- Temperate Rainforests

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: Dylan Fischer (forest ecology), Paul Butler (geology) Major areas of study include forest ecology, ecosystem ecology, landscape processes, weather and climate. Class Standing: Juniors or seniors; transfer students welcome. Prerequisites: One year of college-level science required. What are the structure, composition and function of temperate rainforests How does this relate to the ecology of other systems, land management and the physical environment We will explore how diversity and physiology of temperate rainforests relates to these questions. Specific topics will include forest nutrient cycling,ecophysiology, sampling, land management effects on ecosystems and the relationship between forests and the physical environment. Our focus will be on the ecosystem ecology of rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, but we will also consider their counterparts in other parts of the world. Weekly seminars will focus on reading primary scientific literature related to the structure, composition, function and management of temperate rainforests to elucidate current scientific knowledge of these systems. We will also investigate interactions between humans and forests to consider the broader impacts of ecological research. Students will undertake organized group projects in ecology and natural history and develop an independent study project that requires the development of research and quantitative skills. We will use The Evergreen State College campus as a field laboratory. The program will also take a field trip to the Olympic Peninsula to study natural history and field ecological aspects of temperate rainforests. In addition, we will work with a local landowner to characterize and evaluate ecological structure and nitrogen cycling in a 200-acre forest that has a diverse mixture of wetlands, riparian zones, mature second growth and recent harvest units. Total: 16 credits. Enrollment: 50 Special Expenses: Approximately $160 for a five-day field trip to the Olympic Peninsula. The deadline for payment of the field trip fee is September 28, 2007. Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in ecology, education, environmental studies and earth science. This program is also listed under Environmental Studies. A similar program is expected to be offered in 2009-10.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.