HORT 5474: Advanced Studies in Urban Forest Ecosystems
| Concentration: Plant Science and Pest Management Credits: 3 graduate credit(s) |
Description
The nature and dynamics of urban ecosystems with a primary emphasis on the role of urban forests. A multi- disciplinary approach will be used to examine the interactions of urban forests with the built environment at multiple scales and how management can influence ecosystem processes. Primary literature, case studies and other readings will allow exploration of topics in a variety of urban environments, from urban cores to peri-urban development.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify the significant characteristics of urban ecosystems that distinguish them from nonurbanized systems.
- Categorize the diversified benefits of urban forests in terms of ecosystem services.
- Describe the ecosystem processes and services mediated by urban forests.
- Distinguish the geographical, socio-political, and environmental factors that influence urban forest management in different regions and countries.
- Interpret the effects of a variety of urban land uses and site designs on urban vegetation and ecosystems at site-level, city-wide, and regional scales.
- Critique primary literature in urban forestry, urban ecology, and related disciplines both in the context of the student’s own research interests and in terms of current trends and objectives in the discipline.
- Debate the merits of urban ecosystem management approaches based on current research
- Develop skills that will contribute to successfully critiquing and creating scientific journal articles.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
This is a graduate level course. Therefore the ability to perform graduate-level work is required. To get the most out of this course, Urban Forest Management and Policy (FOR 5454G) or similar background is recommended as a pre-requisite or co-requisite, however all students are welcome.