Forest ecology is the study of the structure, function and dynamics of forested ecosystems. Forest ecologists study how different components of the physical environment, climate, land use, and species interactions have come to shape the forests of today and how changes in patterns across the landscape will influence how forests look and function in the future. This course provides students with an overview of the distribution, nature, and dynamics of forested ecosystems. Throughout the semester, we will examine the ecological principles governing processes at the scale of the ecosystem, community, and organism in forested landscapes. Students will also gain some understanding of the importance of forests in human history and the importance of managing forests with an underlying understanding of ecological principles. Through lecture material, discussions and activities, students will develop an understanding of ecological concepts and, in the process, develop the ability to apply those concepts. Ecology is an evolving science that requires the assimilation of information to address new questions and problems, leaning heavily on the complementary skills of observation and analysis.