Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SG0271 Diagnosis, prevention and management of biotic forest damage, 7.5 Credits

Diagnos, förebyggande och hantering av biotiska skogsskador

Subjects

Forest Science Biology Forest science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0101

Advanced study in the main field

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

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of 120 credits at basic level including



– 60 credits Forest Science or

- 60 credits Forest and Wood Engineering or

– 60 credits Biology or

– 60 credits Environmental Sciences or

– 60 credits Landscape Architecture or

– 60 credits Agricultural Sciences or

– 60 credits Forest Management or

– 60 credits Natural Resource Management



and additionally



- Knowledge in Swedish corresponding to what is required for eligibility for Swedish higher education at the undergraduate level and

- English 6 or equivalent



and courses at advanced level



- 15 credits Forest sciences or

- 15 credits Forest and Wood Engineering or

- 15 credits Forest management or

- 15 credits Biology or

- 15 credits Environmental sciences

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and skills regarding diagnosis, prevention and management of forest damage in Swedish forests. After the course, the student should have the theoretical background required to handle the opportunities given for effective forest protection and measures that promote forest health and have the ability to critically examine and reflect on the latest research findings in the subject area.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• critically reflect on and motivate the choice of appropriate methods for diagnosing the cause of forest damage and mapping their extent at stand and landscape level, based on symptoms.

• identify and compare strategies and propose appropriate measures to prevent the occurrence of forest damage and reduce its spread through active forest management and integrated pest management (IPM).

• critically examine and analyze the possibilities of reducing the long-term effects of forest damage on forest production, biodiversity and various ecosystem services through adaptive, climate-adapted and sustainable forest management, forest planning and restoration.

• seek, evaluate and refer to research information in the subject area and in a scientific way present results and analyzes both in writing and orally.

Content

The course deals with theory and practice in diagnostics, prevention and management of established and new forest damage caused by microbes and animals. The focus is on stand and landscape level. During the course, a selection of current technological tools (eg drones and portable DNA / RNA sequencers) is presented, that can be used to identify established and new invasive pests and to map the occurrence of forest damage. The student develops theoretical knowledge regarding sustainable forest protection strategies and learns how to apply innovative measures to reduce the occurrence and spread of forest damage in practical forestry in the short and long term. The course trains problem solving, critical thinking, and oral and written communication.

The course contains literature studies, lectures, demonstrations, practical field- and laboratory exercises, excursions or study visits, group work and an individual project. Compulsory parts consist of demonstrations and practical exercises.

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 the following is required

• passed written final exam

• approved oral and written presentation of individual project work

• completed compulsory teaching elements.

• 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 course is a distance-based course with two or three meetings during the semester. The physical meetings take place in southern Sweden and may involve certain costs for travel and accommodation. For the distance moments, you need access to a computer with an Internet connection of 2.0 Mbit / s or higher in both directions, a USB headset with a microphone and a webcam. Fixed connection is always preferable. You can also connect to a library or learning center.



Course language is Swedish but some teaching will be given in English.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre