Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, Canada
For more information, comments or suggestions e-mail: Cornell@tru.ca
http://www.tru.ca/schs/nrsc/program/coursedescriptions.html
The Faculty of Forestry at TRU offers four-year degree programs of undergraduate study in five areas of forestry:
Forest Resource Management, Forest Operations, Forest Science, Wood Science and Industry, and Natural Resource
Conservation.
Field trips associated with our courses are numerous and diverse, and include visits to the Wells Gray Research
Station, grassland, ecosystems, coastal and interior forest ecosystems, forest research stations, local ranches, a local
sawmill, and a fish hatchery (locations may changes from year to year).
Program courses that usually have field trips include FRST 112/122, FRST 200, FRST 210/220, FRST 211, NRSC
311/321, NRSC 317, NRSC 325, NRSC 326, NRSC 402, NRSC 403, and NRSC 410.
Course Descriptions
Below is a list of Course Descriptions for courses offered by the Natural Resource Sciences Department. Descriptions
for required courses that are offered through other departments (e.g. English, Chemistry, Biology, Economics etc.)
can be found in the UCC Calendar.
Forestry
All FRST and NRSC courses are open to non-program students if space is available, with the written permission of the
program co-ordinator. Students who do not have specific prerequisites for a course they wish to take, but believe they
have equivalent knowledge, may seek permission to enroll from the course instructor.
FRST 100-2
Introduction to Forestry (2,0,0)
This course is an overview of forestry and includes the history of forestry and the forestry profession; present status
and role of forestry; forest policy; and future trends in use of forest resources.
Prerequisites: None
FRST 112-3
Dendrology 1 (3,0,2)(L)
Dendrology is a survey of the structure, function, ecology, and identification of trees. The lecture component deals
with two major areas: 1) the structure and function of trees, i.e., reproduction, development, anatomy, morphology
and physiology; 2) the ecology and evolution of trees.
The laboratory surveys a selection of Canadian, North American, and introduced tree species. Deciduous species are
emphasized in FRST 112 and coniferous species in FRST 122. Field trips are an integral part of the course.
Prerequisites: Biology 11 or BIOL 050, (preferably Biology 12 or BIOL 062)
Corequisite: BIOL 111
FRST 122-3
Dendrology 2 (3,0,2)(L)
This course is a continuation of Dendrology 1. The laboratory surveys a selection of B.C., Canadian, North American
and introduced coniferous tree species.
Prerequisites: FRST 112.
Corequisite: BIOL 121
FRST 200-3
Introduction to the Study of Soils (3,0,2)(L)
This course surveys the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. Topics include soil formation,
classification, use and conservation. Particular emphasis will be placed on forest soils.
Prerequisites: BIOL 111/121, FRST 112/122
Corequisite: CHEM 110
FRST 204-3
Forest and Environmental Climatology (3,0,2)(L)
This is a Science Laboratory course designed for Forestry and Environmental Science students. It includes basic
principles and processes of climatology; energy and plant water balance concepts; vertical and horizontal air
movements; weather systems; microclimates; and the interrelationships among plants, soils, climates, and the
biosphere.
Prerequisites: BIOL 111/121, Physics 11, GEOG 112 highly recommended
Note: Same as GEOG 204.
FRST 210-3
Forest Ecology and Silvics 1 (3,0,2)(L)
The main objectives of this course are to facilitate your learning of the complexities and interactions that make up
forest ecosystems and how this knowledge can be used in predicting forest ecosystem responses to both natural and
human induced disturbances. By the end of this course you will have an understanding and appreciation of: Forest
ecosystem structures and functions, and how these components interact; how forest ecosystems change over time
and the ecological effects of various forest management practices on these systems; the spatial variation in forest
ecosystems, methods of describing these variations, and the characteristics of Biogeoclimatic zones in BC, and; the
identification and interpretive use of indicator plant species in the description of forest ecosystems.
Prerequisites: FRST 112/122 or completion of first year general science with FRST 112 as a corequisite.
