Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1462 Forest Conservation Science, 15.0 Credits

Skoglig naturvårdsvetenskap

Subjects

Forestry Science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits at basic level, including

- 60 credits in Biology or
- 60 credits in Forest Science or
- 60 credits in Forest Management or
- 60 credits in Environmental Sciences or
- 60 credits in Landscape Architecture or
- 60 credits in Agricultural Sciences or
- 60 credits in Natural Resource Management or
- 60 credits in Forestry and Wood Technology or

and

- 15 credits in ecology

and

- English 6.

Objectives

The aim of this course is to provide students with advanced knowledge in the field of biodiversity conservation science with a specific focus on applications in forested landscapes. Students will be able to increase their depth of subject knowledge and ability to work independently and get a stronger understanding of how this knowledge could be applied by stakeholders.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain how ecological theories and concepts can be applied for conservation of biodiversity in forest landscapes;
• Critically assess methods and approaches to measure and analyse biodiversity in forest ecosystems;
• Explain how biodiversity in north European forest landscapes is shaped by natural processes and anthropogenic disturbances;
• Propose appropriate measures to conserve and restore biodiversity in different types of forests, and analyse their advantages and disadvantages; 
• Analyse potential trade-offs and synergies between biodiversity conservation and other societal goals;
• Critically analyse, and discuss scientific literature within the field of conservation science

Content

Subject-related content:

This course provides advanced knowledge of the field of conservation science with a specific focus on applications in forested landscapes. Whereas we prioritize conservation actions within the Fennoscandian region, we set these issues within the larger theoretical and international context of global change. The course contents include the following themes, knowledge of which is central to achieving sustainable development goals:

• reasons for biodiversity conservation
• population and community ecology for biodiversity conservation
• natural and anthropogenic disturbance regimes, and their effects on biodiversity
• forest biodiversity and its assessment
• conservation measures in forests
• global change
• the societal context of nature conservation

Teaching formats

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Assignments
• Excursions
• Exercises

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:

• Critical thinking
• Written communication
• Oral communication
• Reading, interpreting and appraising primary scientific literature

The following course components are compulsory:

• Literature seminars
• Oral presentations and discussions
• Excursions

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through seminars with representatives from different actors in society that work with forest biodiversity conservation.

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 written examination

• Approved written assignments

• Approved participation in compulsory components

• 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 Ecology