Course Design

In this course we strive to present the principles of forest entomology and forest pathology, to examine the interactions between insects and fungi in forest ecosystems, and to explore silvicultural and other strategies for managing insects and pathogens when they interfere with management objectives. That's a lot. This is a 5-credit course. It will take a major portion of your time this term. We meet five times a week, in lecture, recitation, and laboratory.

Lectures (Mon, Tue, Wed) are designed to meet particular objectives, depending on the subject matter of the day. Objectives will be identified at the beginning of each period. Readings are keyed to the lecture topics and are designed to supplement them. Pursue the readings as assigned, if you want more information about a subject, or if you are confused or missed something.

Recitations (Thurs) will have varying formats, again depending on the objectives. Most times we will be integrating the week's presentations in an open discussion format, often built around solving a particular forest management problem. Recitation readings provide the background for the discussion of the day. Recitation readings are required, and you will be responsible for their content on exams, as for other assigned readings.

The Laboratory has three components: field trips, laboratory study units, and a collection of insects, pathogens, and their allies. The collections are due at 5:00 pm on Friday, Dec. 5. Late collections will be penalized 5 points per day unless prior arrangements have been made with the Instructors for an I grade for the course.