Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.
FRST 111 (3) Forest Surveying
An introduction to forest surveying. Topics include field measurements (distance, direction, & slope), proper field note recording, map making and maintenance of forest surveying instruments. FRST 111 was formerly called FRST 111T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:3)
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
FRST 112 (3) Forest Inventory
An introduction to the measurement of log and timber volumes. Topics include: log volumes, tree measurements, forest stand volumes, loss factors and net volume calculations, appraisal cruising and sampling methods. FRST 112 was formerly called FRST 112T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:3)
Prerequisite: FRST 111.
Co-requisites: FRST 114.
FRST 114 (2) Forest Biometrics
An examination of measurement and sampling procedures for assessing volume of and value of timber resources. Topics include: measurement of logging residue and standing timber, use of call grade / net factor procedures, and advanced timber sampling techniques. Credit will only be granted for one of FRST 211 or FRST 114. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: FRST 111.
Co-requisites: FRST 112.
FRST 121 (3) Spatial Data
An introduction to spatial data within the context of natural resources. Topics include: map making, interpretation of topographic and thematic maps, field orienteering, aerial photography, GPS, web mapping applications, GIS and satellite imagery. FRST 121 was formerly called FRST 121T; credit will not be granted for both courses. FRST 121 was formerly called FRST 121T; credit will not be granted for both courses. Credit will only be granted for one of GEOG 226 or FRST 121. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
FRST 131 (3) Forest Botany
An introduction to the biology and classification of British Columbia's native trees and plants. Topics include the structure and function of trees and plants, identification of commercial tree species and key native plant species, water and nutrient relations, and how trees and plants are adapted to specific environmental conditions. FRST 131 was formerly called FRST 131T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:2)
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
FRST 132 (2) Forest Ecology I: Ecosystems & Silvics
An introduction to forest ecology and its application to forest resource management. Topics include: the components, processes and functions of ecosystems, species and community ecology, natural disturbances, succession, silvics of commercial trees in BC and forest ecosystem classification using the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification system. FRST 132 was formerly called FRST 131T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (1:0:2)
Prerequisite: FRST 131.
FRST 143 (3) Forest Hydrology and Riparian Management
An overview of the effects of forest management on watershed processes, water quality and aquatic habitats. Topics include the water cycle, stream morphology, fish habitat and riparian ecosystems. The conservation and protection of water and riparian resources in managed forest lands will be examined. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: None.
FRST 144 (2) Forest Resources Administration
An introduction to forest resources administration agencies of BC and Canada, focusing on forest management. Emphasis on legislation, tenure, and regulations that govern natural resources management. FRST 144 was formerly called FRST 144T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
FRST 151 (2) Forest Soils I
An introduction to soil science. Topics include characteristics and origin of parent materials, soil development, physical properties, soil taxonomy including the Canadian System of Soil Classification, terrain stability and mass wasting processes. FRST 151 was formerly called FRST 232; credit will not be granted for both courses. (1.5:0:1.5)
Prerequisite: None.
FRST 152 (2) Forest Soils II
A advanced study of chemical and physical properties of forest soils. Topics include rock types and cycles, pedogenic processes, development of clay minerals, colloids, cation and anion exchange, decomposition of organic matter, forest floor classification, water movement, soil pH, nutrient availability, and key nutrient cycles in the environment. FRST 152 was formerly called FRST 232; credit will not be granted for both courses. (1.5:0:1.5)
Prerequisite: FRST 151.
FRST 162 (2) Fire Management
An investigation of wildfire science and operations. Topics include wildfire prevention, detection and suppression, Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index for fire behaviour prediction, wildfire command structure in BC and Canada, and the use of prescribed fire in reforestation, rangeland management and ecological restoration. FRST 162 was formerly called FRST 162T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
FRST 181 (1) Computer Applications for Forest Technologists
An introduction to computer applications for students of Forest Resources Technology. Topics include: spreadsheets, iPad applications, satellite imagery and RoadEng. (0:0:3)
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
FRST 201 (3) Research and Communications
An introduction to basic principles and methods of research with an emphasis on forest resources. Topics include: the scientific method, experimental design, field methods, reporting, literature review, presentation skills and public speaking. Students undertake a simple research project and summarize results in an oral presentation and written report. FRST 201 was formerly called FRST 202; credit will not be granted for both courses. (2:1:1)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of the program.
FRST 212 (1) Silviculture Assessment
An introduction silviculture assessments. Topics include: site stratification, data collection and management, BC government standardized silviculture survey procedures, and the determination of stocking status. FRST 212 was formerly called FRST 212T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: FRST 211.
FRST 231 (2) Silviculture I
An introduction to stand dynamics and silviculture systems. Topics will include establishment, growth, and development of forest stands, stand development phases, forest rotations, measurements of forest productivity and yield, silviculture systems for even-aged and uneven-aged stands, and managing forest stands for ownership values. FRST 231 was formerly called FRST 231T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: FRST 132 and FRST 152; or BIOL 202 (the latter may be taken concurrently).
Co-requisites: FRST 235
FRST 233 (3) Silvicuture II
An introduction to forest regeneration and stand tending. Topics include forest genetics and tree breeding, cone and seed production, seedling physiology, natural and artificial regeneration, seedling stock types, forest nursery operations, planting programs, site preparation techniques, vegetation management, stand density regimes, and forest fertilization. FRST 233 was formerly called FRST 232T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:4)
Prerequisite: FRST 231.
FRST 235 (3) Forest Ecology II: Ecosystems & Management
A continued study of the application of ecological concepts and principles to forest resource management. Topics include: ecosystem complexity and resilience, biological diversity, ecosystem functions and services, site productivity, biomass and energy, carbon and nutrient cycling, ecosystem-based management, climate change, landscape ecology, environmental ethics, and sustainability. (2:0:3)
Prerequisite: FRST 132.
Co-requisites: FRST 231.
FRST 242 (3) Integrated Resource Management
An introduction to the integration of all forest resource values in forest management planning. Topics include soil, water, biodiversity, fisheries, wildlife, recreation, cultural and heritage values, visual landscapes, and ecosystem based management. (3:1:2)
Prerequisite: Second year standing in forestry or permission of instructor.
FRST 256 (3) Introduction to Forest Resource Management
An introduction to forest resource management, as it is practiced in British Columbia. Topics include biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification, identification and ecology of some major tree species and site indicator plants, forest ecosystem functions and services, stand development, planning and sustainability, forestry legislation, harvesting and silviculture practices, forest health and fire protection (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: Admission to second-year RMOT program or permission of instructor.
FRST 261 (2) Forest Harvesting Systems
An introduction to various forest harvesting systems and study the economic, safety, and environmental implications of equipment and system choices. Compatibility of harvesting systems and silviculture systems will be discussed. Credit will only be granted for one of FRST 261T or FRST 261. (1:0:3)
Prerequisite: Completion of first-year of program or permission of instructor.
Co-requisites: FRST 271 or permission of instructor.
FRST 262 (2) Forest Harvest Planning
A continuation of FRST 261 with an emphasis on sustainable timber harvest planning. Topics include: ecosystem based management, retention systems, protection of forest soils, terrain stability, windthrow, safety management systems, project planning, and economics of forest harvesting. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: FRST 261.
FRST 271 (2) Forest Road Design
An introduction to forest road design techniques. Topics include the influence of harvesting systems, silviculture systems, and protection of environmental values on the location and design of forest roads. FRST 271 was formerly called FRST 271T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (1:0:3)
Prerequisite: Completion of first-year of program or permission of instructor.
Co-requisites: FRST 261 or permission of the instructor.
FRST 272 (2) Forest Road Planning and Design
A study of forest road planning, design, and construction. Topics include earthwork volume estimation, construction equipment costs and capabilities, stream flow estimation and culvert designs, and reduction of environmental impacts. FRST 272 was formerly called FRST 272T; credit will not be granted for both courses. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: FRST 261 and FRST 271 or permission of instructor.
FRST 282 (2) Information Technology
An introduction to computing software and hardware used in the forest industry. Topics include data collection using conventional survey and global position systems and mapping with forest engineering software and geographic information systems. (1:0:3)
Prerequisite: FRST 271.
FRST 291 (1) Interior Field Trip
Intro to interior forest types, emphasizing differences from coastal forests and the unique methods of harvesting, silviculture, and management that must be employed. An international trip may be substituted subject to availability of funding and destinations where relevant comparisons to BC forestry can be made. Credit will only be granted for one of FRST 291T or FRST 291. (0:0:0 -45 for 1 weeks)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of program.
FRST 299 (3) Modern Issues in Forest Ecosystem Management
An introduction to the great variety of topics as well as the intricate compexities of forest ecosystem management. Designed as an elective for students, as well as the general public who have an interest in natural resources management in British Columbia. Note: 3 hrs/week, delivered in one evening per week. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
FRST 328 (3) GIS for Natural Sciences
A practical, hands-on introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) within the context of natural sciences. Topics include: spatial data issues, analytical operations (queries, buffers, overlays, and terrain analysis), and effective map generation. FRST 328 was formerly called FRST 182; credit will not be granted for both courses. Credit will only be granted for one of GEOG 328 or FRST 328. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: FRST 121 or GEOG 226 or GEOG 228.
FRST 351 (3) Forest Pathology
A broad overview of plant pathology as it relates to the forest trees of BC. Focus is on pathogens that cause significant economic or environmental impact. Emphasis is on diagnostics, mechanisms of infection and spread, and practical disease management options. Accepted towards VIU's Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology. (3:0:1)
Prerequisite: First-year of program, BIOL 202, or permission of the instructor.
FRST 352 (3) Forest Entomology
An introduction to the potential impacts insects can have on forests in BC. Topics include insect biology (morphology, physiology, classification, life histories) ecological significance (hydrology, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration), economic impacts, identification, diagnostics, and management options. (3:0:1)
Prerequisite: First-year of program, BIOL 202, or permission of the instructor.