Vancouver Island University

Forest Resources Technology Program

FRST 211 - Forest Measures III

Course Outline

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COURSE INTRODUCTION [Go To Top]

An introduction to determination of volume and value of logs and standing timber in British Columbia. Topics include: procedures for calculating log volumes, coastal log grading, and call grade net factoring of standing timber according to Ministry of Forests standards and procedures, Vegetation Resources Inventory, practical statistics.

SCOPE AND CREDIT [Go To Top]

This course is designed for students in the second year of the Vancouver Island University Forest Resources Technology program.  Credits: 3 

COURSE FORMAT [Go To Top]

The course curriculum typically consists of lectures on mensuration theory followed by practical application and labs and field exams and audits.  (2:0:4)

TEXTS & SUPPLIES [Go To Top]

Required Text(s): 

Supplies and Equipment:

Sturdy boots, hard hat, high-vis vest and eye protection are required at the dryland sort.  Caulk boots, hard hat and cruiser’s vest are required for labs in the woods.  Pocket scale, field notebook, calculator and compass will also be required.  Other field gear will be supplied.

LEARNING OUTCOMES [Go To Top]

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Define terms commonly used in log scaling and timber cruising, especially call grad/net factor.
    

2. Locate appropriate resources for accessing further information regarding log scaling and timber cruising.
    

3. Explain the procedures used in weight scaling.
    

4. Identify species of logs commonly found in coastal dryland sorts.
    

5. Using a scale stick or table of half volumes, determine the gross and net measurements and volumes of logs to MoFR standards.  This includes making appropriate deductions for defects (e.g. sap rot, heart rot, ring rot, conk, missing wood, etc.).
    

6. Describe the log grading process, including characteristics used to determine log grade.
    

7. Using the “log grading cheat sheet”, determine the grades of logs.
    

8. Call Grade and Net Factor standing timber in accordance with MoF CGNF standards.
    

9. Describe the theoretical foundation and sampling techniques used in the B. C. Vegetation Resources Inventory and growth and yield program.
    

10. Apply practical statistical procedures used in forest sampling, in particular the determination of sample size, sampling error and confidence intervals.

 

EVALUATION [Go To Top]

ACADEMIC POLICIES [Go To Top]

Exam Policies

In order to minimize issues and disputes regarding inappropriate behavior during exams, the following policies will be followed:

Missing Tests

Students missing any exam, test or quiz, unable to provide legitimate reason (illness or personal situation of a serious nature) for their absence, will be credited with zero for the missed exam or quiz. Normally, students will not be permitted to write exams or quizzes after the test has been given to the class. Students will not be permitted to write any exam or quiz before it has been given to the class.

Assignment Format

The following is the standard acceptable format for assignments:

Late Assignments

Grades for late assignments, without a legitimate reason, will be reduced by 10% per calendar day.  Students turning in late assignments are required to indicate the late penalty % on the cover page of their assignment (e.g. “2 days late, –20%”). Late assignments will automatically receive a zero grade if submitted after the instructor has returned the graded assignments to the rest of the class.

Instructor Assessment

Based on student's attendance, promptness, effort, attitude & behavior, class participation and ability to work independently.

Plagiarism

Although students are encouraged to work together to collect information or discuss assignments with colleagues, they are expected to do individual work; written reports should be quite different in wording, arrangement of individual answers and other items.  Any two written reports or other assignments that, in the opinion of the instructor, are substantially the same will not be marked.  All parties involved in the work will receive a failure for the work and will be required to offer reasons to the Dean of Science & Technology as to why their name(s) should not be removed from the class list.     

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE – subject to change