FOR 280 Applied Research Project is an introduction to the basic principles and methods of research with an emphasis on forest resources. The objective of this course is to assist each student in completing an applied research project that has both a field-based data collection component, and a literature-based research component. Students will select an approved research topic and complete a number of assignments including writing a research proposal, and producing final report. The research results and recommendations will be presented at the SEG student conference. This course spans the fall and winter semesters.
Prerequisites: Completion of first year courses with a minimum grade of 60%
Corequisite: Fall and Winter semester FOR II courses
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15* |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 30 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 1 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 1 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate the fundamentals of conducting an applied research project and writing an applied research report that conforms to a prescribed format
- Complete an original technical report (2,000 words minimum) that conforms to a prescribed format
- Interact in a professional manner with forestry representatives and faculty advisors
- Demonstrate good oral presentation skills
- Demonstrate a professional attitude when interacting with others
- Complete tasks individually and independently
- Maintain records of their research findings and activities in an appropriate format
- Demonstrate professional deportment
- Demonstrate personal responsibility for communicating with their faculty advisors, and FOR 280 instructors
- Identify and explore key issues and concepts in the chosen topic area
- Identify key players in government, industry, and/or stakeholder groups in their area of study
- Describe and apply methods for assessing the scientific validity of information
- Use an academic research library/data base effectively
- Apply scientific research skills
- Define an original research project
- Conduct field research safely and ethically
- Collect accurate data and information
Teaching and Learning Approach
Students will participate in focused classroom learning—short lectures, hands-on workshops, and guided
independent tasks—that scaffold the design and execution of an applied research project. The course culminates
in a professional technical paper and a final presentation.
Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This course supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals by fostering critical, applied learning in support
of ecological sustainability, innovation, and ethical practice in forestry.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Students engage in experiential, inquiry-based learning that builds technical, analytical, and research
communication skills relevant to sustainable forestry.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Students explore and apply innovative research tools and methods—including emerging technologies to address
real-world forestry challenges.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Research topics may explore forest resilience, wildfire management, and climate adaptation strategies within
forest ecosystems.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
The course directly contributes to the sustainable management of forests by training students to investigate and
propose solutions to forest health, biodiversity, and land-use issues.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Students collaborate in research teams and are encouraged to engage with Indigenous communities, industry, or
government partners to ensure applied research is relevant, respectful, and grounded in diverse perspectives .
Learning Resources
References
Each project calls for its own set of sources.
Your faculty advisor will share starter suggestions; you can then explore additional materials—articles,
industry reports, community knowledge, or other credible resources that feel meaningful to your topic.
We’ll check in regularly to help you refine and access what you need.
Supplies & Equipment
Requirements differ by project. Early in the term, we’ll meet to review your list so you have time to gather,
borrow, or request items from the equipment room.
Field data collection usually involves traveling to sites. If arranging your own transportation feels challenging,
please reach out and together we can explore options or alternate data-collection methods.
Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Final presentation preparations and final draft writing.Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Topic Sign-up | | 1% |
| Research Question Submission | | 5% |
| Experimental Design Plan | | 5% |
| JHA & Hazard Forms | | 4% |
| Annotated Bibliography | | 15% |
| Raw Data Submission | | 10% |
| Research Proposal | | 25% |
| Oral Presentation | | 15% |
| Final Draft | | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.