Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SG0225 Ecology and Management of Diseases and Pests of Forest Trees, 15.0 Credits

Skogsträdens skadegörare: interaktioner, ekologi och skötsel

Subjects

Forest Science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Excursions	1.5	0302
Practicals	2.5	0303
Individual excercises	4.0	0304
Final exam	7.0	0305

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

Knowledge corresponding to 120 credits at basic level including at least

- 60 credits in Forest sciences including knowledge corresponding 5 credits in Forest Pathology or

- 60 credits in Biology including knowledge corresponding to 5 credits in Forest Pathology or

- 60 credits in Biology including knowledge corresponding to 5 credits in Plant Pathology

and

- English 6

Objectives

This course aim to provide understanding and skills relating to the biology of insects and fungi and how insects and microorganisms interact with forest and trees. Emphasis is on species which affect trees and forest ecosystems with a high impact on forest economy and environment.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• identify and account for the common pathogenic fungi and insect pests, and their impact, in Northern Europe and some of the most important pests and pathogens to trees worldwide

• estimate the risk for outbreak of diseases and pests.

• analyze and propose methods to counteract disease or pest outbreak.

• analyze important pathways for introduction of pests and diseases.

• discuss the impact of environmental changes and stress on important pest and pathosystems

• discuss the importance of management strategies that minimize the impact of forest pests and pathogens for sustainability in forestry.

• synthesize recent research findings from the area, in both oral and written presentations.

Content

The course focuses on the ecology of pathogens and pests and damage to trees and forest ecosystems caused by forest pathogens and pests. The aim of the course is that the student should be able to identify and choose forest management measures that reduce damage to trees and ecosystems. The course covers common forest pathogens and pests in the Nordic countries and globally, but also principles for population dynamics and factors of significance for pathogenicity and aggressiveness, such as climate impact and how introduced organisms can affect the stability of forest ecosystems.

The course also deals with research and key methods in the field, resistance biology in trees, molecular tools for identification of species and population structure analyzes and Pest Risk Assessment.

The course is given as a distance course, the teaching is based on online lectures, online seminars (compulsory), excursions (compulsory), exercises (compulsory) and case studies.

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

Approved written exam, approved oral and written presentations of seminars and individual work and participation in compulsory elements.

• 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 is a distance course but it includes a week’s excursion and exercises at and nearby campus Ultuna which may involve some expenses for the student.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Cooperating departments: