Forest and Natural Areas Management

​This course introduces the general principles of technical writing, career communication, research strategies, and data organization and management. Students will practice using the elements required to produce a technical report. Topics in the course will include preparing job applications, resumes, and cover letters, and practicing interview skills to help students be ready for hiring processes in the natural resource field. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Knowing and understanding what creates a safe working environment is crucial to your long-term professional career. This comprehensive course provides the essential training and certifications needed to launch a successful and safe career in the natural resource sector. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and field exercises, participants will gain vital workplace safety knowledge, practical skills, and industry-recognized certifications. This includes developing essential digital literacy skills to effectively utilize computer applications and manage files for data organization and communication in the field.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course covers topics in technical mathematics that are important for success in the natural resource field. Topics include measurement accuracy and precision; unit conversions; ratios, proportions, and percentages; right angle trigonometry; trapezoidal and Simpson’s rules; linear functions; and logarithms and exponential equations. Mathematical topics will be linked to natural resource applications covered in other courses, such as calculating tree heights, estimating population sizes in mark‐recapture studies, and estimating discharge rates.​​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course demonstrates the fundamentals of field measurements, basic surveying, and sampling procedures commonly used in resource management applications. This includes field notetaking, traverse calculations and plotting, mapping of topographic details, and measuring tree attributes and stand characteristics used in habitat assessments. Lecture material will be supported extensively with field applications and hands‐on training.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course provides students with opportunities to hone their observational skills related to plants and to communicate this knowledge to others. Students will develop skills to use different identification tools and become competent in how to approach identifying any unknown plant. This course braids together Western and Indigenous ways of knowing plants and provides opportunities to examine our relationships with plants more closely.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course introduces skills and tools commonly used in the natural resource sector for safe and effective navigation, wayfinding, and map interpretation. In this course, students will gain skills in accessing, reading, and interpreting maps, aerial imagery, and digital geographic data. This course introduces the use and application of map projections, coordinates systems, and map datums frequently used in BC resource management applications. Students will also gain skills in the use of navigational grade Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment and mobile applications.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course introduces topics within the study of physical geography and hydrology. Topics include local geology and physiography, the rock cycle, identification of common rocks and minerals, weathering and erosion processes, and identification of landforms. Students will apply their understanding of earth processes to evaluate geomorphic watershed characteristics and how they relate to the hydrologic cycle. Additional interrelated topics include precipitation, interception, evapotranspiration, stream flow and stream classification. Students will be introduced to field techniques used to describe streams in rural and urban environments, collecting data that includes stream velocity, and discharge measurements.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​In this foundational course, students will learn about soil formation, physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils; forest humus; and soil sampling and soil classification systems. Students will practice observing, measuring, describing, and recording different soil properties in the field and in the lab. Students will also practice interpreting and classifying soil data to better understand soil properties and how they relate to plant growth and ecosystem development.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course provides a foundational understanding of field measurement and sampling techniques essential to resource-based forestry. Students will gain hands-on experience in various inventory and measurement procedures applicable to disciplines such as timber cruising and vegetation resources inventory (VRI), utilizing digital and analog field equipment. The course emphasizes accurate measurement, comprehensive data recording, and data interpretation. Standards and guidelines, such as those prepared by the British Columbia Provincial Resource Information Standards Committee (RISC), will be followed so that students develop fundamental skills and understanding of principles in forestry. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, and field trips, students will gain practical experience in various sampling methods, data collection, and statistical analysis.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 1155 and 50% in FNAM 1500 and 50% in MATH 1455 and 50% in RENR 1105 and 50% in RENR 1125 and 50% in RENR 1300 and 50% in RENR 1310 and 50% in RENR 1320
• Completion of all Term 1 Courses

​Forest engineering is a complex discipline that requires critical thinking and problem solving to sustainably manage our forests. Within BC is a vast network of resource roads and trails which provide access to a range of commercial and public users. This course provides a comprehensive overview of resource road and trail planning, design, construction, and management and will also introduce students to the principles of forest operations such as harvest planning, harvesting systems, harvesting equipment, and access planning. Students will gain practical skills in surveying, mapping, and construction techniques, while also exploring the economic, social, and regulatory context of resource road development and access in British Columbia. ​ ​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 1155 and 50% in FNAM 1500 and 50% in MATH 1455 and 50% in RENR 1105 and 50% in RENR 1125 and 50% in RENR 1300 and 50% in RENR 1310 and 50% in RENR 1320
• Completion of all Term 1 Courses

​This course provides a comprehensive overview of forest health with a focus on the identification and monitoring of common impactful insects and tree diseases in British Columbia. Students will gain a foundational understanding of tree biology/physiology, insect and disease classification systems, the signs and symptoms of forest damage, as well as the sampling methods required for detection. Through lectures, indoor activities, and field trips, students will learn to recognize common tree health issues that impact nurseries, natural stands, and urban trees. Students will also gain hands on experience collecting survey data to detect and monitor forest health trends over time.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 1155 and 50% in FNAM 1500 and 50% in MATH 1455 and 50% in RENR 1105 and 50% in RENR 1125 and 50% in RENR 1300 and 50% in RENR 1310 and 50% in RENR 1320
• Completion of all Term 1 Courses

​At nearly 950,000 km2, British Columbia encompasses a diverse range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, each supporting an array of fish, wildlife, and other living organisms. This course explores the practice of ecosystem stewardship and management in BC, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to interpret and apply best management practices to fish and wildlife habitat for the sustainability of current and future generations. Students will learn practical skills including wildlife species identification, wildlife habitat characteristics, species at risk recovery strategies, and fish-stream classification and management. Students will investigate how frameworks such as provincial legislation, federal legislation, and joint First Nation management agreements guide the management of these areas, including strategies for conservation and sustainability.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 1155 and 50% in FNAM 1500 and 50% in MATH 1455 and 50% in RENR 1105 and 50% in RENR 1125 and 50% in RENR 1300 and 50% in RENR 1310 and 50% in RENR 1320
• Completion of all Term 1 Courses

​Humans are not separate from the land. We have been engaging in land management since time immemorial. This course explores the principles, practices and history of sustainable land management through a lens that integrates Indigenous knowledge and Western science. Students will gain a deep understanding of diverse perspectives on land stewardship, through a combination of classroom learning, field experiences, and case studies. BC is a complex and rich environment, and now more than ever we need to consider how to interact with the land in a relationship of reciprocity. Students will examine land management principles such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and holistic Indigenous concepts such as the honorable harvest. Practical skills will be developed through hands-on activities like seed collection, planting, and plant propagation. Students will also learn to analyze land management information using appropriate tools and become familiar with the relevant ministries, departments, and Acts associated with resource industries in British Columbia.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 1155 and 50% in FNAM 1500 and 50% in MATH 1455 and 50% in RENR 1105 and 50% in RENR 1125 and 50% in RENR 1300 and 50% in RENR 1310 and 50% in RENR 1320
• Completion of all Term 1 Courses

This course introduces skills required for field data collection using digital survey equipment and technologies. The technology used in the course includes a range of professional and consumer grade global navigation satellite system (GNSS) devices, digital measuring devices, and the associated software and applications used in the natural resource sector. Data collection standards and procedures will be introduced and practiced in field labs to provide students with fundamental skills. Students will also learn how to identify the appropriate technology for tasks or projects that can be laterally applied or adapted to other types of field work and locations. Course topics will cover planning, preparation, and calibration of equipment, quality control and quality assessment, and the processing and analysis of digital field data.
Prerequisite(s):

• RENR 1105 and RENR 1118
• Completion of Term 1

​In this course, students will learn about key ecosystem principles and how ecosystems are described. Several ecosystem classification systems have been developed for British Columbia, such as the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification, the Wetland and Riparian Ecosystem Classification, and BC's Ecoregion Classification system. Students will practice observational and data recording skills in the field through the collection of soil and plant information and analyze this information.​
Prerequisite(s):

• Completion of Term 1.

​This course focuses on use of geographic information system (GIS) technology for the natural resource field. Course content covers access to, and use of, a variety of data types and sources, basic GIS editing, geoprocessing, and analysis tools. Students will learn how to use GIS to present results in online environments, presentations, and technical reports and communications. Students will also be introduced to foundational concepts such as digital data, scale and map projections, data management, and workflow.​
Prerequisite(s):

• Completion of Term 1.

​In this course, students develop the skills and knowledge required to prepare technical reports and deliver professional presentations commonly used in the natural resources field. Students will use discipline‐related written assignments to support the development of a technical report. The course will also address the basics of peer review and collaborative communications, enabling students to become effective members of a team.​
Prerequisite(s):

• Completion of Year 1.

​Building upon the foundational skills developed in FNAM 2200, this course provides higher level sampling and measurement techniques used in the British Columbia inventory system. Students will gain practical experience in forest inventory, timber cruising, log scaling, and waste and residue assessments. This course emphasizes planning, data collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting according to current provincial standards and procedures. Students will collect field data and learn how it is reported through various provincial and federal systems. The Timber Pricing System manuals and the Provincial Vegetation Resource Inventory (VRI) ground sampling procedures form the basis of the applications practiced in this course.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in FNAM 2200 and 50% in FNAM 2400 and 50% in FNAM 2600 and 50% in FNAM 2700 and 50% in FNAM 2800 and 50% in RENR 2111 and 50% in RENR 2300 and 50% in RENR 2310
• Completion of all Term 2 Courses

This course provides students with the essential skills and knowledge to conduct effective research and manage projects successfully. In Technical Projects 1, students create a comprehensive project proposal and safety plan while working productively with other individuals in a team environment. Students will learn how to formulate clear research goals and objectives, evaluate the credibility of various data sources, and conduct comprehensive literature reviews. The course emphasizes analytical skills for interpreting research results and drawing meaningful conclusions. Students will also gain practical experience in project management, including proposal development, work scheduling, progress reporting, and meeting management.
Prerequisite(s):

• Completion of all first year courses.

​This course equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to plan and execute sustainable forest operations, building upon the observational and problem-solving skills developed in FNAM 2400. Students will learn to assess harvesting opportunities and constraints using photo and topographic interpretation, digital tools, and resource databases. They will gain proficiency in industry-standard surveys and data collection techniques for various forest operations, including hazard assessments, road layout, and stream crossing design. Furthermore, students will develop the expertise to prepare comprehensive harvest plans that align with current permits, legislation, and policies in British Columbia. The course also emphasizes evaluating the effectiveness of remedial actions for roads and crossing structures, considering their long-term impact on forest management objectives and sustainability. Finally, students will analyze operational costs for various forestry activities using engineering economics principles to determine cost-effective solutions.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in FNAM 2200 and 50% in FNAM 2400 and 50% in FNAM 2600 and 50% in FNAM 2700 and 50% in FNAM 2800 and 50% in RENR 2111 and 50% in RENR 2300 and 50% in RENR 2310
• Completion of all Term 2 Courses

​Effective forest management in British Columbia requires understanding and integrating diverse perspectives. This course explores the complex interplay between Indigenous rights, legal frameworks, professional responsibilities, and government policy in shaping forest management practices. Students will gain a critical understanding of how these perspectives intersect and influence decision-making in the BC forestry sector, including various land tenure types and forms of private land management in BC. By examining historical and contemporary contexts, analyzing current events, and engaging with ethical considerations, this course equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of forest management in a manner that balances ecological, social, and economic considerations.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in FNAM 2200 and 50% in FNAM 2400 and 50% in FNAM 2600 and 50% in FNAM 2700 and 50% in FNAM 2800 and 50% in RENR 2111 and 50% in RENR 2300 and 50% in RENR 2310
• Completion of all Term 2 Courses

This course explores the principles and practices of silviculture the art and science of influencing forest establishment, composition, growth, and quality. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of forest ecology, stand dynamics, and silvical characteristics of commercial tree species. Emphasis will be placed on applying the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) system to inform silvicultural decision-making and develop sustainable forest management strategies. Students will learn to assess site conditions, evaluate stand structure, and recommend appropriate silvicultural systems and regeneration methods to achieve specific management objectives. The management objectives for stands and forests include biological diversity, cultural heritage, fish & riparian, forage & associated plant communities, recreation, resource features, soils, timber, visual quality, water quality, and wildlife.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in FNAM 2810

​This is an introductory level course in statistics. Topics include descriptive statistics (including measures of central tendency and variation, and appropriate graphical displays of data); probability distributions; inferences from one or two samples (hypothesis testing and confidence intervals); linear correlation and regression. Additional topics may include chi-squared tests for independence and homogeneity. These methods will be applied to examples from the natural resource field.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 1455

​This course provides a comprehensive overview of forest resource measurement, inventory, and valuation in British Columbia, with a focus on provincial systems and practices. Students will learn how forest mensuration and inventory data are collected, reported, and utilized within the Provincial Appraisal and Vegetation Resource Inventory (VRI) systems. The course covers topics such as timber cruising (including Loss Factor, CGNF, and VRI methods), waste and residue assessments, log scaling, and the Market Pricing System, including stumpage rate determination. Students will build on skills gained in FNAM 3200 and FNAM 3400 to prepare cutting and road permits, conduct financial feasibility analyze forest operations using engineering economics principles, and apply statistical methods to assess the value of forest resources in both rural and urban settings.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 2155 and 50% in FNAM 3200 and 50% in FNAM 3231 and 50% in FNAM 3400 and 50% in FNAM 3800 and 50% in FNAM 3820 and 50% in MATH 2453
• Completion of all Term 3 Courses

Building upon the project proposal and safety plan developed in Technical Projects 1, this course provides students with hands-on experience in implementing an applied research project in the field of Natural Resources. Students will focus on field data collection, analysis, and presentation skills while working collaboratively in a team environment. Students will gain experience in executing field research, collecting data, analyzing research results, drawing meaningful conclusions, and connecting findings back to project goals. They will gain experience in collaborating effectively with team members, recording relevant information in various formats (including field notes, journals, meeting minutes, and reports), and liaising with project partners. At the end of the course, students will create a final project report and deliver a compelling presentation to communicate research findings to a knowledgeable and critical audience.
Prerequisite(s):

• FNAM 3231

​This course critically examines the urgent and complex interactions between forest health and climate change. Building on foundational skills from FNAM 2600, students will explore how a changing climate is increasing the vulnerability of BC’s forests to insects, animals, diseases, and wildfires. The course will also critically examine the role of forest management in both mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects. Throughout the course, we will discuss policy implications and current research on climate change adaptation and mitigation in forestry. Through lectures, case studies, and hands-on analysis of real-world data, including aerial surveys, students will learn to identify trends in major forest disturbance agents and assess their impact on forest ecosystems. Students will develop practical skills in analyzing forest health data, assessing the impact of disturbance agents, and developing adaptive management strategies for maintaining and improving forest health in a changing climate.​ ​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 2155 and 50% in FNAM 3200 and 50% in FNAM 3231 and 50% in FNAM 3400 and 50% in FNAM 3800 and 50% in FNAM 3820 and 50% in MATH 2453
• Completion of all Term 3 Courses

Wildfire is an increasingly critical factor in forest management, particularly with factors such as the expanding wildland-urban interface and climate change. This course provides a comprehensive approach to wildfire management, blending Indigenous knowledge and Western science to equip students with practical skills for mitigating wildfire risk. Students will learn to assess wildfire hazards in diverse environments, from community interfaces to forested areas, and develop holistic plans that prioritize community safety and ecological integrity. The course will explore the development and implementation of Community Wildfire Protection Plans as a key strategy for collaborative risk reduction. Through examining historical and current fire management practices, students will gain a critical understanding of the complexities of wildfire management in the context of natural resource management.
Prerequisite(s):

• FNAM 3600

This hands-on course focuses on developing practical skills for conducting essential silviculture surveys and assessments. Students will gain proficiency in applying standardized provincial procedures to plan, execute, and report on various milestone surveys, including “regen delay” and “free growing” assessments. The course will also cover a range of other critical silviculture surveys, such as planting quality inspection, survival surveys, stocking surveys, plantability assessments, and brush competition assessments. Emphasis will be placed on accurate data collection, detailed record-keeping, and the compilation of field data to determine stocking status and inform silvicultural decision-making. This course, in combination with appropriate work experience, will prepare students to successfully pass the Province of B.C. Silvicultural Surveyor Accreditation exam.
Prerequisite(s):

• FNAM 3820

​Our forests and natural areas are rich environments that can produce a wide range of cultural, ecological and economic benefits which go far beyond conventional timber values. These additional natural resources are often known as non-timber forest products (NTFP) and are a multi-million dollar industry that can be managed sustainably alongside timber objectives. Non-timber forest products include a wide range of commodities including forest-based foods, ornamental products, and plant extracts used to make pharmaceuticals and personal care products. These forest resources are important for many different people, including Indigenous communities, small business owners, wild harvesters, tourists, and the public. This course introduces timber and non-timber forest products that are harvested and distributed in BC and beyond, as well as the facilities that produce the end products. Students will learn about the fundamental economics that drive commodity versus specialty products and the pertinent legislation for the sustainable management and harvesting of forest products.​ ​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 2155 and 50% in FNAM 3200 and 50% in FNAM 3231 and 50% in FNAM 3400 and 50% in FNAM 3800 and 50% in FNAM 3820 and 50% in MATH 2453
• Completion of all Term 3 Courses

​Urban forests provide multiple roles and benefits to communities including climate resilience, human well-being, habitat and biodiversity. They can be described on a continuum from a single tree to a group of trees, to a forest. As a discipline, urban forestry draws from the fields of arboriculture and forestry and often intersects with the built environment – as well as those disciplines that contribute to the built environment, including urban planning, civil engineering, and architecture. Because of this interdisciplinary and evolving space, managing the urban forest requires expertise in both the natural and social sciences, as well as an understanding of the competing land use and management objectives at play. In this course, students will learn how to manage trees and natural areas in the urban environment, as well as what that means considering changing values, goals/objectives and regional bylaws. Insight into tree biology and physiology, tree selection, preservation, and the specific roles of trees will be provided.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 2155 and 50% in FNAM 3200 and 50% in FNAM 3231 and 50% in FNAM 3400 and 50% in FNAM 3800 and 50% in FNAM 3820 and 50% in MATH 2453
• Completion of all Term 3 Courses