Forest Tree Improvement

(NRES 440/640)

Spring 2002 Course Syllabus

Class Meets:  Tuesday & Thursday (CNR 320), Friday 9-9:50 AM in CNR 361 

Text:    See readings as assigned in course syllabus 

Course Website: http://www.uwsp.edu/forestry/mmorshid/FOR440

Course Objectives:  The underlying theme of this course will be the basis, application, and management of genetic forest tree improvement This course will provide students with a broad understanding of the ethical, biological and political issues encompassing the genetic conservation of tree species.  Concepts of mendelian, quantitative, population, and molecular genetics as related to tree improvement will be discussed.  Lectures that focus on the subject of the genetics of tree improvement will be designed to enhance management skills of the participant at local, national and international level.  Special topics such as urban forestry will explore the successes and shortcomings of tree improvement applications in forestry.  The course will discuss the effects of tree improvement on economics, environment and politics. We will also explore how the principles from Restoration Ecology, Landscape Ecology and Conservation Biology are related to the genetics of forest trees.  

Grading: 

Exam 1:                                         50 pts

Exam 2:                                         50 pts

Exam 3:                                         50 pts

Final:                                            50 pts

Paper:                                           50 pts

Assignments/Activities                     40 pts

Attendance                                     10 pts

                                                      _____

Total                                             300 pts

Students registered for the graduate level credit (NRES 640) will also be required to present their case study paper orally. 

Grades are calculated as percentage (points received /300) corresponding to the scale: 

94%+ = A; 93-90%= A-; 89-86% = B+, 85-82%=B; 81-79=B-; 78-76%=C+; 75-70% = C; 69-67%=C-;66-60% = D; 59% or less = F. 

Testing:  Exams may consist of a mixture of multiple-choice, true-false, short answer and essay questions.  Failure to take an exam during the regularly scheduled time without 1- week prior notification to the instructor and an excused absence will result in a zero.  Scheduling of make-up exams must be completed within 1 week of your return to school and is the sole responsibility of the student.  Make-up exams will be essay questions.  Exams 1,2, and 3 will cover only the material presented within that time period; the comprehensive final will be weighted toward information discussed in the last part of the course. 

Attendance:  Attendance is compulsory.  If you have a compelling reason for your absence such as illness, you must inform the instructor prior to the class meeting, if possible.  In the case of illness, a doctor’s note is needed to verify your absence.  It is also your responsibility to make up or catch up on any material you miss in class. Each unexcused absence will cost 5 points.  

Written Assignment:  The written assignment will consist of ~5 pages (relatively short, but well written assignments).  I will supply you with more information on these assignments in a separate handout.  It is important that you turn in all assignments on time because no late assignments will be accepted. 

Academic Dishonesty:  Trust between students and instructor is of paramount importance in academic settings.  Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in the classroom.  Students found cheating will be dealt to the fullest extent of the University policy.