Forestry Courses | 2024-2025 Academic Catalog | SIU

Students experience varied subject areas of Forestry including forest recreation, ecology, silviculture, wildlife habitat restoration, hydrology, wildland fire, forest products, natural ecosystems and conservation. Special emphasis is given to the diversity of careers in Forestry. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $50.

Credit Hours: 1

A one-semester course that teaches fundamental identification techniques of trees, vines, and shrubs using leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit characteristics. Students will learn basic principles in plant taxonomy and botany, and develop problem solving techniques to help in plant identification processes. The course serves as an introductory plant identification course and as a primer for FOR 202-Tree Identification Laboratory.

Credit Hours: 3

(University Core Curriculum) Introduction to the field of forestry and natural resource conservation. Special emphasis will be placed on the key fields of study including ecosystem science, wildlife habitat relationships, forest recreation, and urban forestry. The following course related performance goals would be expected from you at the conclusion of the course: 1. Describe the forest regions of the world, 2. Describe the key concepts wildlife habitat relationships, 3. Describe the primary types of ecosystem services in natural areas, 4. Describe the factors that affect participation in forest recreation, 5. Understand commonly used natural resource data, 6. Describe commonly used forest practices, 7. Describe the key concepts urban forests, and 8. Describe common careers in the forest management profession.

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces concepts of biology, physiology, ecology, and silvics important to the growth, development, and sustainability of trees and forest ecosystems. Emphasis includes understanding how trees are influenced by: the physical environment (atmosphere, light, water, topography, fire, soils, etc.); the biological, physiological, and genetic potential of tree species; and interrelationships with other organisms including wildlife, fungi, and humans. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $20.

Credit Hours: 3

Field and Laboratory identification of native and exotic trees, shrubs and woody vines using leaf, twig, bark and fruit characteristics. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $50.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will provide an introduction to angling in Illinois ponds, lakes, and streams/rivers. Emphasis will focus on angling techniques, equipment, and habitat requirements necessary for freshwater game species in Illinois' waters. Threats and challenges toward the future of angling will also be discussed highlighting emerging diseases, fishing pressure, resource competition, aquatic weed control, and water quality. The course is offered online only.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will provide an introduction to bass fishing in Illinois ponds, lakes, and streams/rivers. Emphasis will focus on angling techniques, equipment, and habitat requirements necessary for recreational angling and tournament fishing across the U.S. Threats and challenges toward the future of Bass Fishing will also be discussed highlighting fishing pressure, resource competition, aquatic weed control, and water quality. This course is online and face-to-face course that will meet 1 day per week.

Credit Hours: 3

Trends in outdoor recreational use of wild lands and natural areas with emphasis on state and federal parks and forests. Introductory concepts in recreation resources management, visitor impact assessment and environmental interpretation.

Credit Hours: 2

Introduction to the distribution, management, and quality of water resources. Emphasis on the hydrologic cycle, the watershed as a unit of management, water supply and treatment, and the functions of aquatic ecosystems including rivers, streams, aquifers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to field of conservation law enforcement as it relates to natural resource management. Students will learn the history of natural resource laws and the protection and conservation of natural resources such as fish, wildlife, and state parks. The focus of the course is Illinois and Federal law regulating the conservation of natural resources, centering on fish, wildlife, timber, waterways, and state-owned properties.

Credit Hours: 3

Study of the human dimensions of natural resource management. Exploration of the ethical and historical negotiations of the human-nature relationship. Examination of the role of public opinion in conservation and sustainable resource decision making. Exposure to environmental justice, political ecology, ecological economics, and the influences of media, science and technology.

Credit Hours: 3

A half-semester course that teaches silvics and identification of dormant deciduous trees, vines and shrubs primarily using twig and bark characteristics. Silvical characteristics such as range, shade tolerance, reproduction, growth and yield, soils and topography will be covered on approximately 50 of the most regionally important tree species. Prerequisites: FOR 202 and FOR 310. Restricted to senior standing.

Credit Hours: 1

An introduction to the design of monitoring programs and field-based techniques for studying wildlife populations. The course focuses on two primary areas: (1) wildlife research and experimental design and (2) practical, field-based wildlife monitoring techniques. Course emphasis is on the application of such techniques during class labs and in the field. Prerequisites: none. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $60.

Credit Hours: 4

Integrated use of mapping, aerial photographs, and field information to evaluate resources in the development of land management plans. Topics range from aerial photo interpretations, to GIS database management and vegetation mapping. Course will include classroom presentations, field trips and lab exercises. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $25.

Credit Hours: 3

Detailed study of classical concepts and recently developed techniques utilized in silviculture treatment of forests. Major emphasis to be placed upon establishment, thinning, timber stand improvement, and regeneration of forests. Prerequisite: FOR 331. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $40.

Credit Hours: 4

Methods of determining volume and quality of forest products, forest resource inventory procedures, growth, and productivity studies. Co-requisites: FOR 314C, FOR 351C, and FOR 360C. Prerequisite: FOR 310, FOR 331 or consent of instructor. Summer camp fees and costs are outlined in the Forestry major-Forest Resources Management Specialization. Summer Camp Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $125.

Credit Hours: 1

The science and art of obtaining reliable measurement by means of photographs, detection of disease, insects, and fire invasion by remote sensors; and delineation of resources boundaries through interpretation.

Credit Hours: 3

This course prepares students for managing and completing projects in natural resource careers. Emphasis will be on project design and management, database management, and statistical analysis. Students will develop skills in project planning and communication, database functionality in the Excel environment, and the analysis of ecological data. Prerequisites: None.

Credit Hours: 3

Emphasis is given to lumber sale layouts, sale contracts, and harvest engineering methods. Consideration is given to the environmental impacts of harvesting. Prerequisite: FOR 310 or consent of instructor. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $25.

Credit Hours: 3

Detailed study of the factors that influence forest health, including abiotic stress, diseases, insects, and invasive plants. Special emphasis will be placed on the identifications of the signs and symptoms of the factors that affect forest health and the appropriate management techniques to mitigate these factors.

Credit Hours: 3

The prevention and suppression of forest fires, the recognition and control of insect and disease organisms and other destructive agents in the forest. Co-requisites: FOR 310C, FOR 351C, and FOR 360C. Prerequisites: FOR 314, FOR 315, and FOR 331 or consent of instructor. Requires field trip transportation fees and supplemental expenditures per course registration. Summer camp fees and costs are outlined in the Forestry major-Forest Resources Management Specialization. Summer Camp Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $250.

Credit Hours: 2

Fire as a phenomenon in wildland management. Topics covered are fire prevention, detection, suppression, behavior, effects, use and economics. Major emphasis is on fire control and fire ecology. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $75.

Credit Hours: 3

Recreation of forest and adjacent lands with emphasis on parks and national forests. Administration; interpretation; trends in use and development. Offered at summer camp only. Prerequisite: FOR 220. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $35. Summer camp transportation fees and costs are outlined in the Forestry Major description - Forest Resources Management Specialization.

Credit Hours: 1

Policy formation and implementation, including the roles of special interest groups and public values. Examination of federal natural resource policies, conservation leaders who influenced policy and current applications of policy in forest management.

Credit Hours: 3

Forest Ecosystems covers topics including community concepts; competition; tolerance; disturbance; succession; carbon balance; diversity; and the ecological and social aspects of ecosystem management relating to the structure, energy flow, and dynamic interrelationships of the biotic and abiotic forest environment to understand and sustainably manage forest ecosystems and habitat over time.

Credit Hours: 3

The fundamentals of integrated resource management of timberlands. Management systems, tree stand measurements. Planting and harvesting methods, multiple-use aspects of forest lands. Field trips. Emphasis on small forest ownerships. Not for graduation credit in forest resources management.

Credit Hours: 3

Structure, identification, and properties of wood. Important species, significance of properties to end-use and significance of wood to the environment. Requires supplemental expenditures of $100 per course registration.

Credit Hours: 3

Introductory measurement, statistical and data processing concepts; volume, growth, and yield of forest products; methods of sampling forest resources. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $75.

Credit Hours: 4

Methods of determining volume and quality of forest products, forest resource inventory procedures, growth, and productivity studies. Co-requisites: FOR 310C, FOR 314C, and FOR 360C. Prerequisite: FOR 351 or consent of instructor. Requires field trip transportation fees and supplemental expenditures per course registration. Summer camp fees and costs are outlined in the Forestry major - Forest Resources Management Specialization. Summer Camp Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $250.

Credit Hours: 2

An introduction to the characterization and fundamental concepts of forest soils and their relationships to forest communities and forest management practices. Emphasis is on the essential chemical, biological, and physical properties of forest soils as related to forests and forest management. This course will provide a sound basis for learning basic soils concepts specifically related to forest ecosystems which are beneficial to Forestry majors and those majoring/minoring in Soil Science or related natural science disciplines.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of primary and secondary forest product processing in the central hardwood region. Co-requisites: FOR 310C, FOR 314C, and FOR 351C. Summer Camp Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $125. Summer camp fees and costs are outlined in the Forest major-Forest Resources Management Specialization.

Credit Hours: 1

Introduction to the field of wildlife and natural resource enterprise management in North America. Special emphasis will be placed on hunting as a source of generating revenue through leases, habitat consulting, and outfitting. The course will also offer an opportunity to explore outdoor recreation based tourism and recreational real estate.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to practical, day-to-day issues and challenges of enforcement of conservation laws. Thought will be given to the judicial process as it pertains to the conservation law violator. Arrests, search and seizures, as well as case preparation will be discussed and reviewed. Specific problems of field enforcement and encounters will be studied and discussed. Required field lab transportation and equipment fee of $60 per course registration.

Credit Hours: 3

This course develops professional preparation skills important to help ensure a successful transition from the undergraduate degree in Forestry to future endeavors in the workplace or graduate school. Topics include: traditional and federal resume preparation, cover letters, internships and summer jobs, exploring graduate school, research concepts, applications, professional oral and written communications, networking, interviewing, and presentation development. Prerequisite: FOR 100 or concurrent enrollment. Restricted to Forestry majors.

Credit Hours: 2

Forestry Internships (paid or non-paid) are supervised learning experiences which are integrated into the students' academic program and are conducted in a pre-approved setting with a local, state or federal agency, a non-profit organization, SIU Touch of Nature, or public/private business. Student must secure the internship and submit job site contact info and a list of personal goals and learning objectives for approval by a member of the forestry faculty who will serve as their internship advisor. A reflective paper on the internship experience and a written evaluation submitted by intern's on-site supervisor are required at the end of the semester. Repeatable; maximum of 3 hours toward degree (Forestry Elective credit). Prerequisite: minimum GPA of 2.50 and special approval needed.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Independent research sufficiently important to require three hours per week of productive work for each hour of credit. Restricted to junior standing. Special approval needed from the chairperson.

Credit Hours: 1-4

(Same as AGRI 401 and REC 401) A survey course designed to help education majors develop an understanding of environmental education principles and teaching both inside and outside the classroom. Prerequisite: ten hours of biological science or ten hours of recreation and/or education, or consent of instructor. Course fee: $25.

Credit Hours: 3

Fundamentals of hydrology as related to forest and wildland water resources will be emphasized. Considerations will include the hydrologic cycle with emphasis on soil and groundwater regimes, evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface runoff, and the quantity and timing of water yield.

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the deliberate integration of forestry and related land management practices within agricultural landscapes, primarily addressing wildlife habitat, water quality, crop yield, and animal production enhancement and sustainability. Emphasis is placed on systems successfully implemented in North America, particularly the Midwest, but international examples will also be discussed.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of physiological concepts and attributes of trees that underlies growth, ontogeny, and reproduction in the context of applied forest management. Physiological concepts will be presented and discussed in a framework that relates their influence on forest stand management activities such as establishing natural regeneration, tree planting, and other silvicultural processes in native, plantation and urban forests as well as forest tree and stand responses to disturbance, and the development and maintenance of old growth. Prerequisite: PLB 200 or FOR 201 or FOR 331 or a plant physiology course.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to familiarize students with a scientific understanding of the theory and practice of forest management for wildlife. Students will gain knowledge of basic forestry management principles as they apply to wildlife; ecology and management of different types of forests for wildlife; and habitat requirements of forest birds, mammals, and herps and applicable forest management techniques.

Credit Hours: 3

Principles of landscape ecology in the context of forested systems. There is an emphasis on how spatial heterogeneity and human activities influence landscape patterns. Prerequisite: G.I.S. course or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 2

Examines management planning decision-making for multiple-use forests around the world. Reviews concepts useful for analyzing flow-resource problems, emphasizing systems approaches, introduces use of modern quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate resource use alternatives. Case studies from around the world. Prerequisite: FOR 411.

Credit Hours: 3

Application of micro and macro economics principles to forest timber and non-timber production: capital theory, benefit-cost analysis; and economics of conservation. Prerequisites: ABE 204 or ECON 240, FOR 310 and FOR 351, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Basic theories and techniques of obtaining genetically superior trees for forest regeneration. Restricted to senior standing.

Credit Hours: 2

This course is designed to familiarize students with a scientific understanding of the ecology and management of forest wildlife species during the summer months. In this intensive, one-week summer course, students will engage in laboratory, lecture, and field modules intended to inform students about forest wildlife communities and common research and management methods. Students will gain considerable hands-on experience conducting field- and laboratory-based methods useful for studying and managing forest wildlife and their habitat.

Credit Hours: 2

FOR 415 provides a practical overview of planning, mapping, and execution of prescribed burns for ecological restoration efforts in woodland and prairie habitats or other wildland areas. Emphasis will be placed on writing burn prescriptions, laying out burn units, planning and executing burns, and long term monitoring efforts. This will be accomplished with weekly on-line reading assignments followed by Friday morning field trips to visit burn units, prepare control lines, record weather observations, and conduct fuel model assessments. Course fee: $45. Offered during spring semesters. Prerequisite: FOR 315-Fire in Wildland Management. Consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 2

The application of business procedures and technical forestry principles to manage forest properties. Emphasis on integrated resource management for tangible and intangible benefits. Prerequisite: FOR 351, completion of Forest Resource summer camp series or consent of instructor. Course fee: $25.

Credit Hours: 4

Principles of location theory as a basis for determining land use; supply of forest land; population pressure and demand; conservation principles; determination of forest land values; institutional factors influencing forest land-use; forest taxation; special taxes, and capital gains. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: FOR 411 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 2

The role of marketing in the forest industries; review of economic principles; product policy, planning the product line, pricing, marketing channels, marketing programs, marketing organization, and marketing research as influences on the marketing of lumber, wood products, pulp, and paper. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: FOR 411 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 2

The management of state and federal parks and recreation areas. A systems approach toward management and decision-making will be emphasized. Course fee: $50.

Credit Hours: 3

Principles and methods for land-use planning of park and recreation environments with emphasis on human dimensions of natural resource research. Focus on planning process and types of information to gather and organize. Application in group field projects. Prerequisite: FOR 220, 420, or consent of instructor. Course fee: $25.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of park conditions, visitors, and management practices at selected county, state, and federal park systems in the U.S., including the federal wilderness preservation system. Prerequisite: FOR 220 or consent of instructor. Requires field trip transportation fees and supplemental expenditures per course registration. Summer camp fees and costs are outlined in the Forestry major - Forest Recreation and Park Management Specialization. Summer Camp Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $750.

Credit Hours: 6

(Same as AGRI 423 and REC 423) Principles and techniques of natural and cultural interpretation. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: ten hours biological science or ten hours of recreation. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $40.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to the field of habitat management for wild game species in the Central Hardwood Forest Region of North America. Special emphasis will be placed on providing and manipulating the essential habitat requirements for trophy game including deer, turkey, and upland birds. A holistic approach to habitat management will be emphasized to identify how management of wild game habitat can satisfy other landowner goals and objectives. Restricted to junior level standing or above or permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to principles and practices useful in the management of trees and forests in populated settings. Emphasis is placed on the development of comprehensive management strategies consistent with the biological, physical, economic and social constraints of the urban environment.

Credit Hours: 2

A field intensive laboratory course focused on hydrological and biological methods used to manage watersheds and assess watershed health. Laboratory topics include stream gauging, soil water and ground water sampling, channel morphology, stream benthos measurements, and water quality analysis of stream and lake ecosystems. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $30.

Credit Hours: 2

Emphasis is placed on the principles, technical problems, procedures, alternatives, and consequences encountered in managing wildland watersheds for the production of quality water in harmony with other uses.

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines prevailing management practices within each of the major forested regions of the United States. The course is primarily intended for students interested in wildlife habitat, wood production, or restoration. Emphasis is placed on understanding how underlying soils, silvics, climate, biotic agents, social forces, and past uses drive forestry differentially across the country. Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: FOR 310, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to familiarize students with a scientific understanding of major topics in wildlife ecology and management, with a special focus on Forestry majors and natural resource inventory techniques. Students will gain knowledge of the history of the field of wildlife management, primary wildlife management principles and practices, ecological theory pertinent to wildlife populations and habitat, and current important issues/problems regarding wildlife management and natural resource inventory.

Credit Hours: 3

Forest Soils is designed to give the student a more comprehensive in-depth study of the patterns and processes of soil formation and their relation to forest productivity. Upon completion of the course, student will be familiar with soil/plant interactions, water relationships, and forest soil management for sustainable productivity and environmental quality. This course provides a sound basis for learning basic soils concepts specifically related to forest ecosystems which are beneficial to Forestry majors and those majoring/minoring in Soil Science or related natural science disciplines. Prerequisite: FOR 352 or consent of instructor. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $25.

Credit Hours: 3

Companion laboratory for FOR 452. Emphasis is on methods to characterize and evaluate the chemical, physical, and biological properties of forest soils. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $25. Offered spring semester, even years.

Credit Hours: 2

Methods of assessing the environmental impact of land-use systems on forest resources and assessing the impact of forest management systems on environmental quality are presented. Case studies culminating in the preparation of environmental impact statements are emphasized. Restricted to senior standing in a natural resource major. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $25.

Credit Hours: 2

A study of forest communities, soils, and site conditions. Course requires a field trip of about 10 days. Each trip is worth three semester credits; a maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree. Restricted to senior standing in natural resources or biological sciences, courses in tree identification, forest ecology, and soils. Special approval needed from the instructor. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $500.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of forest communities, soils, and site conditions. Course requires a field trip of about 10 days. Each trip is worth three semester credits; a maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree. Restricted to senior standing in natural resources or biological sciences, courses in tree identification, forest ecology, and soils. Special approval needed from the instructor. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $500.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of forest communities, soils, and site conditions. Course requires a field trip of about 10 days. Each trip is worth three semester credits; a maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree. Restricted to senior standing in natural resources or biological sciences, courses in tree identification, forest ecology, and soils. Special approval needed from the instructor. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $500.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of forest communities, soils, and site conditions. Course requires a field trip of about 10 days. Each trip is worth three semester credits; a maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree. Restricted to senior standing in natural resources or biological sciences, courses in tree identification, forest ecology, and soils. Special approval needed from the instructor. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $500.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of forest communities, soils, and disturbance factors in the Southwestern United States. Course requires a field trip of about 8 days. Each trip in the Forest Ecology Series is worth three semester credits; a max of 6 credits may be applied toward student's degree program. The Southwestern Fuels Management course focus is on learning about fuels inventory and the mapping software in use by most federal agencies when developing fuels project work across jurisdictions. A main deliverable of this course will be hands-on experience in writing a fuels project analysis for an ongoing district planning team, learning about fuels, modeling software, and field methods. Students will also have the opportunity to work with an on-site field forester and fire ecologist and visit national historic sites. Prerequisites: FOR 315 or concurrent enrollment and FOR 351 and consent of instructor. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $500.

Credit Hours: 3

Analysis of raw material requirements, the processes and the products of forest industries. The environmental impact of each forest industry will also be discussed.

Credit Hours: 2

Study of current management philosophy and practice in America's wilderness. Analysis of current wilderness policy and its historical evolution. Discussion of the evolution of the wilderness idea and the individuals that have influenced it. Weekend field trip required. Offered alternate (even) years. Restricted to senior standing. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $80.

Credit Hours: 2

Application of concepts for the biological, physical and social sciences, economics, humanities and law, are used to understand the interdisciplinary complexities of environmental issues. Students will develop and demonstrate problem-solving skills as part of a team analyzing a regional environmental issue. Team-taught seminar style discussions. Prerequisite: PLB 301I and admission to Environmental Studies minor program.

Credit Hours: 3

Examines the role and methods of stakeholders in influencing natural resource policies. Emphasis on applied methods, techniques and strategies for conflict resolution, especially collaborative decision making and persuasion theory. Restricted to junior standing or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as CSEM 486, PSAS 486) Ecology and evolution of invasive plant species, with a focus on land management, including characteristics and biology, introduction and spread, population dynamics, community impacts and ecological interactions, and invasive plant evolution and adaptation, as well as management techniques and considerations, including biological, chemical, and mechanical control. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 or consent of instructor. Restricted to junior standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Intensive field course in resources management decision making. Student serves as team member in solving resource problems in forestry, wildlife management, recreation, and interpretation at Land Between the Lakes. Enrollment is limited to six. Course taught at Land Between the Lakes. Not for graduate credit. Special approval needed from the instructor. Field Trip Transportation/Equipment fee: $150.

Credit Hours: 2

Research and individual problems in forestry. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: a 3.0 minimum grade point average. Special approval needed from the program.

Credit Hours: 1-4

Supervised practicum in a professional setting. Emphasis on administration, supervision, teaching and program leadership in community, school, park, forest, institution, and public or private agencies. Students should enroll according to their curriculum specialization. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Supervised practicum in a professional setting. Emphasis on administration, supervision, teaching and program leadership in community, school, park, forest, institution, and public or private agencies. Students should enroll according to their curriculum specialization. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Supervised practicum in a professional setting. Emphasis on administration, supervision, teaching and program leadership in community, school, park, forest, institution, and public or private agencies. Students should enroll according to their curriculum specialization. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6