Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1433 Fungi and insects in the managed forest, 7.5 Credits

Svampar och insekter i den brukade skogen

Subjects

Forestry Science Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Excursion and practical exercises	1.5	0000
Final exam	2.5	0001
Seminar	3.5	0003

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

30 credits in Forestry Science, 15 credits in Biology and English 6

Exceptions are allowed from the requirement for basic competence in Swedish

Objectives

The main objective of the course is to give the student give knowledge about the impact of forest pest and pathogens in forest plant production chain and forests and about the economic and ecological costs associated with damages. The course also aims to give knowledge about and prevention/control strategies. Finally the course provides the student with knowledge of how forestry can affect the diversity of fungi and insects in forest ecosystems

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

-describe the importance of microorganisms and insects in forest ecosystems, including their roles as agents of ecosystem disturbance and key elements of ecosystem functioning and dynamics.

- discuss how forestry can affect the diversity and population sizes of fungi and insects in forest ecosystems.

-identify and account for some common pathogenic fungi and insect pests, and their impact, in Northern Europe

-Account for how and why fungal pathogen and insect pest outbreaks occur and develop in forests, nurseries and urban environments-

-discuss how fungal pathogen and insect pest outbreaks affect the delivery of ecosystem services and forest raw materials.

-discuss management strategies and methods to counteract pests and diseases.

--discuss costs associated with outbreaks and control of pathogens and pests

Content

The course primarily deals with common, and some emerging, pest and pathogens in nurseries and forests in Northern Europe. The course also addresses how fungi and insects in general are affected by forestry and by, for example, climate change and what this can mean for ecosystem functioning and resilience. Furthermore key biological and ecological principles for pest outbreaks and control, including the principles of integrated pest management are covered. By modelling, compiling and evaluating the economic and ecological losses for selected pests or pathogens or certain levels of overall damage, students get to train their ability to identify the type of information needed to be able to make knowledge-based decisions on the choice of management strategies.

The teaching is based on lectures, seminars (compulsory), excursions (compulsory) and exercises (compulsory) and case studies.

The course also trains the student in critical thinking, planning and manageing time and in oral and written communication.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed examination

Completed compulsory elements

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Cooperating departments: