Program Structure
The program requires that 4 courses be taken, each taking 2 weeks of study time. The program will take about 60 hours to complete.
The program is offered in 2 sessions each year, one in the Fall (October – December) and one in the Winter/Spring (February/April). Students may register and complete all courses in one session or spread out the courses (in order of prerequisite requirements) over a 2-year time frame.
Each course in this program will require approximately 15 hours of learner’s time. The program has 4 courses:
- Forest Insect Biology, Ecology and Population Dynamics
- October 14 – 25, 2024
- Forest Disease Biology, Ecology and Epidemiology
- October 28 – November 8, 2024
- Forest Insect Identification and Management
- November 18 – 29, 2024
- Forest Disease Identification and Management
- December 2 – 13, 2024
Courses must be taken in sequential order, as they build on one another, but may be taken individually, in different sessions within a two-year time frame, to receive the micro-certificate.
Timeline to Completion
Participants have the flexibility to set their own timeline to completion, within a maximum of two years.
Course Descriptions
Course 1: Forest Insect Biology, Ecology and Population Dynamics
This course will explore the biological characteristics and life cycles of the important groups of insects that cause forest disturbances. Forest insect ecology will also be studied to develop an understanding of the conditions that can modulate insect populations and lead to outbreaks. The various drivers of population growth will be examined, including factors that are affected by climate change.
Course 2: Forest Disease Biology, Ecology and Epidemiology
This course will explore the various biological characteristics and life cycles of the different groups of forest pathogens. The environmental variables that are conducive to disease development will be studied to develop an understanding of the conditions that can lead to forest disease outbreaks. The drivers of disease epidemics will be examined, including factors that are impacted by climate change.
Course 3: Forest Insect Identification and Management
This course will cover the major groups of insects that are important in western North American forests and will develop the skills to identify the most important ones and the damage that they cause. For insects that can cause significant disturbance, we will examine the various management strategies and tactics that can be applied as part of an integrated pest management plan to prevent or mitigate outbreaks.
Course 4: Forest Disease Identification and Management
This course will cover the major groups of diseases that can cause damage in western North American forests and will develop the skills to identify the symptoms and signs of diseases and the damage that they cause. For diseases that can cause significant disturbance, we will examine the various management strategies and tactics that can be applied as part of an integrated pest management plan to prevent or mitigate outbreaks.
