Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0040 Forest Management Methods, 15.0 Credits

Skogliga skötselsystem och skogsskötselåtgärder

Subjects

Forestry Science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Prior knowledge:

- 15 credits Forest sciences *or*
- 15 credits Forestry science *or*
- 15 credits Biology *or*
- 15 credits Environmental sciences *or*
- 15 credits Landscape Architecture *or*
- 15 credits Agricultural Sciences *or*
- 15 credits Natural Resource Management

and English B

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to give students a basic understanding of forest management methods that are available and often used in Scandinavia, northern Europe and North America. During the course, silvicultural systems and forest management methods are evaluated from different goals and sustainability perspectives, both economic, social and environmental. How forest management can be adapted to a changing climate and to preserve biodiversity will also be discussed, as well as effects on various ecosystem services.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• describe common silvicultural systems and forest management methods
• apply appropriate forest management methods depending on the condition of the forest and suggest future measures
• analyze how different forest management methods affect the forest’s ecosystem services
• describe new forest management methods and how these can replace previously used ones
• describe forest techniques used to apply silvicultural measures
• formulate management advice based on the goals of the forest owner.

Content

At the beginning of the course, the students will get an overview of the silviculture and forest management methods that are conducted mainly in Scandinavia, but northern Europe and North America will also be covered. During the course, the most common forest management methods used in different phases of a forest rotation will be studied. Different management systems for managing both even-aged and continuous cover forests will be covered, including their effects on different ecosystem services. At the end of the course, the students should be able to use their knowledge to advise forest owners on which forest management methods are most suitable depending on preset goals and the production of different ecosystem services. The students will also be aware of techniques used when carrying out various silvicultural measures.

The course is given as a full-time course and is carried out with a mixture of lectures, independent work, group work and excursions. To pass the course, some of the excursions and some group work require compulsory attendance.

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

Passed written exam, approved assignments and approved participation in compulsory parts.

• 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

Students are recommended to have basic understanding of tree physiology, soil science, statistics and ecology to be able to fully require the knowledge taught in this course. They should also have been introduced to scientific writing as this method is applied to all written assignments.

Additional costs for excursions may apply.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre

Cooperating departments: