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Syllabus

LK0426 Trees in the city, 15.0 Credits

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Subjects

Landscape Architecture

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Introduction trees in the city	7.5	0001
Project work trees	7.5	0002

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G2F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 60 credits in landscape architecture.

Objectives

The purpose of this course is to provide the student in-depth knowledge on trees in urban environments and how trees can contribute to a sustainable city.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• identify conditions, needs and problems in different stages of the work with trees in urban environments

Competence and skills

• argue orally and in writing on the role and importance of trees for a sustainable city

Judgement and approach

• evaluate complex and sometimes conflicting aspects related to trees in the urban environment
• justify their standpoints based on knowledge acquired during the course and program

Content

Thematic content

The course consists of two parts. An introductory theoretical part followed by a final project work where the student gets to delve further into a chosen aspect of the city trees.

The first part of the course deals with:

• Planning: The student gets to expand their knowledge of strategic perspectives such as green structure planning in the past and present as well as the social and aesthetic values ​​of trees. Guidelines and tools for organizing and controlling the management of trees in urban projects are addressed. The student also gets to develop their ability to build argumentation.
• Street trees: In this part, the student expands their knowledge on approaches and technical solutions for trees in street environments. The student gains an increased understanding of the complexity of urban environments such as competition for space above and below the ground and how the needs of trees can be met in these environments.
• Management: In this part, the student expands their knowledge on the management of trees in urban environments. The student gains knowledge on methods and tools for inventory, assessment of tree status and economic valuation of trees, as well as how tree management can be organized, carried-out and followed-up.
• Ecological role and potential: Here, the entire life cycle of trees is discussed (includes all the trees in the city). Both single street-trees and natural reserves are assessed. The student gets to expand their knowledge on the important role of trees for ecosystem services, climate change, the urban environment and the preservation of biological diversity.

The second part of the course includes an in-depth study in the form of project work, where the students choose a project topic based on areas covered in the introductory part of this course.

Implementation

The course uses different teaching methods to promote students' learning such as discussions, through lectures, literature studies, excursions, practical sessions and seminars. The second part of the course consists of a larger project work that is mainly student-driven. Students can choose to work in groups. The assignment is presented orally and visually at a mandatory seminar.

The course focuses on the following general competencies:
Information literacy, critical thinking, oral communication, scientific methods, teamwork, independent work.

The course includes mandatory seminars and excursions.

Collaboration with society takes place through interactions with visiting lecturers and/or guides during study visits.

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

Approved participation in compulsory parts and seminars is required. Submission of completed exercises according to instructions.

• 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.

Additional information

In order to be able to assimilate the content of this course in a meaningful way, basic knowledge of trees, plant beds, ecology as well as management of urban outdoor environments corresponding to the courses MV0220, BI1361 and LK0409 is recommended.

Responsible department

Department of Urban and Rural Development