Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0058 Forest Modelling, 7.5 Credits

Skoglig modellering

Subjects

Forestry Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0001

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

The equivalent of

120 credits

60 credits within one of the following subjects/main fields of study

- forestry science
- forest science
- forest management
- biology
- environmental sciences
- natural resource management

English 6.

Objectives

The overall goal of the course is to give students an in-depth understanding of forest models with a focus on sustainable forestry.

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

• describe the experimental design and develop forest field trials, as well as analyze and evaluate forest field trialsiscuss and critically examine the characteristics and limitations of different forest production models
• describe and analyse empirical and mechanistic models
• use models to analyse and present interactions between forest growth, stock dynamics and climate effects through the use of survey material and experimental data.

Content

The course gives students the ability to perform analyses of forest development with the help of forest production models and insight into what data and information are needed to develop and apply these models. Students also learn the difference between empirical and mechanistic models, their areas of use, and the limitations of the different model types.

The course covers forest models and concepts needed for an in-depth understanding of forest production and for climate-adapted sustainable forest management. Study topics include experimental design of field trials and how to analyse important variables such as basal area, volume, biomass, and carbon. In addition, important processes with regard to forest modelling are studied, such as regeneration and growth, stand structure and competition, and various site variables including climate data.

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used: Lectures, literature studies, seminars, individual assignments, group work, exercises, and field excursions.

Exercises, group work and individual assignments consist of literature studies and of analysis of theoretical and practical questions with the help of statistical data processing and simulation tools.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies: Information competence, critical thinking and reflection, problem solving, scientific methods, digital competence, use of technology, oral and written communication, teamwork.

The following course components are compulsory: Individual and group assignments, seminars and field excursions.

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 exercises.

Completed 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.

Additional information

The course is mainly campus-based but can be adapted to distance education if needed.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre