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SG0259

Forestry Research - Scientific Methodology

Att forska i skog - vetenskapsmetodik

The course is divided in five modules; 1) programming in R, 2) how to read and write a scientific report, 3) experimental design and research-plans, 4) forest models and the decision support system Heureka, 5) analyses of forest field experiments. Programming in R will give basic knowledge in the programming-language to a degree that students can master basic statistical analysis of forest experiments. The programming part is based on a text-book in basic statistics with forestry exercises. During the course, the students will be trained in reading and analyse scientific reports as well as writing analysis of forest experiments in scientific reports. Examples of common experimental designs will be shown and students will be trained in choosing experimental design in order to answer specific scientific questions in an efficient way and how they should be documented in research plans. Students are oriented in structure and function of some common forest models for prognosis of future development of single trees and forest stands. Heureka is a decision support system that contain several different forest models. Students will be trained in using Heureka through practical examples. The course end with an analysis and report of a forest experiment where knowledge in R, Heureka and ability to write scientific reports will be shown.


The course is given as distance learning with two-four mandatory physical meetings.


Course evaluation

The course evaluation is now closed

SG0259-10091 - Course evaluation report

Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.

Additional course evaluations for SG0259

Academic year 2023/2024

Forestry Research - Scientific Methodology (SG0259-10222)

2023-08-28 - 2024-01-14

Academic year 2022/2023

Forestry Research - Scientific Methodology (SG0259-10266)

2022-08-29 - 2023-01-15

Academic year 2020/2021

Forestry Research - Scientific Methodology (SG0259-10317)

2020-08-31 - 2021-01-17

Academic year 2020/2021

Forestry Research - Scientific Methodology (SG0259-10319)

2020-08-31 - 2021-01-17

Syllabus and other information


Syllabus

SG0259 Forestry Research - Scientific Methodology, 15.0 Credits

Att forska i skog - vetenskapsmetodik

Subjects

Forest Science Forest science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title Credits Code
Basic statistics using R 4.0 0202
Reading and writing scientfic reports 3.0 0203
Designing forest field experiments 3.0 0204
Long-term simulations with the DSS Heureka 3.0 0205
Analysing + reporting a forest field experiment 2.0 0206

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

5:Pass with Distinction, 4:Pass with Credit, 3:Pass, U:Fail
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.

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of 120 credits at basic level including

- 60 credits Forest Science or

- 60 credits Forest Management or

- 60 credits Forestry and Wood Technology 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



also



- Basic knowledge in the Swdish language similar to what is needed for admitance to Swedish university education on basic level and

-English 6 or similar.

Objectives

The course will give the student tools for a scientific approach, data-management, experimental design and analysis of field experiments. Students will be trained in reading and writing scientific literature and will be acquainted with forest models and simulations with the decision support system Heureka.

After completed course the students should be able to:

  • perform basic statistical analyses with the program language R,

  • read and analyse scientific text and write scientific reports according to instructions,

  • design a scientific experiment and formulate a research plan for that experiment,

  • be able to communicate fundamental principles for various types of forest models and simulation of growth, damage and mortality of single trees and stands,

  • master simple forest simulations with the decision support system Heureka and

  • analyse and report a forest field experiment.

Content

The course is divided in five modules; 1) programming in R, 2) how to read and write a scientific report, 3) experimental design and research-plans, 4) forest models and the decision support system Heureka, 5) analyses of forest field experiments. Programming in R will give basic knowledge in the programming-language to a degree that students can master basic statistical analysis of forest experiments. The programming part is based on a text-book in basic statistics with forestry exercises. During the course, the students will be trained in reading and analyse scientific reports as well as writing analysis of forest experiments in scientific reports. Examples of common experimental designs will be shown and students will be trained in choosing experimental design in order to answer specific scientific questions in an efficient way and how they should be documented in research plans. Students are oriented in structure and function of some common forest models for prognosis of future development of single trees and forest stands. Heureka is a decision support system that contain several different forest models. Students will be trained in using Heureka through practical examples. The course end with an analysis and report of a forest experiment where knowledge in R, Heureka and ability to write scientific reports will be shown.

The course is given as distance learning with two-four mandatory physical meetings.

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

To pass the course it is required to have completed an approved final report, approved written assignments and partaken in compulsory parts of the course.

  • 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.

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 based on distance learning with two-four physical meetings. The physical meetings will take place in different places in Sweden and may include costs for travel and accommodation. For internet-based parts of the course, access to a computer with internet-connection of 2.0 Mbit/s or higher in both directions, USB-headset with microphone and web-camera are needed. Fixed internet access is recommended. It is also possible to connect at a library or so called "lärcentrum" (learning center).



The course-language is Swedish but parts of the course will be given in English.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre

Grading criteria

Betygskriterier Att forska i skog - vetenskapsmetodik

1. R och statistik. Godkända inlämningsuppgifter (15 st varav 4 betygssätts (underkänd eller 3-5) medan övriga får godkänt/icke godkänt). Godkända inlämningsuppgifter skall innehålla fungerande R-kod med förklarande text. För högre betyg på betygssatta inlämningsuppgifter skall, förutom fungerande R-kod, alternativa lösningar på problemen och alternativ visualisering av resultat presenteras.

2. Läsa och skriva vetenskaplig litteratur. Godkända inlämningsuppgifter (betyg 3-5)

3. Försöksdesign. Godkända inlämningsuppgifter (betyg 3-5)

4. Heureka och modeller. Godkända inlämningsuppgifter (5 st som betygssätts underkänd eller 3-5)

5. Avslutande försöksanalysuppgift. Godkänd rapport (eventuellt i grupp). Godkänd rapport skall följa IMRAD-strukturen där alla delar är genomtänkta med en introduktion som belyser kunskapsläge, korrekt genomförd statistisk analys samt sammanhängande och informativt resultat och diskussion. För högre betyg skall rapporten innehålla innovativa inslag i val av analysmetod och/eller tolkning av resultat.

Litterature list

  1. How to write and publish a scientific paper. Författare: Day RA & Gastel B ISBN: 9781107670747 Kommentar: (7th edition) Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. 2012
  2. Permanent sample plot techniques for mixed tropical forest. Författare: Alder, D., T.J. Synnott Kommentar: Oxford Forestry Institute, Tropical Forestry Papers 25.
  3. Three key points in the design of forest experiments. Författare: Binkley, D. Kommentar: 2008. Forest Ecology and Management 255 2022-2023.
  4. Experimental Designs Författare: Cochran WG., Cox GM. Kommentar: 1957. New York: John Wiley.
  5. Making messy data work for conservation. Författare: Dobson, A.D.M. et al. Kommentar: 2020. One Earth 5: 455-465.
  6. Pathways of Learning about Biodiversity and Sustainability in Private Urban Gardens. Författare: Diduck, A. P., Raymond, C.M., Rodela, R., Moquin, R., Boerchers, M. Kommentar: 2020. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 63: 1056–76.
  7. Spatial Ecology and Conservation Modeling Författare: Fletcher, R., Fortin, M-J. Kommentar: 2018 Applications with R. Springer.
  8. Pseudoreplication and the design of ecological experiments. Författare: Hurlbert SH. Kommentar: 1984. Ecological Monographs 54(2):187–211.
  9. Repeated measures experiments in forestry: focus on analysis of response curves. Författare: Meredith, MP., Stehman SV. Kommentar: 1991. Canadian Journal of Forestry Research 21: 957–965.
  10. Maintenance of long-term experiments for unique insights into forest growth dynamics and trends: review and perspectives. Författare: Pretzsch, H. et al. 2018 Kommentar: 2018. European Journal of Forest Research 138: 165-185.
  11. Statistics - An introduction using R Författare: Michael J Crawley ISBN: 9781118941096 Kommentar: Kursbok för R och statistik. Finns på biblioteket men väldigt bra om ni har egen bok
  12. The design of experimental tree plantations for functional biodiversity research. Författare: Scherer-Lorenzen, M. et al. Kommentar: 2005. Ecological Studies,Vol. 176. (M. Scherer-Lorenzen, Ch.Körner, and E.-D. Schulze (Eds.)). Forest Diversity and Function: Temperate and Boreal Systems. Springer.
  13. Experiment designs to evaluate inter- and intra-specific interactions in mixed plantings of forest trees. Författare: Vanclay, J. Kommentar: 2006. Forest Ecology and Management 233: 366-374.
  14. Growth modelling in the Heureka system Författare: Elfving, B., Nyström, K Kommentar: Stencil som kommer att finnas tillgänglig på Canvas
  15. Evaluation of growth models used in the Swedish Forest Planning System Heureka Författare: Fahlvik, N., Wikström, P., Elfving, B [Evaluation of growth models used in the Swedish Forest Planning System Heureka ] (https://silvafennica.fi/article/1013) Kommentar: Silva Fenn. 48, 1–17. 2014
  16. The Heureka Forestry Decision Support System: An Overview. Författare: Wikström, P., Edenius, L., Elfving, B., Eriksson, L.O., Lämås, T., Sonesson, J., Öhman, K., Wallerman, J., Waller, C., Klintebäck, F. [The Heureka Forestry Decision Support System: An Overview. ] (https://pub.epsilon.slu.se/9358/1/wikstrom_et_al_121218.pdf) Kommentar: Math. Comput. For. Nat. Sci. 3, Pages: 87-95 (8). 2011
  17. Adaptation of Forest Management Regimes in Southern Sweden to Increased Risks Associated with Climate Change. Författare: Subramanian, N., Bergh, J., Johansson, U., Nilsson, U., Sallnäs, O Kommentar: Forests 7, 1999–4907. 2016
  18. Effekter av ett förändrat klimat- SKA15. Författare: Eriksson, H.M., Fahlvik, N., Fries, C., Jönsson, A.M., Lundström, A., Nilsson, U., Wikberg, P.-E. [Effekter av ett förändrat klimat- SKA15. ] (https://www.skogsstyrelsen.se/globalassets/statistik/skogliga-konsekvensanalyser/effekter-av-ett-forandrat-klimat-ska-rapport-12-2015.pdf)1) Analys av miljöförhållanden-SKA 15 Författare: Eriksson, A., Snäll, T., Harrison, P.J [Analys av miljöförhållanden-SKA 15 ] (https://www.skogsstyrelsen.se/globalassets/statistik/skogliga-konsekvensanalyser/analys-av-miljoforhallanden-ska-rapport-11-2015.pdf)1) Akademiskt läsande och skrivande Författare: Blomström V & Wennerberg J ISBN: 9789144092546 Kommentar: Studentlitteratur. 2015

Course facts

The course is offered as an independent course: Yes The course is offered as a programme course: Multi-purpose forest management Tuition fee: Tuition fee only for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens: 38054 SEK Cycle: Master’s level (A1N)
Subject: Forest Science Forest science
Course code: SG0259 Application code: SLU-10091 Location: Location independent Distance course: Yes Language: Swedish Responsible department: Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre Pace: 50%