FRST 211-3
Introduction to Forest Mensuration and Photogrammetry (3,0,2)(L)
This course teaches the student techniques used in basic photogrammetry, photo mapping and photo-based inventory
systems. Use of maps and mapping systems will be implemented. Techniques for the measurement of tree stand
variables, calculating tree volumes, estimating form and taper, as well as timber scaling and grading will be taught.
Regression techniques will be used in the analysis of data collected by students. Some weekend fieldwork may be
required.
Prerequisites: COMP 135.
Corequisite: STAT 200 or BIOL 300.
FRST 220-3
Forest Ecology and Silvics 2 (3,0,2)(L)
This course examines the ecological and silvical characteristics of forest trees of Western Canada with emphasis on
ecological site assessment and applications of silvics in silviculture. This course will also explore the identification and
interpretive use of indicator plant species in the description of forest ecosystems, the soil and site features used in
determining site quality and the diagnostic procedures used in determining site quality.
Prerequisites: FRST 112, completion of first year sciences and with FRST 122 as a corequisite; FRST 210
Corequisite: FRST 200
FRST 221-3
Forestry Mensuration (3,0,2)(L)
Forest inventory methods. Growth and yield prediction. Applications of multiple linear regressions and sampling
techniques. Regeneration and residue surveys. Introduction to multiple resource inventories.
Prerequisites: FRST 211.
FRST 263-3
Basic Forest Surveying (2 weeks in Spring)(L)
An introduction to the basic techniques of surveying with emphasis on the problems encountered in a forest
environment. This course will be offered as a two week course at the end of the winter semester.
FRST 305-3
Silviculture (3,0,2)
Silviculture is concerned with the art and science of controlling the establishment and growth, composition, health and
quality of stands of trees in forests. The objective is to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society
on a sustainable basis.
Silviculture 1 is the first of a two-part series in the study of silviculture concepts and principles. Silviculture 1 and 2
have been designed to parallel, but are not identical to, Forestry 305 and 306 as currently offered by the Faculty of
Forestry at the University of British Columbia and each conforms to the ABCPF Silviculture Academic Standards. This
course will be offered in a distance format.
Prerequisite: Dendrology, Forest Ecology, Forest Silvics, Forest Mensuration. Recommended: Forest Biometrics, Forest
Economics, Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology, Forest Soils.
FRST 306-3
Silviculture 2 (3,0,2)
Silviculture 2 deals with stand tending silviculture practices from free growing through to final harvest of a stand.
These include thinning, fertilization, pruning, and silviculture systems and their relationship to timber quality,
structural biodiversity, habitat and stand growth and yield and allowable cuts at the forest level. Decision making in
crop planning, stand dynamics, operational problems and relevant history policy and regulatory issues and underlining
science theory are also covered.
Prerequisites: FRST 112/122, FRST 210, FRST 220, FRST 211, NRSC 320, FRST 200
FRST 307-3
Forest Harvesting (3,0,2)
The field of forest harvesting addresses the engineering, economic, and environmental factors associated with
transportation and harvesting systems used in integrated forest resource management. These include forest road
design and location, geotechnical engineering, forest road drainage: planning, locating and scheduling the harvest;
and an international perspective on logging systems and their application to meet silvicultural objectives. Forest
harvesting is a specialized field within forestry, and professional competence within this field (especially road location
and design) requires significant course work and extended field internship, in addition to the minimum standards
identified here for the "general" forester. This course will be offered in a distance format.
Prerequisite: Undergraduate Degree or Diploma from a recognized technical college or university, majoring in forestry
or natural resource science.
Natural Resource Science
All NRSC and FRST courses are open to non-program students if space is available, with the written permission of the
program coordinator.
Students who do not have specific prerequisites for a course they wish to take, but believe they have equivalent
knowledge, may seek permission to enrol from the course instructor.
AGSC 210-3
Introduction to Food Production Systems (3,2,0)
This course is a study of the fundamental concepts and principles of food
production systems. The course will survey a range of agricultural systems using global, North American, Canadian,
and B.C. examples. Students will learn how agriculture interacts with natural ecosystems and other land uses.
Required field trips are an integral part of the course, and some weekend trips are mandatory.
