Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0015 Urban tree- and forest health, 7.5 Credits

Skador på skog och träd i stadsmiljö

Subjects

Forestry Science Forestry Science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Forest damage identification and management	4.5	0102
Diagnostic techniques	2.0	0103
WAC	1.0	0104

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

General entry requirements for first-cycle studies, and knowledge equivalent to:

- 15 credits forestry science or
- 15 credits forest sciences or
- 15 credits biology or
- 15 credits environmental science or
- 15 credits landscape architecture or
- 15 credits agricultural science or
- 15 credits natural resource management

Specific entry requirement also requires English B or equivalent. As the language of instruction is English, the Swedish language general entry requirement may not apply.

Objectives

The course aims to give students basic knowledge about biotic and abiotic agents affecting individual tree and forest ecosystem health, including damage caused by insects, pathogens, and other environmental stressors. The course emphasizes the ecological roles of disturbance agents and how they can affect the economic and ecological sustainability of forests. Students will learn how to collect samples to identify damage using different diagnostic methods, what modern tools and techniques are available for early detection and monitoring, and mitigation and management options to promote better health and resilience in urban and rural forests. Case study approaches will be used with examples of damaging agents in Sweden, and globally. The course includes several field trips to visit insect and disease infestations in urban, peri-urban and rural forests to understand the effects of damage on from different social, ecological and economic perspectives.

After completing the course, students will be able to

• diagnose common tree damaging agents
• link and apply conceptual knowledge on integrated pest management to forested landscapes for current and future pests
• communicate and discuss topics related to forest ecosystem health using relevant terminology and scientific concepts
• synthesize the biology, etiology, epidemiology and management of native and exotic pests and diseases in forests.

Content

The course contains lectures, laboratory and outdoor exercises and demonstrations, group and individual assignments (written and practical), discussions and seminars. Lectures and demonstrations will be conducted with scientific experts working with different damage types and with practitioners in plant protection (i.e. tree nurseries, city arborists, authorities, forest managers). Field excursions will focus on recognition and diagnoses of different biotic agents (native and exotic) and abiotic stressors on important trees in urban and rural settings. Laboratory sessions will focus on diagnostics using both conventional and modern, molecular techniques for identification. Group work as well as written and practical assignments are compulsory.

The Forestry science content is divided into sub-areas as follows:

• 5 credits Natural processes
• 2,5 credits Other in Forestry science

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

Passed written exam and approved compulsory components.

• 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

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.

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre