meet landowner and ecological objectives, monitoring results, and accessing resources and expertise. Develops a burn plan and implements a prescribed burn.
FOR 561, FOREST POLICY ANALYSIS, 3 Credits
Explores tools and techniques for policy analysis, with an emphasis on policies impacting forest management. Uses case studies to demonstrate and practice using an analytic framework. Uses the model of an eightfold process to understand problem-solving and policy analysis in contemporary forest policy issues. Builds a multi-dimensional framework to analyze and evaluate trade-offs.
FOR 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 0-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
FOR 601, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 601
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 603
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
FOR 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 605
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 606, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 606
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: F 607
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Topics of current importance in forest resources issues, education, policies, economics, management, business, social values, silviculture, and biometrics. Topics will change from term to term. May be repeated with different topics for credit.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
FOR 808, WORKSHOP, 1-9 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.