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Syllabus

SG0235 Broadleaves - Forest dynamics, biodiversity and management for multiple use, 15.0 Credits

Ädellövskog - Dynamik, biologisk mångfald och skötsel för mångbruk

Subjects

Forest Science Biology Forest science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of 120 credits at basic level including

– 60 credits Forest Science or

– 60 credits Forest Management or

– 60 credits Biology or

– 60 credits Environmental Sciences or

– 60 credits Landscape Architecture or

– 60 credits Agricultural Sciences or

– 60 credits Natural Resource Management

and courses at advanced level

- 15 credits Forest sciences or

- 15 credits Forest management or

- 15 credits Biology or

- 15 credits Environmental sciences

and

- English 6.

Objectives

The overall goal of the course is to provide a comprehensive account on the ecology, dynamics, biodiversity, sustainable management and restoration of broadleaf forest ecosystems in the southern Baltic region.

After the course the student should be able to:

• describe the main dynamic processes influencing 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 broadleaf forest types of the region.

• identify and discuss the most important challenges with regard to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management in broadleaf forests in the region and describe strategies to address them.

• explain principles of contemporary production-oriented stand management in broadleaf forests, with a focus on oak and beech.

• 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 analyze and discuss complex problems in forestry.

Content

We study the ecology of the southern Baltic broadleaf forests 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. During a study trip to Bialowieza National Park in northeastern Poland we explore the crown jewel among the European lowland forests.

We examine patterns of biodiversity for the major species groups in broadleaf forests and compare species depending on old-growth structures with those favored by natural disturbances. We analyze the impact of forest management on biodiversity and evaluate current approaches to conservation and management for multiple goals. We also study current threats and challenges to the function and biodiversity of broadleaf forests, with a focus on exotic tree pathogens and on ungulate browsing.

The course addresses various aspects of managing oak and beech that are the major broadleaf species of the study region. The focus is on measures that promote high timber quality and are economically sustainable. We also compare traditional silvicultural systems, such as beech shelterwood management, with single tree and group selection approaches.

We evaluate current concepts of forest restoration with an emphasis on stand conversion from spruce to broadleaf forest. During field trips, we study reserve management and active habitat restoration. We finally compare management for multiple societal goals and provision of ecosystem services between mixed broadleaf forests and forests dominated by single tree species.

The course is divided into parts of 1-2 weeks. Each part typically consists of:

• Introductory lectures

• A mandatory individual or group assignment

• Field excursions (mandatory)

• A mandatory seminar or exercise to discuss and present the assignments

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 and approved inidvidual excercies and approved active participation in compulsory 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 examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Transitional provisions

The course was discontinued on May 23, 2022 (SLU.sfak.2022.3.1.1-82). Registered students that have not yet passed the course have the opportunity to do so within two years of the decision to discontinue the course. The department responsible for the course will during the two year phase-out period offer at least three retake sessions (renewed exams) and at least one opportunity to take part in compulsory elements. Students that wish to take an exam and/or take part in compulsory elements are asked to contact deputy head of department responsible for undergraduate education (or equivalent) at the responsible department to report that they wish to take an exam and/or take part in compulsory elements and to obtain information on when and where.

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.

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.