Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0050 Biotic Forest Damages - Interactions, Ecology and Management, 15.0 Credits

Ekologi och kontroll av svamp- och insektsskadegörare i skogen

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 corresponding to 120 credits

60 credits in one of the following subjects

- Forestry science 
- Forest sciences
- Forest Management 
- Biology 

3 credits in one of the following subjects

- Forest Pathology
- Plant Pathology
- Entomology

English 6

Objectives

This course aims to provide understanding and skills relating to the biology of insects and fungi and how insects and microorganisms interact with forest and trees. Emphasis is on species which affect trees and forest ecosystems with a high impact on forest economy and environment.

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

• identify and account for the common pathogenic fungi and insect pests in Northern Europe, and their impact, and also some of the most important pests and pathogens on trees worldwide
• estimate the risk for outbreak of diseases and pests.
• analyze and propose methods to counteract disease or pest outbreak.
• analyze important pathways for introduction of pests and diseases.
• discuss the impact of environmental changes and stress on important pest and pathogens and on their interactions with their host trees
• discuss the importance and use of management strategies that minimize the impact of forest pests and pathogens for sustainability in forestry.
• compile and synthesize relevant knowledge from the research area, and present it in both oral and written presentations.

Content

Subject-related content:

The course focuses on the ecology of pathogens and pests and damage to trees and forest ecosystems caused by forest pathogens and pests. The aim of the course is that the student should be able to identify and choose forest management measures that reduce damage to trees and ecosystems. The course covers common forest pathogens and pests in the Nordic countries and globally, but also principles for population dynamics and factors of significance for pathogenicity and aggressiveness, such as climate impact and how introduced organisms can affect the stability of forest ecosystems.

The course also covers research and key methods in the field, such as resistance biology and breeding in trees, molecular tools for identification of species and population structure analyses. Furthermore the course covers the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Pest Risk Assessment.

Teaching formats:

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

• Online- and pre-recorded lectures,
• Online seminars
• Excursions
• Exercises
• Practicals
• Case studies
• Presentations

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:

• Information competence
• Critical thinking
• Ability to work autonomously
• Oral and written communication

The following course components are compulsory:

• Online seminars
• Excursions
• Exercises
• Practicals

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 written exam, approved oral and written presentations of case studies and individual work and approved participation in 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.

Additional information

The course is a distance course but it includes a week’s excursion and exercises at and nearby campus Ultuna which may involve some expenses for the student.

Examples of courses or combinations of courses at basic level that give knowledge corresponding to the prerequisite of 3 HEC in Forest pathology are

- SV0015
- BI1433 
- BI1383 and SV0008 or BI1383 and SV0013
- SG0111 and SG0205 
- SG0230

Examples of courses or combinations of courses at advanced levels that give knowledge corresponding to the prerequisite of 3 HEC in Forest pathology are

- SG0245 *Sustainable management of Boreal forests*

Examples of courses that give knowledge corresponding to the prerequisite of 3 HEC in Entomology are

- BI1415 *Ekologisk zoologi och entomologi*.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Cooperating departments: