Broadleaves - History, Ecology and Management
This course instance is exclusively for incoming exchange students
Course description
How have temperate broadleaf forests in northern and central Europe developed, and how can we manage them sustainably for the future? This course offers a comprehensive understanding of these ecosystems, focusing on forest history, ecology, biodiversity, and modern management strategies.
You will explore forest dynamics such as disturbances, succession, and the impacts of human activities and climate change. The course covers the role of forestry in biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and the transition from conifer to broadleaf forests. Through lectures, field trips, and practical assignments, you’ll analyze current challenges in forest management, climate adaptation, and societal influences.
Ideal for those seeking to understand the complex processes shaping broadleaf forests—past, present, and future.
Entry Requirements
120 credits
60 credits within one of the following subjects/main fields of study
- forestry science
- forest science
- forest management
- biology
- environmental sciences
- natural resource management
English 6.
Course facts
SV0062, Broadleaves - History, Ecology and Management, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2023-12-22
Valid from : Spring semester 2025 (2025-01-20)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Forestry Science, Biology
Biology Area
Ecology
Sub-area forestry science
Natural processes 15 credits
Grading Scale
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.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
120 credits
60 credits within one of the following subjects/main fields of study
- forestry science
- forest science
- forest management
- biology
- environmental sciences
- natural resource management
English 6.
Objectives
The overall goal of the course is to provide a comprehensive account on the history, ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable governance of temperate broadleaf forest ecosystems in northern and central Europe.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to
- describe the main dynamic processes influencing temperate broadleaf forests, including natural and management-related disturbances and secondary succession, as well as long-term vegetation history
- describe the main environmental and compositional characteristics of the major temperate broadleaf forest types
- identify and discuss the most important challenges with regard to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management in broadleaf forests and describe strategies to address them
- explain principles of past- and current sustainable silvicutural systems in broadleaf forests
- explain principles of forest and habitat restoration in managed and protected broadleaf forests
- summarize, critically evaluate and present scientific studies concerning ecology and dynamics of broadleaf forests both in oral and written form
- critically and systematically analyse and discuss complex problems of forest governance
- write a reflective journal.
Content
During this course, the ecology of temperate broadleaf forests is studied with a focus on forest history, disturbance dynamics, forest succession and vegetation ecology. The study region comprises southern Sweden, Denmark, the Baltic countries, northern Germany and northern Poland.
Patterns of biodiversity are examined for the major species groups in broadleaf forests. The impact of forest management on biodiversity and current approaches to conservation and management for multiple goals are evaluated. Specifically, management alternatives based on historical conservation baselines are compared, including implications of Pleistocene megafauna extinctions. Current threats and challenges to the function and biodiversity of broadleaf forests are studied, with a focus on exotic tree pathogens and effects of ungulate browsing.
The course addresses various aspects of past- and current management models in broadleaf forests for production goals, including management of fast-growing tree species. Traditional silvicultural systems, such as beech shelterwood management, are compared with single tree and group selection approaches. Current concepts of forest management and restoration are evaluated with an emphasis on adaptation to ongoing climate change and on stand conversion from spruce to broadleaf forest. During field trips, reserve management and active habitat restoration are studied.
Throughout the course, the challenges that sustainable governance of broadleaf forest ecosystems meets today with respect to current changes in climate and society are discussed.
The course is divided into several parts where each part typically consists of:
- introductory lectures
- an individual or group assignment
- field excursions
- a seminar or exercise to discuss and present the assignments.
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:
Lectures, literature studies, exercises, written exercises, (written) assignments, laboratory sessions, project work, seminars, study visits, study trips, field exercises, excursions, proficiency training, presentations
The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Information competence, critical thinking and reflection, problem solving, scientific methods, use of technology, oral and written communication, teamwork.
The following course components are compulsory:
The study trip, excursions, individual and group assignments as well as exercises and seminars.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written examinations. Approved written exercises. Completed compulsory components
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
Supplementary information
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0010 |
The Course Replaces
SG0263
Other Information
The course includes a study trip to Bialowieza Primeval Forest in Poland. Travel to and from Warsaw is paid by the students while the other costs are covered by the department: bus to Bialowieza, hotel accommodation and meals.