2010 Spring ENVIRON 49S-01
Bulletin Course Description Topics vary each semester offered. Instructor: Staff
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title INTO THE WOODS:THE DUKE FOREST Department ENVIRON Course Number 2010 Spring 49S Section Number 01 Primary Instructor Pippen,Jeffrey Primary Instructor Richter Jr.,Daniel Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
What kind of tree is that? Why does it grow here? What other organisms depends on it? Preserving biodiversity, whether in a remote tropical jungle or right in your back yard, is a major world issue. Through class discussion and local field trips, this course will introduce students to the history and ecology of the forest ecosystems of Duke University, and the importance of forests to our quality of life. Forests are well worth some rigorous study in one's undergraduate education, given how ancient are forests evolutionarily, how forests are undervalued financially and economically, how forests are global drivers of environment and economics, and how forests are in need of much better management and protection. Topics will include community ecology and natural history, organism and habitat identification, and history and management of the Duke Forest. Field trips during each class period will visit forested areas around campus as well as research and management sites in the world-renowned Duke Forest.
Textbooks
1. A Field Guide to the Piedmont. 1997. Michael Godfrey
2. The Duke Forest at 75: A Resource for All Seasons. 2006. Ida Phillips Lynch
Exams
Weekly field quizzes
Grade to be based on
Oral presentation (20%), written project report (20%), field quizzes (20%), class participation (20%), and prepared discussion questions (20%).
Additional Information
1. Because most class periods will involve field trips into forested habitats, students are expected to dress appropriately. For example, do not wear flip-flops!
2. Written project will be due one week after oral presentation.
