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FOR 112: Computing Applications in Forestry

Winter 2013

Course Description

FOR 112 is an introductory course that teaches skills necessary for successful and efficient use of computing applications common in a student's academic and professional career. The course provides an overview of computing applications used in all aspects of forestry work but is largely focused on development of intermediate and advanced spreadsheet skills using Microsoft Excel (e.g., complex formulas and functions, charting, pivot tables). Additionally the course rounds out essential skills in document formatting (Microsoft Word), and presentation development (Microsoft PowerPoint).

Interspersed with the work in the primary course applications, students may be introduced to database concepts (Microsoft Access), work with digital images, become familiar with use of the University computer network and e-mail system, and learn many tips, shortcuts, and computing advice related to relevant technologies that the student is likely to encounter. Even someone already somewhat comfortable with these computing applications will learn something new.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of FOR112, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate familiarity with the computing environment at Oregon State University and, in particular, within the College of Forestry.
2. Efficiently utilize Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for common computing tasks.
3. Demonstrate skills in the application of intermediate and advanced spreadsheet tools - sorting, formula construction, filtering, charting, conditional functions, lookup functions, charting, and pivot tables.
4. Demonstrate mastery of spreadsheet development skills, making appropriate choices for tools and strategies essential for common forestry computing tasks and upper-level Forestry course work.
5. Utilize intermediate skills in Word to efficiently create a well organized, clearly formatted scientific report.
6. Utilize PowerPoint to create a clear, high quality, high impact multimedia scientific presentation.