Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management - admitted from 2024
This webpage is for students in the Euroforester Master's program. Here you find information about the program including the welcome letter, your course schedule, contacts, and other course-related documents. Navigate by clicking on the headings below.
Welcome letter
Welcome letter
Congratulations on your place at SLU and on the Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management Master’s programme! We look forward to meeting you here in Umeå this autumn.
The autumn semester 2024 begins with roll call and study information.
Date: Monday 2 September.
Time and place: On the pages for new students, you will find information about the study start and when the roll call for your program begins.
On these pages, you will also find all the information you need as a new student at SLU, including information about the orientation days. The orientation days are not mandatory but we recommend that you attend them. They take place at the end of August, before the semester starts, and provide essential and useful information about your stay in Sweden and your studies at SLU.
Your first course will be Forest History – Human utilization and vegetation dynamics (SV0027). On the course page, you will find a timetable for your classes and other course-related information. Timetables and reading lists will be published at least four weeks before the course starts.
Please make sure you also read the program-specific information for new students!
The following two years will be full of hard work, but they will also be valuable, exciting, and much fun. During your studies, you will take courses in different subjects taught by instructors from both Sweden and throughout the international community, all of whom are excited to share with you their unique and variable world perspectives on the issues of forest ecology and sustainable management.
On behalf of the Faculty of Forest Sciences and the Department of Forest Ecology and Management, we are pleased to welcome you to SLU and Umeå, the capital of Northern Sweden. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Once again, welcome to SLU!
Zsofia R. Stangl
Program Director of Studies
Re-examination
Dates for re-examination
The Faculty of Forest Science has a procedure for re-examination, with ongoing examination opportunities during the academic terms. You can find the dates on the student portal under "Term Dates" and location-specific details.
At the beginning of the course, the time for regular examinations, as well as the first and second re-examinations, will be announced according to decided dates. It is mandatory to register for the examination. The student can view which re-examinations are open for registration on the student portal (sometimes the course instructor communicates this information differently). Students can register for re-examinations up to 10 working days before the examination date.
Master thesis
You find instructions and guidelines for your master tesis work, including forms for registration, work plan and grading cittieria in the compendium for thesis work for education at the faculty of Forest Sciences, SLU.
Scholarships
The scholarships are available for application every year for those of you who are studying or have studied in one of the Faculty of Forestry's bachelor's and master's programs.
Credit transfer
If you want to include courses from other higher education institutions in your degree, you need to transfer the credit for these. The procedure is slightly different depending on whether it is a professional qualification or a general qualification.
If you have successfully completed a higher education course or study programme and you want it to be included in your degree from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, you are entitled to have it considered for credit transfer. The credit transfer procedure is handled by the separate Board of Studies at the faculties, except where it concerns studies from other Swedish higher education institutions that are to be included in a general degree. In the latter case, the credit transfer is handled by the Division of Student Affairs and Learning Development. Find out more.
Degree
The aim of a higher education is usually a degree. A degree is a proof that you have acquired knowledge and proficiency to a certain level through your studies. When you have considered that you have completed your studies and want to get your degree certificate, you have to apply for it.
Find out more
Transcript and certificates
Transcripts and certificates are available as an on-line service from My studies here on the student web. Servicecenter at SLU can also assist you, if you want a printed certificate to be sent to your postal adress.
How do I print a certificate from my studies?
My studies can be found on the Student Web's start page.
- Choose "Certificates" and "Create new certificate"
- You can choose from the following secure certificates:
- Transcript of records first and second cycle (studies at SLU)
- National transcript of records first and second cycle (all Swedish universities / colleges)
- Certificate of registration first and second cycle (studies at SLU) - Transcript shows all your completed courses and any degree.
- Certificate of registration show the semesters that you have been an active student, i.e. when you have been registered
- You can get transcripts and certificates in Swedish and English.
When you order a secure certificate through my studies, you will get a PDF-file that you can e-mail and print. Certificates apply as signed and stamped transcripts and certificates.
The receiver can verify the certificate on a control web. The web address and verification code is on the certificate. The certificate is valid for 360 days.
How do I order a signed transcript or certificate?
Service center on campus in Alnarp, Skara, Umeå and Ultuna will assist you if you need a printed and signed transcript and certificate. Send your request to: servicecenter@slu.se.
Enter the following information in your e-mail:
- What kind of certificate you need, a transcript or a certificate of registration
- Which semesters should be included in your certificate of registration
- Language of certificate (Swedish or English)
- Name
- Swedish ID number or date of birth
- Postal adress
We will send the transcript and certificate to the address you have provided. Certificates are printed from SLU's study documentation LADOK and is both signed and stamped.
Course subject area and level
Course syllabuses provide information about a course’s subject area(s) and its level and specialisation. The syllabus is available from the course’s webpage which you can search for here. If you are studying on a programme, you can in most cases click the course heading on the programme’s course schedule to go to the course page.
Abbreviations
- G1N: First-cycle level, only upper secondary entry requirements
- G1F: First-cycle level, fewer than 60 credits from first-cycle courses as entry requirement
- G2F: First-cycle level, a minimum of 60 credits at first-cycle level as entry requirement
- G2E: First-cycle level, a minimum of 60 credits at first-cycle level as entry requirement, contains a degree project for the Degree of Bachelor
- A1N: Second-cycle level, only first-cycle course(s) as entry requirement – at SLU, a minimum of 120 credits at first-cycle level is required
- A1F: Second-cycle level, contains degree project for
Master’s degree (60 credits) - GXX: First-cycle level, course specialisation cannot be classified
- AXX: Second-cycle level, course specialisation cannot be classified
Programme courses academic year 24/25
Overview picture Course Schedule academic year 24/25
Course syllabi for second-year courses
SV0050 Biotic Damages - Interactions, Ecology and Management, 15 credits
SV0056 Sustainable Forestry and Land-use Management in the tropics, 15 credits
NA0201 Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management, 15 credits
BI1462 Forest Conservation Science, 15 credits
Year 1
Forest Ecosystem Ecology
Analysis of environmental data 1
Silviculture - the Science of Forest Stand Management
Sustainable Management of Boreal Forests
Syllabus
Programme syllabus
Programme Code: SM010
Finalized by: Utbildningsnämndens ordförande, 2023-06-15
SLU ID: SLU.ua.2023.3.1.1-2273
Education plan valid from: Autumn 2024
Responsible programme board: The programme board for education in forestry
Entry Requirements
To be admitted to the Master’s programme Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management, the following criteria must be met:
general entry requirements: first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad
specific entry requirements: specialisation comprising at least 60 credits in one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains:
- Forestry Science
- Forest Management
- Forest Science
- Biology
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
- Natural Resource Governance
- Physical Geography
and 15 credits in Ecology.
In addition, knowledge equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6 is required. This requirement is met by those holding a Degree of Bachelor (180 credits) from a Swedish higher education institution. There are specific rules for applicants from certain English-speaking countries.
The specific entry requirements stated above can also be met by someone who has obtained equivalent knowledge through a corresponding qualification from abroad, or in some other way.
There are specific entry requirements for each course included in the programme. These are described in the relevant course syllabus.
Content
Programme description
The programme aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for contributing to the development of forestry that is ecologically, economically and socially sustainable.
Students will achieve a deepened understanding of the properties of the forest ecosystem and the mechanisms governing the interplay between biotic and abiotic processes, including how humans influence the forest’s function and forest ecosystem services.
The programme uses a transdisciplinary approach and includes silviculture, vegetation ecology, ecosystem ecology, ecophysiology, soil science and hydrology. The history of vegetation and how forests have been used throughout history are studied to elucidate the events that have led to the current state of our forests. A considerable component of the programme will involve analyses of conventional and future forestry measures and forest management systems and their impact on both forestry production and ecosystem functions. Tasks aimed at producing evidence-based decision making for forest management based on different objectives are a recurrent feature of the programme. These activities deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of forestry methods and their consequences beyond those of contemporary methods. Students simultaneously develop their skills for identifying future research needs, developing strategies for uncertain decision-making situations and selecting suitable methods and tools for research and development work.
The core of the programme is built on the courses arranged during the first year that are developed in close collaboration between active researchers at the faculty and students’ prospective employers. These profile courses, together with the final synthesis course, involve a clear progression of both subject knowledge and generic skills. The programme focuses on boreal forests, however it includes surveys and comparisons with other terrestrial biomes. Additionally, students are able to take elective courses during years one and two, enabling specialisation in a chosen subject area. The degree project provides students with an additional chance to synthesise and apply the subject knowledge they have attained to case studies and research projects. It is possible to take the elective courses at SLU or at another university either in Sweden or abroad.
Programme teaching involves a student-centred approach, with emphasis on student-activated learning processes. Teaching forms include working with system models and student-led seminars for analysing complex problems. Training in scientific methods through laboratory sessions, field exercises and analysing and discussing scientific articles is also included. Examination is in the form of individual written assignments, practical exercises, presentations and seminars with written and oral presentations.
In accordance with the SLU guidelines for equal opportunities, a well-functioning study environment is characterised by openness, equality and inclusiveness. This promotes a climate that draws upon the diverse backgrounds, lives, and skills of students and staff.
