Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1466 Forest ecology and production potential, 7.5 Credits

Skogens ekologi och produktionsförmåga

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

General entry requirements for first-cycle studies and

\- Science studies 1b, or Science studies 1a1 + 1a2, or Science studies A

or equivalent knowledge

Objectives

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• briefly describe the conditions typical for the common forest types in Sweden
• define basic concepts in soil science, hydrology and climatology, as well as have an overview of Sweden’s bedrock and soils, and soils commonly found on forest land
• describe local and global cycles for carbon and the most important plant nutrients in the forest ecosystems
• define ecological conditions and processes that explains the distribution and occurrence forest-dwelling species, particularly trees, forest pests, wildlife, and disadvantaged species in Swedish forest landscapes.
• explain how forest management affects biodiversity
• gather and interpret information about the Swedish forest land from maps and other available resources.
• identify common trees in their dormant (winter) state
• prepare and conduct an oral presentation.

Content

The course mainly deals with Swedish conditions, but also provides insight into forests and forest management in other parts of the world. Lectures, group exercises, assignments and presentation of project work include

• how different organisms are adapted to their environment, and how these adaptions affect the structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems
• basic concepts and processes in soil science and ecology with significance for growth and biodiversity of trees and other organisms in the forest
• basic principles for the biogeochemical cycles (e.g. those for carbon and nitrogen), energy flows, as well as factors and processes that regulate the forest’s primary production and biological diversity
• introduction to how forest management together with site characteristics (growing site properties), affect production.
• preparing and perform an oral presentation.

Mandatory elements consist of presenting one’s own project work and participation during project presentations by others.

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 exercises and assignments, as well as completed oral presentation.

• 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