Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SG0259 Forestry Research - Scientific Methodology, 15.0 Credits

Att forska i skog - vetenskapsmetodik

Subjects

Forest Science Biology Forest science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Basic statistics using R	4.0	0102
Reading and writing scientfic reports	2.0	0103
Designing forest field experiments	2.0	0104
Long-term simulations with the DSS Heureka	3.5	0105
Analysing and reporting a forest field experiment	3.5	0106

Advanced study in the main field

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

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