AGSC 220-4
Food Systems at a Local Level and Beyond (6,0,0)
An introductory course to agriculture and food systems focusing on the local level but including information on global
systems. Discussions will focus on local food production, food security and food policy, ethics, using a systems
approach, commercialization, and globalization. A Problem Based Learning format will be used to help students
develop critical thinking, problem solving, communication and conflict resolution skills.
NRSC 111-3
The Science and Management of Natural Resources (2,0,2)
The primary goal of this course is to provide students with a solid overview of the principles, approaches and issues
that are involved in the many areas of natural resource management. Although NRSC 111 serves as the introductory
core course in the natural resources science program, it is tailored to all students with a general interest in natural
resources. The lectures and labs in the course provide a general overview of how scientific inquiry and knowledge can
be integrated with social, economic and cultural values to provide a platform for the management of natural
resources. The topics covered include a diversity of resources and values, such as forestry, soils, agriculture,
rangeland (livestock), water, fisheries, wildlife, recreation, first nations issues and aesthetics. Other relevant topics
considered in the course are the theory and practice of conflict resolution and the difficulty but importance of including
non-market values into management decision making. The course is global in scope, although attention is paid to
dealing with subjects particularly relevant to British Columbia. The course is team-taught, primarily by faculty in the
Department of Natural Resource Sciences.
NRSC 223-4
Geographic Information Systems (2,3,3)(L)
This course is an introduction to basic concepts and applications of geographic information systems. The major topics
are: spatial analysis systems; applications of GIS on microcomputers to natural resource systems; spatial data entry;
data compilation; and map output. Same as GEOG 275.
Prerequisites: P.C. computer skills.
NRSC 300-3
Diversity and Ecology of the Vertebrates (3,0,3) (L)
This course provides an introduction to vertebrate biology for students in the natural resource field. The course has
three main themes: animal ecology, comparative anatomy, and the systematics and identification of amphibians,
reptiles, birds and mammals. Lectures address the evolutionary ecology of these groups, including the adaptive
significance of morphological, physiological and behavioural traits. Key concepts of vertebrate ecology are introduced,
such as predator-prey theory, optimal foraging strategy, reproductive success, dispersal, metapopulation theory, and
wildlife management. Basic vertebrate anatomy and functional morphology also are covered. Laboratory work involves
anatomical dissections and the taxonomic identification of terrestrial vertebrates, particularly those species found in
British Columbia.
Prerequisite: 3rd or 4th year standing in the Natural Resource Science program.
Corequisite: BIOL 303
Note: Students who have taken BIOL 225 and/or BIOL 427 cannot receive credit for this course.
NRSC 311-3
Range Ecology (3,0,2)(L)
An introduction to range ecology principles with the focus on BC grassland systems. Lectures will cover rangeland
physical characteristics, rangeland ecosystems, succession, range condition concepts, plant physiology, life history
patterns, and rangeland plant communities. Lab will focus on range plant identification.Some field data collection will
be required.
Prerequisite: FRST 210/220, FRST 200.
NRSC 317-3
Ichthyology (3,0,3)(L)
The systematics, anatomy, physiology, life history and ecology of freshwater and marine fishes. Students will learn to
identify local freshwater fishes, as well as representative fish orders from around the world. Same as BIOL 329.
Prerequisite: FRST 210 or BIOL 302
Corequisite: BIOL 303
NRSC 320-3
Silviculture (3,2,0)(L)
This course emphasizes silvicultural concepts and principles as they apply to forest stand and landscape level
management. Specific topics will include principles of forest tree improvement; seed handling; nursery practices and
artificial regeneration; natural regeneration and stand tending practices (thinning, pruning, vegetation management,
fertilization and site preparation). As well, different silvicultural systems will be discussed in relation to economics,
wildlife, biodiversity, and sustainability. The laboratories are designed as both field exercises and indoor laboratory
sections (including computer modelling). There will also be several field trips dealing with forest nursery operations,
woodlot management, and forest operations.
Prerequisites: FRST 200, FRST 210, 211, 220
NRSC 321-3
Range Management (3,2,0)
A course on applied range ecology and range management planning. Lectures will cover such areas as range history,
range inventory and monitoring, animal management, stocking rates, animal distribution, grazing systems, cultivated
forages, range improvements and developments, integrated use, legislation, and current grassland issues. Course
material will be used to develop a range management plan.
