College Catalog
One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222
Forest Technology (FR)
Academic School: Natural Resources Management
(Effective Fall 2004)
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: Four years of English, two years of algebra, and two years of science.
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 (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). 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.