Instructor

Dr. John Seiler

jseiler@vt.edu

(540) 231-5461

230J Cheatham Hall

Office Hours: Any time, unless I am in class, a meeting, or out of town.

Prerequisites

Forest Biology and Dendrology lecture is taught with the understanding that each enrollee has previously taken freshman biology. Should you not meet this requirement, it is necessary that you obtain consent of the instructor. Please do so during the first week of class.

Course Objectives

The course objectives are to provide the student of forestry a basic understanding of the biology of trees. This includes knowledge of their morphology, anatomical and reproductive attributes, patterns of variability, species associations, silvical characteristics, and basic physiological processes important to tree growth and management.

Expectations of Students

• Attendance: Just as you expect us to attend lecture, we expect you to attend lecture. If you miss a lecture, it is your responsibility to get the material. Four quizzes are given during the semester. Except in the case of extreme extenuating circumstances, these cannot be made up! You pay approximately $30 for every lecture, whether you come or not, so work to get your money's worth. Come to class!
• Exams: If you miss an exam without a valid excuse, you will not be allowed to make it up and will receive a zero. In extenuating circumstances, early or make-up exam dates can be arranged.
• Class interaction: This is a large class, which makes it difficult to have much interaction. However, if you have any questions, please ask them. We may at times ask you to wait for clarification after class or during office hours.
• If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this class, please contact John Seiler, 230J Cheatham, at 231-5461 during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations.

Grading

The course grade will be determined by two formal exams and a comprehensive final exam each worth 30% of your course grade. The final exam will primarily cover material from the last third of the semester, but a few questions will test your comprehensive understanding of tree biology. Four announced quizzes will be given, which will account for the remaining 10% of the grade. Final grades will be based on the following breakdown:

Numerical Grade	Course Grade
93 or above	A
90-92	A-
87-89	B+
83-86	B
80-82	B-
77-79	C+
73-76	C
70-72	C-
67-69	D+
63-66	D
60-62	D-
59 or below	F

The Virginia Tech Honor system is in effect at all times. More information on the Honor system

Textbook

Your class textbook is available as a web app. You will have an opportunity on the first day of class to sign up for access to the web app.