Standard 2
Forest to Landscape, Structure, and Function
Principle
Canada’s forested ecosystems are diverse and complex systems arising out of the interaction between living and nonliving components over time. Knowledge of composition, structure and function of forested ecosystems at scales ranging from aggregates of stands to landscapes is essential to describe and evaluate current conditions, predict the effects of environmental change, and practice conservation and management.
Availability
All online modules will run 3 times a year, coinciding with the Fall, Spring and Summer terms, as per the University of Toronto academic calendar. Each module will begin approximately 3 weeks following the commencement of the academic term, and will last 8 weeks. Exact course start dates will be specified upon registration.
Field courses modules will be offered in the Spring and Fall terms, and potentially the Summer term, pending enrolment numbers. Spring sessions will take place during the first 2 weeks of May, fall sessions the last 2 weeks of October, and mid-summer sessions the first 2 weeks of July.
Relevant Components
- Appreciation of the forest health agents (fire, insects, disease, harvest etc.) and the effects of such agents to silviculture.
- Biological diversity, genetic diversity.
- Components and processes of ecosystems.
- Climate patterns and processes, causes and effects of climate change.
- Ecological concepts and principles.
- Habitats and living organisms related to the forested ecosystem.
- Interdependency and interaction between biotic and abiotic, forest and nonforest components of ecosystems.
- Natural disturbance processes and agents.
- Principles and applications of ecological classification.
- Role of agents of forest change in forest ecosystems.
- Resource cycles and their storage (e.g. Carbon, water, biogeochemical, etc).
- Soil properties, productivity, and applications for forest management.
- Watershed patterns, processes and classifications.
Course Details
Standard 2 is made up of 5 separate modules. Depending on your competency requirements, you may be required to take all or some of these modules to fulfill the requirements of Standard 2.
Module 2.1: Describe the components, characteristics, and processes of forest ecosystems and how they interact
This training package will incorporate self-paced, online modules, required readings, discussion forums, and a variety of evaluation methods.
Click here to access the course outline!
Module 2.2: Describe and apply the classification schemes using vegetative, climatic, and edaphic characteristics.
This training package will incorporate self-paced, online modules, required readings, discussion forums, and a variety of evaluation methods.
Click here to access the course outline!
Module 2.3: Explain influences and outcomes of agents of change on forests and landscapes.
This training package will incorporate self-paced, online modules, required readings, discussion forums, and a variety of evaluation methods.
Click here to access the course outline!
Module 2.4: Explain and apply the concept and measures of diversity.
This training package will incorporate self-paced, online modules, required readings, discussion forums, and a variety of evaluation methods.
Click here to access the course outline!
Module 2.5: Demonstrate the integration of the individual competencies within Standard 2.
This module will incorporate a 4-day field course in Halliburton Forest with various evaluation methods.
Click here to access the course outline!
An Ontario Bridge Training Program for Foresters
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