Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0056 Sustainable Forestry and Land-use Management in the Tropics, 15.0 Credits

Hållbar skogsskötsel och markanvändning i tropikerna

Subjects

Forestry Science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits at basic level and

15 credits at advanced level in one of the following subjects/fields of study:


- Forestry science
- Forest science
- Forest management
- Agricultural science

The 15 credits in in biology with specialization in ecology

English 6

Objectives

The course prepares students for tasks and challenges when working with sustainable management in tropical and sub-tropical regions.

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

• Describe and analyze how biophysical (e.g., ecology, soils, climate), social, policy, and economic conditions interact and drive the choice of current and future forest and land-use management decisions
• Evaluate the potential benefits and weaknesses of prevalent management systems (natural forest, plantation forestry, agroforestry, and restoration) within the local context (eg economy, livelihoods, ecosystem services, etc.)
• Synthesize the importance of tropical forests in a global context and the global policy agenda
• Assess and interpret how local, context-specific demands, dynamics, values, and complexities affect forest management, land use, and methods applied
• Review, analyze, evaluate, and communicate current forestry issues and research in tropical and subtropical areas.
• In a given context, identify knowledge gaps and propose new solutions.

Content

Content
The course deals with the conditions in nature and society for the development and use of forests in subtropical and tropical regions and provides an overall understanding of how variations in system ecology, community structure and forestry practices differ from northern systems. The course also deals with important silvicultural methods and way of working and use of land with trees and forests, as well as current issues that will be the main drivers for the development of land use and forestry practices in subtropical and tropical regions in the future.

Implementation
The course utilizes different teaching methods to promote student learning and discussion through lectures, assignments, literature studies and discussions. The students get to apply their knowledge to real-life case studies. The course also provides the opportunity for individual in depth studies within a specific area based on the student's own interests, and to take part in a study trip to one of our tropical research areas.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:

• Critical thinking
• Digital competence
• Oral and written communication
• Team work
• Ability to work independently
• Creativity
• Plan and manage time

*The following sections are mandatory*

Participation during the course call (the first day), seminars, and oral exercises and presentations.

Cooperation with the surrounding society takes place through course assignments and lectures with international guests from various organizations.

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 assignments

• Completed mandatory 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 ecology and Management