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Master Course Outline
NR 160
Forest Ecology – Habitats
Course Description: Part three of a three part ecology series. This class will explore the complex and
diverse ecosystems found in the Pacific Northwest. Ecological principles will be discussed including
succession, plant associations and site characteristics that have shaped the wide variety of habitats
found in the region. Biodiversity, population ecology and community ecology will be emphasized within
the context of ecosystem sustainability. Labs will consist of two extended field trips covering terrestrial
landscapes found along the coast, in the Cascade interior and eastside of Washington. A field journal of
locations visited will be maintained. This course will be taught in an accelerated format being completed
in a two-week period. 3 lecture hours; 4 lab hours. Vocational program course. May be used as a general
elective in the AA degree.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: ENGL 095 or placement in ENGL& 101; or instructor permission
Recommended Preparation: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
Recognize and describe ecosystem classification.
Identify the wide variety of habitats found in Pacific Northwest.
Describe how climate influences biotic communities along environmental gradients.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic terminology associated with terrestrial ecology.
Differentiate characteristics of forest ecosystems found in the Pacific Northwest.
Explain population and community ecology in relation to forested ecosystems.
Formulate questions to determine how habitats vary between ecosystems.
Evaluate habitats in relation to resource values.
Examine how societal demands on forests impact the structure and function of habitats.
Develop interpersonal and leadership skills through class participation and interaction.
Create a comprehensive journal detailing specimens collected and analyzed in the field.
Demonstrate competency in utilizing reference material.
Evaluate the role of information resources in making sound decisions.
Course Resources/Textbooks/Website:
Forest Ecology: A Foundation for Sustainable Forest Management and Environmental Ethics in
Forestry (3rd Edition)- J.P. Kimmins, Pearson/Prentice Hall Publishers (2004)
Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest – Peter Alden et al., Alfred A. Knopf publisher (2005).
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Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating, falsification, and plagiarism are against the rules of this course
and of Grays Harbor College. Students who are unsure what constitutes academic dishonesty are
responsible for asking the instructor for clarification. Instances of intentional academic dishonesty will
be dealt with severely.
Disabilities: Students who have documented disabilities that require accommodations in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Disability Support Services coordinator as
well as the instructor of the course in order to ensure that together we create an optimal environment
for educational achievement.
W Day, the final day to officially withdraw from a course, is the Thursday of the seventh week (Thursday
of the fourth week for summer quarter). Students who do not withdraw by that date will receive the
grades they have earned, regardless of whether they are attending the course or completing the work.
Students who are considering withdrawal are strongly advised to consult with the instructor, advisor and
financial aid prior to withdrawing. The only withdrawals allowed after W Day are complete withdrawals
from all courses.
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