Prerequisites: NRSC 311
Corequisite: NRSC 325
NRSC 322-3
Wildlife Management (3,0,2)
This course emphasizes the use of ecological theory and principles as a guide for wildlife management strategies for
game harvest, habitat and species at risk, the conservation of biodiversity, and a better understanding of predatorprey relationships. Lectures will cover areas such as the history of wildlife management, preservation versus
conservation biology, population biology, risks of extinction, and the philosophy behind different management
practices. In the seminars, students take part in group discussions on current topics and literature in the filed of
wildlife management. Although this is not a course in field techniques students become exposed to useful methods
such as biotelemetry, mark-recapture studies, immobilization, statistical analyses, and mathematical modelling.
Prerequisites: BIOL 300 and BIOL 303 for all students; BNRS students must have taken NRSC 300; B.Sc. students
must have taken at least one of BIOL 225, BIOL 302, or BIOL 427
Corequisites: NRSC 325 for students in the BNRS program
NRSC 325-3
Natural Resource Management 1 - Field Studies (0,2,8)(L)
This course provides students in the BNRS program with hands-on experience in the field, on a variety of topics
pertinent to natural resource management. Under the rotating supervision of different faculty members, students
conduct field surveys or visit sites where management activities are underway. The exercises include GIS and
vegetation mapping, soil analyses, range management, and fisheries and wildlife work. Some field exercises require
data analysis and written reports. Participation and completion of all field trips and subsequent reports are required.
This course also serves the purpose of providing pertinent field trips for other concurrent fourth-year courses in the
BNRS program. Some weekend field work is required.
Prerequisites: NRSC 223, NRSC 413, BIOL 300 and fourth year standing in the BNRS program.
Corequisites: NRSC 321/322
NRSC 326-3
Limnology (3,0,3)(L)
Theoretical and applied aspects of limnology. Consideration of the ecology of inland water organisms in relation to
physical, chemical and biological factors affecting their interactions and production. One weekend field trip required.
Same as BIOL 402.
Prerequisites: FRST 210 or BIOL 302, BIOL 300.
NRSC 402-3
Natural Resource Entomology (2,0,2)(L)
Environmental and economic role of insects in forest ecosystems; identification and basic biology of major groups of
forest insects; behavioural ecology and population dynamics of major insect pests; introduction to chemical ecology of
insects; forest health and beneficial/pest insect balance; introduction to management strategies for major forest
insect pests and implications in context of the Forest Practices Code.
Prerequisites: BIOL 303, FRST 210/220
Corequisite: NRSC 320
NRSC 403-3
Natural Resource Pathology (2,0,2)(L)
Pathology delas with the biology (anatomy, morphology, physiology, lifecycles), ecology, identification, and
management of diseases. This course will emphasize the common tree diseases of western North American forests,
British Columbia in particular. The course will include information on diseases of ornamental trees and common
pathogens of animals.
Prerequisites: BIOL 303, FRST 210/220
Corequisite: NRSC 320/402/413
NRSC 410-3
Fisheries Management (3,2,0)
Topics will include methods of quantitative stock assessment, fisheries regulations, habitat restoration, stocking and
government policy. Students will use microcomputers to model recruitment, mortality and yield of various fisheries.
Prerequisites: BIOL 303, FRST 210 or BIOL 302, NRSC 317/326
Corequisites: NRSC 325
NRSC 411-3
Watershed Management (3,2,0)
An introduction to the basic principles of wildland hydrology and watershed management. The role of climate,
physiography and vegetation in watershed function. The effects of land use on streamflow quantity, timing and water
quality. Techniques used in monitoring, and assessing the impacts of land management on the water resource.
Prerequisites: FRST 200/210/220
NRSC 413-3
Fire Ecology and Management (3,2,0)
This course is designed to provide the student with a solid understanding of the importance of fire to ecosystems,
communities, species, and human society. The first part of the course will be devoted to understanding what fire is,
and how it interacts with the abiotic and biotic environment. In the second part of the course, the focus will shift to
the importance of fire in a historical, social and political context. Time also will be devoted to understanding the
theory, principles, tools, and organization of fire management, particularly as it applies to British Columbia and other
regions of Canada. The basic and foremost goal of this course is to increase the student’s awareness of the role of fire
in ecosystems.
Prerequisites: Year 4 standing in the BNRS program.
NRSC 421-3
Conflict Resolution in the Natural Resources (2,2,0)
An exploration of the principles of conflict and conflict resolution as they are used and applied, with focus in the area
of natural resource management. Topics include what conflict is, how it arises, and how consensus is achieved by
facilitation, interest-based negotiation and/or mediation. Emphasis is placed on moving beyond simple problemsolving to the actual resolution of underlying conflicts and issues, such as shifting from positional to interest-based
arguments. Reviews of past, current and emerging conflicts in the natural resource sector also are incorporated into
the course. Considerable time is devoted to role-playing exercises, during which students learn from one another as
they enact mock conflict situations.
Prerequisites: Fourth year standing in the BNRS program
Corequisite: NRSC 411
NRSC 423-3
Graduating Essay (1,0,0)(2,0,0)
An essay or technical report completed under the direction of a faculty member. The essay can be a technical review
and description of a scientific study or a detailed literature review of a selected subject area appropriate for the BNRS
degree program. With permission of the Department one year prior to enrolling in the course, students may use data
from personal research. Students will be required to make an oral presentation summarizing the essay.
Prerequisites: Final year in the BNRS program
NRSC 424-3
Research Design, Analysis and Reporting (3,0,2)
This course is designed for students in science, although non-science majors may take the course under special
permission from the instructor. The course allows senior students to advance their understanding of the basic
principles of conducting research, from the initial design of the project, through data collection and analysis, and into
the final presentation of the results. Topics covered in lecture and seminar include scientific hypothesis testing, preand post-hoc power analysis, statistical design, pseudoreplication, modelling, data coding and entry, logistical
constraints to research, and graphical presentation of data. A cursory introduction also is provided to more advanced
statistical methods that students likely will encounter if they pursue a career in research, such as power-analysis,
multi-variate statistical analysis, logistic regression, survival analysis and Bayesian statistics. In the laboratory,
students will learn to use various types of software, including modelling, statistical analysis, and graphing packages.
Students also become familiar with the process of scientific peer-review, through the submission of a research paper
to a mock 'journal office'.
Prerequisite: C+ or higher in BIOL 300 or an equivalent statistical course. A basic competency in statistics and the use
of computers is assumed. NRSC 424 is open to senior undergraduates (3rd or 4th year standing) in the Faculty of
Science. Senior undergraduates outside the Faculty of Science may also be admitted to the course upon direct
permission from the instructor.
NRSC 425-6
Field School in Tropical Forestry, Nurseries, Soils and
Natural Resources (3,3,30)(L)
This field course serves to accommodate trips from one to six weeks long and may occur within or outside of Canada.
Topics covered will depend on the destination, but may include an examination of the biology, ecology, management,
or cultural aspects of natural resources.
Prerequisites: Year 3 standing in the BNRS program or equivalent
standing from another institution.
NRSC 498-4
Honours Seminar (0,2*,0)(0,2*,0)
This course serves to provide honours students with constructive criticism of their thesis research project. It also
allows students to explore and discuss topics of particular relevance to the field of natural resource science. The
seminars consist of readings, group discussions, and alternating seminar presentations by students and interested
faculty. Students register in this course in both the Fall and Winter terms of their last academic year of study.
Prerequisites: 4th year standing in the BNRS Honours program
Corequisites: NRSC 499 *Denotes seminars run alternate weeks
NRSC 499-6
Honours Thesis
This course requires an original research project conducted by students in the Honours Program of the Bachelor of
Natural Resource Science (BNRS) degree. It is completed under the direction of a faculty member in the Department
of Natural Resource Sciences, or a scientist from outside the department. Students accepted into the BNRS Honours
Program register in this course in both the Fall and Winter semesters of their final academic year.
Prerequisites: 4th year standing in the BNRS Honours program
Corequisites: NRSC 498