ENVS8006 Modern Techniques of Forest Inventory

Offered By	School of Resources Environment & Society
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Environmental Science
Offered in	Winter Session, 2009 and Winter Session, 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	Understanding and management for 'wise use' of natural resources depends on quantifying ecological services and products, often over large areas/regions. The products include such diverse elements as carbon, biomass, solid wood product volumes, biodiversity, medicinal herbs and other rare non-timber elements. Such large regions cannot be measured in detail and some form of inventory or sampling is essential. The course goal is to promote student understanding of the art and science of forest resource management by focusing on the issues involved in quantitative assessment of trees and forests. Topics introduced will include the presentation and use of state of the art tools and methodologies applicable to modern forest inventory and the formulation and planning effective and efficient inventory. More specifically: Introduction to sampling theory Issues involved in effective inventory design Equal and unequal probability sampling techniques Modern mensuration tools and techniques for quantifying various products examining modern inventory systems at various scales, e.g. national (National Carbon Accounting System); regional (SFRI); and stand (point-3P) Designing and implementing an unequal probability-based inventory Dealing with problem data
Learning Outcomes	On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. understand the underlying principles of equal and unequal probability sampling approaches 2. design and implement a modern inventory system, and determine the advantages and disadvantages of available systems 3. process inventory data to determine reliable estimates and confidence limits of targeted population parameters, including solid wood products, carbon and aspects of biodiversity
Indicative Assessment	Assessment will be based on: 4 computer-based quizzes (only 2 assessed) to show understanding of underlying theories and practice of sampling (40%; LO 1, 2, 3) 8-page major project that integrates development of a sample framework; measurement of a sample of trees; calculations; and presentation of a final report with management recommendations (60%; LO 1, 2, 3)
Workload	Intensive: 5-day field/block course supported by web-based reading and interaction. The course will be run from 3 August to 14 August.
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation.
Areas of Interest	Resource Management and Environmental Science
Eligibility	Bachelor degree; knowledge equivalent to SRES1003 or STAT1003+B13
Requisite Statement	Requires SRES1003 or STAT1003 or equivalent knowledge
Academic Contact	Dr Cris Brack

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