Proposal for a Non-Stand-Alone Certificate in
Forest Resource Management and Conservation
MOTION:
That ARCC approve the creation of a new BIOLOGY certificate in Forest Resource
Management and Conservation
The proposed “Certificate in Forest Resource Management and Conservation” will consist of 15
credits of course work that will involve lectures, practical work and experiential learning.
Statement of Academic Merit:
Academic Aims:
The Certificate in Forest Resource Management and Conservation emphasizes theoretical,
practical and applied approaches to the management, conservation and restoration of the
timber and non-timber resources associated with forest ecosystems. The program prepares
students for employment in forest and natural resource sectors, private consulting firms and
public organizations and will offer valuable preparation for those seeking professional
certification (e.g. Professional Registered Forester (PRF), Certified Tree Marker). The certificate
consists of 18 credits as outlined below.
Social Relevance:
The forests of Canada cover 40% of the country’s land area and represent 10% of the world’s
overall forest cover. Our boreal forest accounts for 30% of the total area covered by the world's
boreal forests. Forest resources play a significant role in the economy of Canada and especially
in the local economies of northern communities. In 2013, the forest sector contributed $19.8
billion to the gross domestic product of Canada. A critical shortage of qualified professionals
has been described in Canada’s forest sector. Among Ontario Universities, only one offers a
forestry-related program at the undergraduate level (Lakehead University); only two
Universities (Lakehead, Toronto), offer programs at the graduate level. In addition to our own
students, the proposed Certificate is likely to be attractive to international students, aboriginal
students and forestry professionals seeking training opportunities for employment in the forest
sector or professional certification (e.g. Certified Tree Marker, Registered Professional
Forester). This Certificate will offer Nipissing students, especially those enrolled in Biology and
Environmental Science programs, added value to their regular degree program. In this way, the
opportunity to gain this Certificate could be an important recruitment and retention tool for
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NU. This is a timely and appropriate initiative given the positive working relationship that
members of the Department have enjoyed with local forestry professionals and agencies. These
partners have played a significant role in our teaching and research missions at NU.
Nipissing University is located in the heart of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest Region.
Forests of this region are dominated by economically valuable hardwood (e.g. red oak, sugar
maple, yellow birch) and softwood (e.g. white pine, red pine) tree species. These diverse and
productive forests provide a wealth of traditional and potential resources that will continue to
make them important economic drivers regionally and beyond. Many recent innovations and
technological advancements have increased the interest in timber (e.g. engineered construction
materials, biofuels) and non-timber (e.g. foods, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals) forest
products. Increased demand for forests resources and the desire for certification of forest
products emphasize the need for sustainable practices. The Department of Biology and
Chemistry has an existing strength in undergraduate training related to ecosystem-based
management of forest resources and is well positioned to make a significant contribution to the
provision of skilled workers for the forest sector.
Admission Requirements:
The Certificate in Forest Resource Management and Conservation will be open to all Nipissing
University students.
Statement of Financial Viability:
The Certificate in Forest Resource Management and Conservation can be offered with no new
resources.
Statement of Administrative Responsibility:
The Certificate in Forest Resource Management and Conservation will be administered by the
Department of Biology and Chemistry.
Curriculum:
Required Courses:
BIOL 2346 - Techniques in Forest Ecology and Management (3 credits)
This course will provide students with an overview of the approaches and techniques used to
study and manage forest ecosystems. Topics will include orienteering, ecological land
classification, forest mensuration, silvicultural tree marking, long-term monitoring of
permanent plot networks, wildlife habitat and biodiversity indicators, and dendrochronology.
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BIOL 2447 – Ecology of Ontario Trees and Forests (3 credits).
Students examine the ecological requirements of important trees species in Ontario forests. Life history
strategies; light, moisture and nutrient needs; and adaptations to stress, disturbance and competition are
considered in relation to the physical, chemical and biotic characteristics of forest ecosystems and the
management of forest resources.
BIOL 3447 – Silviculture (3 credits)
Students examine practices used to control the establishment, growth, species composition, and health of
forests to meet diverse needs and values while adhering to ecosystem-based management approaches to
reforestation. Topics include silvicultural systems, stand development, site productivity, tree
growth/architecture, tree improvement, seeding and planting stock, natural and artificial
regeneration; site preparation, and tending.
Two of the Following Courses:
BIOL 3007 - Environmental Issues in Forestry (3 credits)
This course will introduce the student to forest ecology with an emphasis on the autecology of
important organisms; the structure, function and diversity of communities and ecosystems;
responses of organisms and ecosystems to stress and disturbance; and the management of
forest resources from an ecological perspective. Mandatory weekend field trip(s) will be
conducted early in the semester.
BIOL 3397 - Introductory Soil Science (3 credits)
Lectures deal with the study of soil as an integral part of our physical environment. Soil profile
characteristics are studied in the context of soil-forming factors, pedogenic processes, and soil
classification systems. Laboratory sessions include analysis of typical soil profiles in the field and
methods of physical, chemical, and biological analysis of soil samples in the wet lab.
BIOL 3436 - Conservation Biology (3 credits)
Conservation involves protection of "Species and Spaces" at risk. It has been described as both
a "crisis science" and a "mission-oriented science" that aims to protect, manage and restore
nature in the face of human population growth. Conservation has been motivated both by an
inherent appreciation of wilderness and natural areas, and by "enlightened self-interest,"
assigning a dollar value to "nature's services." We will consider global, national and regional
conservation strategies and the role of protected areas as well as projects involving ecological
restoration and re-introduction of species.
BIOL 4437 - Landscape Ecology (3 credits)
This course will explore aspects of ecology and management that are applicable at the highest
levels of biological organization and over large spatial extents. Students will consider key
concepts including scale, spatial pattern and modeling through the examination of landscape
level themes such as land use, forest management, habitat fragmentation, global
environmental change, disturbance, biodiversity and conservation.
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BIOL 4976 - Biology Field Camp (3 credits)
This course will consist of a one-week intensive field camp (held immediately prior to the fall
session or during the spring or summer session) designed to familiarize students with organisms
and environments. Emphasis will be placed on survey and sampling techniques. Materials and
data collected in the field will be identified, analysed and used to develop a major report and
presentation later in the term. The location and main theme of each camp may vary with the
instructor. Each student will be required to pay the costs of transportation, accommodation
and meals associated with the field camp experience.
Note: All courses described above also count towards Biology or Environmental Biology and
Technology programs.
Similar Programs:
No similar Certificate program exists at an Ontario University.
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