207-213 Trees and Forests

This subject introduces students to the basics of tree and forest management, including dendrology, wood science, mensuration and silviculture.

On completion of the subject, students should:

• be competent in the identification, taxonomy and morphology of eucalypts, conifers and deciduous hardwoods;

• be aware of the distribution, characteristics and uses of Australian forest species;

• be able to describe the features, composition and properties of a variety of woods, and methods used to identify timbers;

• be able to assess and report on tree standing volumes and yields, and the effect of site productivity and stand density;

• understand the role of timber, vegetation and wildlife inventories in forest planning; and

• be aware of methods for generating and evaluating alternative plans for the management of forest resources.

A 3-hour end-of-semester examination (50%), a term project (3000 words, 20%), two assignments (1500 words, 15% each) each).

• K Wilson and D J B White, The Anatomy of Wood: its diversity and Variability. Stobart & Son Ltd, 1986.
• L Costermans, Native Trees and Shrubs of South-Eastern Australia. Rigby, 1981.