Education

The science of ecology includes questions on the impact of forestry and agriculture on ecosystems and biodiversity. At the Department of Ecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences we develop strategies that will preserve biodiversity and ecosystems while at the same time maintain the economy in forestry and agriculture. We investigate the relationship between organisms and the landscape, soil, environment and climate. Our research covers on a broad spectrum of techniques varying DNA analyses to tracking large animals, including bears and wolves and monitoring entire ecosystems. Our research includes both fundamental and applied issues and we collaborate with other universities, local authorities, industry, farmers and the public sector.  Our work includes consultation activities for the public and for schools.

For instance, in order to develop organic agricultural production we need to understand the population dynamics of pest insects and their predators. We need to know how these insects move through the agricultural landscape, and how agricultural management and climate changes are affecting the relationship between insects, their hosts, their predators and their environment.

It is important to understand how forestry management affects decomposition processes in the forest soil in order to develop green energy production. We need to know how forest pest animals, like bark beetles, are migrating through the landscape and how forest management and environmental factors are affecting the population dynamics and dispersion of the pest organisms.

At the Department of Ecology we can offer you education at the Bachelor and Master level. Our courses are often in collaboration with other departments at the SLU, for instance with the Department of Soil Science, or in collaboration with the University of Uppsala. We offer our students an introduction to different fields of research and an insight in the daily living of a scientist.

Contact

Lisette Lenoir and Jan Lagerlöf are Directors of undergraduate studies, and Tomas Pärt is Director of postgraduate studies.