SLU’s profile focuses on knowledge of biological natural resources. Societal challenges such as the supply of raw materials, water and energy, and climate change tie in with our areas of responsibility. These challenges, and humankind’s use and management of biological natural resources, form some of the UN goals for sustainable development.
The programme is taught in English
Programme courses
Main fields of study: SV = Forestry Science, BI = Biology, MV = Soil Science
Course (main field of study, level)
Year 1
Forest History - Human Utilisation and Vegetation Dynamics, 15 credits (BI/SV, A1N)
Forest Ecosystem Ecology, 15 credits, (BI/MV, A1N)
Silviculture - the Science of Forest Stand Management, 15 credits (SV, A1N)
Sustainable Management of Boreal Rorest, 15 credits, (BI/SV, A1F)
Elective Courses
Year 2
Elective Courses
Master's thesis, 30/60 credits (BI, A2E)
Master's thesis, 30/60 credits (SV, A2E)
The courses offered may change during the programme. This may result in a new version of the programme syllabus containing transitional provisions. Decisions on the courses offered are taken well in advance of the next academic year.
Each course on the programme has its own syllabus that describes the course content and other specifics. Information on when the courses are offered is available on the SLU student web.
During certain study periods (parts of a semester), SLU offers several programme courses from which the student can choose. Students are guaranteed a place on one of these courses, provided they meet the admission requirements and have applied before the deadline.
Objectives
General objectives
The general learning outcomes for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes are specified in the Higher Education Act (Chapter 1, Sections 8–9).
Objectives for a Degree of Master (120 credits)
In accordance with the annex to the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, for a Degree of Master (120 credits), the student shall have:
Knowledge and understanding
- demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
- demonstrated specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
- demonstrated the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
- demonstrated the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake specialised tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
- demonstrated the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
- demonstrated the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
- demonstrated the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical considerations and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
- demonstrated insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
- demonstrated the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Qualification Requirements
Degree awarded upon completion of the programme
The Master's (120 credits) programme Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management leads to a Degree of Master of Science with a major in Biology, or, alternatively, the Degree of Master of Science with a major in Forestry Science. A Degree of Master is a general qualification.
Students who fulfil the qualification requirements for a Degree of Master will be issued a degree certificate on request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master (120 credits) with a major in Biology, or alternatively, Forestry science. (Degree of Master of Science with a major in Biology or, alternatively, Degree of Master of Science with a major in Forestry Science)
Other qualifications may be awarded provided that the requirements for them are fulfilled. See SLU’s system of qualifications.
The programme contains courses which, depending on choice of courses and combination with previous studies in forestry at first-cycle level, may enable students to fulfil the requirements for the professional qualification Degree of Master of Science in Forestry, 300 credits. The outcomes for a Degree of Master of Science in Forestry are stipulated in the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The requirements for a Degree of Master of Science in Forestry are defined in SLU’s system of qualifications.
Degree requirements
The Degree of Master of Science with forestry science as the main field of study will be awarded once 120 credits have been obtained, of which 90 must be from second cycle courses that meet the following requirements:
- a minimum of 30 credits with forestry science as the main field of study (A1N; A1F);
- a minimum of 30 credits from an independent project (degree project) with forestry science as the main field of study (A2E).
The Degree of Master of Science with biology as the main field of study will be awarded once 120 credits have been obtained, of which 90 must be from second cycle courses that meet the following requirements:
- a minimum of 30 credits with biology as the main field of study (A1N; A1F);
- a minimum of 30 credits from an independent project (degree project) with biology as the main field of study (A2E).
Additionally, students must have successfully completed a Degree of Bachelor, a professional qualification comprising a minimum of 180 credits, or have an equivalent qualification from abroad.
The Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) may contain a maximum of 30 credits from first-cycle courses, provided these credits were not included in a Degree of Bachelor or its equivalent. All courses included in a degree must be at university level, have been successfully completed and may not overlap/have similar content.
OtherInformation
General regulations for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes
For more information about semester dates, examination, credit transfer and admissions to the latter part of programmes, see the Education Planning and Administration Handbook on the SLU student web.
Possibilities for further study
Students who successfully complete the Master's (120 credits) programme in Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management and are awarded a degree have the opportunity to continue onto third cycle (doctoral) studies.
Contact
Programme Director of Studies:
Zsofia Réka Stangl
Department of Forest Ecology and Management
zsofia.reka.stangl@slu.se
Education Officer:
Jennie Ohlsson
Faculty of Forest Sciences, SLU
jennie.ohlsson@slu.se, Phone: 090-786 82 04