2006-07 Catalog Archive (Archived July 31, 2006)
One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222
Forest Technology (FR)
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
The curriculum prepares students for technical and mid-management positions in forestry production, wood processing and manufacturing industries. The course work emphasizes outdoor learning and practical hands-on experience. It provides both an academic and a specialized background needed for a variety of careers in forestry.
Career Opportunities: Forest fire control; wildlife habitat improvement; maintenance of forest roads, structures, and recreational areas; timber estimation, marking and stand improvement; pulpwood procurement; logging supervisor; location and survey of forest property lines; lumber inspector; dry kiln operator; lumber yard supervisor, quality control technician, mill manager and equipment sales.
Recommended High School Subjects: Two years of algebra, two years of science and four years of English.
Remediation Strategies: All students must remediate within the first year. The order of remediation will be math, reading, and English.
Transfer Procedures: This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College and detailed in the Information section (see "Transferring Credits") of this catalog. Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Program Goals: A graduate of this major should be able to:
- identify selected species of trees and shrubs by their scientific and common names, general uses, site characteristics, and geographic distribution.
- apply the fundamentals of plane surveying, including the use and care of surveying equipment, maps and map-making, and the theory of measurements.
- measure the volume and value of standing timber.
- prepare a forestland management plan for a property using the concepts of multiple use and sustained yield forest management.
- demonstrate knowledge of the silvicultural treatments used to regulate stand composition, regenerate stands, increase growth rates, and improve timber quality.
- apply the basic theories, principles, and techniques used in timber harvesting and demonstrate skills in the operation and maintenance of tools and equipment used to harvest a timber crop.
- describe the life history, food, and habitat requirement of the major game, non-game birds, and mammals of Pennsylvania.
- identify and describe the function of tree parts and of selected plants and describe their relation to soil.
- describe the manufacturing and uses of various forest products and describe the characteristics and structure of common wood species.
- describe the characteristics and control of various forest pests, diseases, and fire problems.
- grade hardwood and softwood logs and lumber based on industry standards.
- develop marketing and logistical skills for the forest industry.
- demonstrate familiarity with the principles of cutting logs into lumber.
- demonstrate basic skills in handling and drying of lumber.
- discern the concepts of plant variability and diversity.
- apply computer skills to forestry related software.
- apply basic GIS/GPS technology to field applications.
| First Semester | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| FOR111 | Dendrology | 3 | |
| FOR113 | Forest Mensuration | 3 | |
| BIO111 | Basic Botany | 3 | |
| ENL111 | English Composition I | 3 | |
| MTH124 | Technical Algebra and Trigonometry I | 3 | |
| or | |||
| MTH180 | College Algebra and Trigonometry I | 3 | |
| CSC110 | Introduction to Information Technology | 3 | |
| 18 | |||
| Second Semester | Credits | ||
| FOR120 | Forest Surveying I | 2 | |
| FOR122 | Photogrammetry | 2 | |
| FOR124 | Advanced Forest Mensuration | 3 | |
| FOR127 | Forest Ecology | 3 | |
| FOR102 | Forestry Equipment and Safety | 1 | |
| ENL121 | English Composition II | 3 | |
| or | |||
| ENL201 | Technical and Professional Communication | 3 | |
| MTH125 | Technical Algebra and Trigonometry II | 3 | |
| or | |||
| MTH182 | College Algebra and Trigonometry II | 3 | |
| 17 | |||
| Third Semester | Credits | ||
| FOR210 | Forest Products | 3 | Writing Enriched Requirement |
| FOR232 | Forest Surveying II | 3 | |
| FOR236 | Silviculture | 3 | |
| FOR250 | Forest Protection | 3 | |
| FOR252 | Timber Harvesting and Equipment | 3 | |
| FIT | Fitness and Lifetime Sports Elective | 1 | |
| 16 | |||
| Fourth Semester | Credits | ||
| FOR237 | Forest Recreation | 1 | |
| FOR243 | An Introduction to GIS/GPS | 3 | |
| FOR245 | Wildlife Management | 3 | |
| FOR249 | Forest Land Management | 3 | Writing Enriched Requirement |
| ECO111 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | |
| OEA | Open Elective | 3 | |
| 16 | |||
NOTE: MTH 180 and MTH 182 are recommended for Forest Technology students desiring to transfer to a four-year degree major.
Accreditation: The educational program in Forest Technology leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Forest Technology is recognized by the Society of American Foresters.