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Unit description

Considers the measurement of forest characteristics to ensure their proper conservation and management. Trees are big and forests are extensive, so special techniques must be used to measure them accurately. This unit uses a general teaching approach to introduce modern methods and practice of forest measurement.

Unit content

  • Reasons for measuring trees and forests
  • Accuracy, precision and bias of measurements
  • The plane survey
  • Measurement of individual trees - stem diameter, tree height, stem volume and tree biomass. Use of tree volume, stem taper and biomass functions
  • Measurement of stands - age, stocking density, quadratic mean diameter, basal area, dominant height, stem volume, biomass, site productive capacity, expression of growth. Point and plot stand measurement
  • Measurement of forests - defining and measuring populations, sampling theory, conduct of inventory. Remote sensing applications.

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1carry out basic forest measurements with adequate accuracy and precisionEthical practiceCommunication and social skills
2know what measurements are required to achieve some particular objectives of managementKnowledge of a discipline
3plan and execute a forest inventory with adequate precision to serve particular objectives of management.Ethical practiceKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skills

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. carry out basic forest measurements with adequate accuracy and precision
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
  2. know what measurements are required to achieve some particular objectives of management
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. plan and execute a forest inventory with adequate precision to serve particular objectives of management.
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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