Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SG0226 Forest Planning with PlanWise as Decision Support, 7.5 Credits

Skoglig planering med PlanVis som beslutsstöd

Subjects

Forest Science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Assignments	2.5	0102
Planning theories	2.5	0103
Case study	2.5	0104

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G2F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge at basic level equivalent to

- 90 credits forest sciences or

- 90 credits forest management

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the students with in-depth knowledge of the background and meaning of long-term forest planning, and to plan the long-term sustainability of the forest, using the forest decision-making system PlanVis.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

• Apply basic concepts in forest planning.

• Explain what characterizes the forestry planning conditions of the individual forest owners, forest companies and society in Sweden and the need for analyzes and decision support.

• Use PlanVis to analyze harvesting opportunities and the long-term development of forest state for a forest holding.

• Interpret and explain the results of the analyzes.

• Describe PlanVis different parts as well as its possibilities and limitations.

• Briefly describe a selection of different decision support systems in forestry.

• Apply the basics of scientific writing and orally present the analyses from case studies.

Content

The course covers how decision support systems are used for analysis in support of strategic decisions. The various components of the system are reviewed including different methods of data collection and how new data can be generated. During the course, the student will practice using the Planvis program and how the program is used to analyze harvesting opportunities and forest permits and, by means of the program, present the results of the analyzes in the form of tables, charts and maps and more. Based on a sustainability perspective and different conditions, such as ownership, forest ownership and forest conservation ambitions, different cases are studied. The results from the analysis of the cases then form the basis for a written report, based on scientific writing principles, which are also presented orally. Students will be given the opportunity to practice commenting and review other students’ case studies.

Exercises, oral presentations and written reports are compulsory.

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 assignments and approved participation in compulsory examinations, approved examinations,

Approved written and oral presentation of project work, as well as approved opposition.

• 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 pre-requisite can also be fulfilled in a way that provides equivalent knowledge.

In the final exercise, a property with a forestry plan is being analyzed. It is an advantage but no absolute requirement to have a forestry plan drawn up and be familiar with the property’s forest state.

SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses

cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further

strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are

welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead

to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Resource Management