Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1383 Tree biology, genetics and evolution, 15.0 Credits

Trädbiologi, genetik och evolution

Subjects

Biology Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Project work + log book	2.0	0107
Project presentation	1.0	0108
Written exam	10.0	0109
Practical exam carpentry + anatomy	2.0	0111

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

General entry requirements for first-cycle studies and



- Biology 2, or Biology B

- Chemistry 2, or Chemistry B



or equivalent knowledge

Objectives

The course provides basic knowledge about the evolution, genetics and biology of trees, as well as their properties and role in both natural and sustainably managed forest ecosystems. The role of trees in forest carbon balance will be analysed in case studies.

After completed course the students should be able to

• describe connections between biological tree processes and forest carbon balance

• describe the life and growth of trees from the perspective of physiology and environmental factors such abiotic and biotic stress

• clarify wood structure and function, and the process of wood formation

• clarify differences in wood anatomy and wood properties in the most important forestry species

• describe genetic inheritance, the basis of genetic variation and its use in tree breeding

• account for the connection between selection and evolution, differences in species evolution, evolutionary limits and solve simple evolutionary problems

• describe main differences and similarities between plant, fungi and animal kingdoms, and show general understanding of their evolutionary relationships

• account for principles in scientific knowledge development and scientific writing.

Content

Course content provides knowledge of tree biology, and tree properties and role in forest ecosystems and forest health on several different levels: molecular, physiological, and ecological. Content builds on understanding of main differences and similarities between plant, fungi and animal kingdoms, which are introduced at the beginning of the course. Course content covers the biological basis of tree genetics, wood formation, photosynthesis, water transport and nutrient uptake, and how these steer the sustainable use of forests by humans and other organisms.

Implementation of the course builds on lectures, exercises, excursions, study visits, independent study of course literature, group studies of scientific literature, and writing of reports. Excursions and study visits are mandatory parts of the course.

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

Pass of written exam, approved written exercises, and completed mandatory 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.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

Cooperating departments: