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Wildland Fire Science / ESPM 181
Scott Stephens
3.0 Units
Spring Semester

The historic, current, and future role of wildland fire is a major management and political issue. Tremendous resources, and sometimes life, are lost each year to wildfire. Concerns over issues such as forest health and sustainability have also highlighted the importance of understanding the role of fire in ecosystems. To understand the interaction of fire and ecosystems the following topics will be covered in this course: fire ecology including the effects of fire on plants and soils, fire history and dendrochronology, wildland fuels, fire behavior, fire behavior modeling, fire management, prescribed fire, and fire problems in the urban/wildland intermix. The class participates in prescribed fires during the semester, weather permitting.

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Fire, Insects, and Diseases in Wildland Ecosystems / ESPM 134
Tom Bruns, Nick Mills, Scott Stephens (Rick Everett - Spring 2008)
3.0 Units
Spring Semester

In this course we will provide insights into the importance of fire, insects and diseases through lectures, discussion sessions, and field trips. In addition, we will discuss how humans are affecting wildland ecosystems through both direct (forest management) and indirect (travel, air pollution, commerce, etc.) actions that change the roles of these agents.

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Fire Ecology Seminar / ESPM 265
Scott Stephens
2.0 Units
Fall Semester (even years)

This graduate seminar focuses on fire's role as an ecological factor in historic, prehistoric, and current contexts in forest and rangeland systems. Weekly readings. Student led group discussions. Possible observation of / participation in prescribed burns, weather and resources permitting.

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Current Research in Wildland Fire Science / ESPM 298
(Formerly Wildand Fire Seminar)
Scott Stephens and the Wildland Fire Research Group
2.0 Units
Fall Semester (odd years)

Note: Not offered Fall 2003 - "Disturbance Ecology Seminar" offered instead

The goal of the this lecture and discussion series is to bring distinguished members of the fire science community from across the country to UC Berkeley, in order to promote discussion and awareness about the most recent research, policy, and management in the field. Weekly readings and distinguished guest lectures followed by discussion. Faculty and persons outside of UC Berkeley are also encouraged to attend the seminar.

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Disturbance Ecology Seminar / ESPM 290
Scott Stephens, Wayne Sousa, Mary Power, John Battles
2.0 Units
New for Fall 2003 - offered in lieu of "Current Research in Wildland Fire Science / ESPM 298"

The goal of the Disturbance Ecology Seminar is to focus on disturbance as an ecological process in diverse ecosystems. We will define what a disturbance is and critically evaluate the language used to describe disturbances. Students will give a group seminar on a topic related to the class. A group of four or five students will research the topic, develop an extended outline and annotated bibliography, and lead a discussion during one class. Each group seminar should 1) provide a historical perspective on the chosen topic, 2) summarize and critically analyze past and current work in the area, and 3) discuss any links between the topic and previous material presented in the seminar. Readings will be assigned to augment class material. Students will also prepare a written summary of one class session, to be distributed to the rest of the class.

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