Forestry Research - Scientific Methodology

Additional course evaluations for SG0259

SG0259 Forestry Research - Scientific Methodology, 15.0 Credits

Att forska i skog - vetenskapsmetodik

Syllabus approved

2019-11-15

Subjects

Forest science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Basic statistics using R	4.00	1002
Reading and writing scientfic reports	3.00	1003
Designing forest field experiments	3.00	1004
Long-term simulations with the DSS Heureka	3.00	1005
Analysing + reporting a forest field experiment	2.00	1006

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, only first-cycle courses as entry requirements(A1N)

Grading scale

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.

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 the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
• If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
• If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but 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 more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

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

Further information

There are no Grading criteria posted for this course