Catalog Description

Also known as BIOL 0024
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL C1000
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Study of the botanical characteristics, taxonomy, and physiology of major trees and shrubs of the Western United States, with emphasis on California. Covers plant community relationships, geographic ranges, and human impact on forest ecosystems. Includes identification of specimens in the field and use of herbarium samples. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Use dichotomous keys and field guides to identify the family, scientific, and common names of major tree and shrubs in California forests.
  • CSLO #2: Evaluate the ecological requirements of common forest trees in North America, with an emphasis on California.
  • CSLO #3: Describe and differentiate the value, uses, and geographic distribution of common trees and shrubs in the Western United States.
  • CSLO #4: Explain the relationships of forest species to the evolution and ecology of global forest ecosystems.
  • CSLO #5: Classify plant species to develop a curated plant collection.

Effective Term

Fall 2026

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

108

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Identify morphological features of trees and shrubs for classification and binomial nomenclature.
2. Describe the ecological requirements of common forest trees and shrubs in North America, with emphasis on California.
3. Recognize distinguishing characteristics of common forest community types in the Western United States, focusing on California.
4. Explain the relationships of forest species to forest successional history.
5. Compare the value, uses, and geographic range of common trees and shrubs in the Western United States, with emphasis on California.
6. Analyze human impacts on forest ecosystems.
7. Define forest resilience and discuss the ecological role of fire.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. Identify plant structures and assign correct terminology.
2. Identify major tree and shrub species in California forests by scientific and common names.
3. Use dichotomous key and field guides to identify tree and shrubs.
4. Characterize environmental conditions and species composition of California forest community types.
5. Determine succession stages for specific forest locations.
6. Identify indicators of forest health, including invasive species, pests, diseases, and plant density.
7. Collaborate in small groups to collect, mount, identify, compile, and display plant collections.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Life Sciences
    • AS - Life Science Lab
    • AA/AS - Natural Sciences
    • AA/AS - Natural Sciences Laboratory
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Objective Examinations
          • Example: 1. (Lecture Objective #3) Identify and describe the ecological requirements of 5 trees in the lower mixed conifer forests. (5 points - 1 point per described tree)
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: 1. (Lab Objective #3) Using the dichotomous key, identify the unknown species at your lab table, detailing all of the steps you took in order to come up with your identification. (10 points for correct identification, 1 point for every correct step in the dichotomy)

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Laboratory
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Lab:

        1. Using live stem/leaf specimens, the instructor will demonstrate how to identify plant characteristics and assign proper botanical terminology. Students will observe 15 specimens and record appropriate terms on a reporting form. For example: Leaf type, shape, base, tip, margin, venation, attachment, arrangement. (Lecture Objective 1, Lab Objective 1)

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor leads discussion of environmental characteristics associated with various forest communities or ecosystems. Following the discussion, using herbarium or live samples and prior knowledge of tree/shrub species, students work collaboratively in small groups to determine which species are suited to each ecosystem. Groups will explain how they derived their answers. Lecture objectives 2,
        2. (Lab Objectives 3 & 6)

        Distance Learning

        1. Following an online lecture on the uses of common trees and shrubs in the Western United States, students will debate ideas on a discussion board with their colleagues. They will also post evaluative papers to the board and critique papers posted by their colleagues. Students will be required to respond to a minimum of 2 other students’ initial responses. The instructor will create accessible content. Instructor will incorporate engaging tools to facilitate content delivery, keeping student equity, success and accessibility as the foundation for tool selection. (Lecture Objective 3)

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read field guides and practice using dichotomous keys to reinforce knowledge of plant terminology and assist in the identification of plants. 2. Read current research on the effects of climate change on forest species distribution. Synthesize the information and summarize in a logically developed essay.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Read a current research article pertaining to negative human impact on forest ecosystems. Summarize the research, and list the pros and cons of potential solutions or mitigation strategies pertaining to the problem. Present an oral summary before the class and answer questions. 2. Field notebook: Identify plants and key characteristics in the field using proper taxonomy and terminology; record site elevation, location and plant community type; determine successional stage; assess plant diversity and density; list evidence of human impact; identify invasive species, pests/diseases, and other indicators of forest health.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        Students will create a herbarium of 50 plant specimens identified throughout the semester. Accompanying text will include proper taxonomy and habitat specifics.

        Required Materials

        • Dendrology: Cones, Flowers, Fruits and Seeds
          • Author: Idzojtic, Marilena
          • Publisher: Academic Press
          • Publication Date: 2019
          • Text Edition: 1
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Dendrology e-Manual 2024
          • Author:
          • Publisher: Dendrology e-Manual 2024
          • Publication Date: 2024
          • Text Edition: 1
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER: https://www.scribd.com/document/821558763/Dendrology-e-Manual-2024-1
        • Dendroecology: Principles and Practice
          • Author: Richard Phipps
          • Publisher: J Ross Publishing
          • Publication Date: 2020
          • Text Edition: !
          • Classic Textbook?: Yes
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.