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Syllabus

SV0060 Sustainable Forest Management – Analysis and Adaptations, 15.0 Credits

Hållbar skogsskötsel – analys och anpassningar

Subjects

Forestry Science

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

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 main objective is that students should get an understanding of why modern forestry is conducted as it is, as well as to provide an overview of key theoretical and practical elements for sustainable forestry in southern Sweden. Silvicultural questions associated with contemporary forestry will be studied in depth and discussed in relation to sustainability issues.

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

• analyse and present important processes in forest ecosystems and their interactions with growth responses on both tree and stand level
• analyse variations in forest management due to differences in tree species, management traditions, owner objectives, economic circumstances and social needs and preferences
• discuss and evaluate management measures in relation to ecological and plant physiological factors
• identify the most significant conservation values in the boreo-nemoral zone of southern Scandinavia and analyse the impact of modern forestry on these values and suggest measures to mitigate adverse effects
• read scientific literature and communicate key ideas, results and conclusions
• manage forest data and produce introductory statistics and figures.

Content

Contemporary forestry is discussed in the course, and put in relation to silvicultural research, nature conservation issues, societal needs, current forest technology and the wood market. The course contains two major parts, silviculture and forest ecology.

The course starts with a part where forest production and management is discussed on the basis of ecophysiological processes and correlations, to obtain an in-depth understanding of how forest production could be measured, estimated and modelled. The next part of the course focuses on how forest ecosystems and management systems could be evaluated with regard to ecological resilience or economy. Differences regarding stand dynamics, succession and biodiversity will also be discussed. The third and main part of the course takes on issues of regeneration, stand development and production from four perspectives; clearcut management, continuous cover forestry, management in mixed forests and multiple use forestry.

Comparisons and discussions about differences and similarities in forestry between countries are frequent and constantly brought up during the course.

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:
Lectures, literature studies, exercises, written assignments, data lab sessions, seminars, study trips, field exercises, excursions, proficiency training, presentations.

Statistical data treatment and analysis will be performed with supervision from teachers and on an introductory level.

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:
Study trip, excursions, individual and group assignments as well as exercises and seminars.

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through inviting representatives from authorities and practical forestry in southern Sweden to speak about urgent matters in forestry and about their view on future threats and opportunities.

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 examinations.

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

Mandatory in the course is a study trip to forest field research stations in southern Sweden. In total nine days are spent in the field including visits to SLU’s experimental forests in Tönnersjöheden and Asa.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre