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Syllabus

SV0062 Broadleaves - History, Ecology and Management, 15.0 Credits

Ädellövskog – historia, ekologi och skötsel

Subjects

Forestry Science Biology

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 overall goal of the course is to provide a comprehensive account on the history, ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable governance of temperate broadleaf forest ecosystems in northern and central Europe.

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

• describe the main dynamic processes influencing temperate broadleaf forests, including natural and management-related disturbances and secondary succession, as well as long-term vegetation history
• describe the main environmental and compositional characteristics of the major temperate broadleaf forest types
• identify and discuss the most important challenges with regard to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management in broadleaf forests and describe strategies to address them
• explain principles of past- and current sustainable silvicutural systems in broadleaf forests
• explain principles of forest and habitat restoration in managed and protected broadleaf forests
• summarize, critically evaluate and present scientific studies concerning ecology and dynamics of broadleaf forests both in oral and written form 
• critically and systematically analyse and discuss complex problems of forest governance
• write a reflective journal.

Content

During this course, the ecology of temperate broadleaf forests is studied with a focus on forest history, disturbance dynamics, forest succession and vegetation ecology. The study region comprises southern Sweden, Denmark, the Baltic countries, northern Germany and northern Poland.

Patterns of biodiversity are examined for the major species groups in broadleaf forests. The impact of forest management on biodiversity and current approaches to conservation and management for multiple goals are evaluated. Specifically, management alternatives based on historical conservation baselines are compared, including implications of Pleistocene megafauna extinctions. Current threats and challenges to the function and biodiversity of broadleaf forests are studied, with a focus on exotic tree pathogens and effects of ungulate browsing.

The course addresses various aspects of past- and current management models in broadleaf forests for production goals, including management of fast-growing tree species. Traditional silvicultural systems, such as beech shelterwood management, are compared with single tree and group selection approaches. Current concepts of forest management and restoration are evaluated with an emphasis on adaptation to ongoing climate change and on stand conversion from spruce to broadleaf forest. During field trips, reserve management and active habitat restoration are studied.

Throughout the course, the challenges that sustainable governance of broadleaf forest ecosystems meets today with respect to current changes in climate and society are discussed.

The course is divided into several parts where each part typically consists of:

• introductory lectures
• an individual or group assignment
• field excursions
• a seminar or exercise to discuss and present the assignments.

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:
Lectures, literature studies, exercises, written exercises, (written) assignments, laboratory sessions, project work, seminars, study visits, study trips, field exercises, excursions, proficiency training, presentations

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

The following course components are compulsory:
The study trip, excursions, individual and group assignments as well as exercises and seminars.

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

The course includes a study trip to Bialowieza Primeval Forest in Poland. Travel to and from Warsaw is paid by the students while the other costs are covered by the department: bus to Bialowieza, hotel accommodation and meals.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre