Biotic Forest Damages - Interactions, Ecology and Management
This course instance is exclusively for incoming exchange students
Course description
The goal of this course is to provide understanding and skills relating to the biology of insects and fungi and how insects and microorganisms interact with forest and trees. Emphasis is put on species which affect trees and forest ecosystems with a high impact on forest economy.
Entry Requirements
60 credits in one of the following subjects
- Forestry science
- Forest sciences
- Forest Management
- Biology
3 credits in one of the following subjects
- Forest Pathology
- Plant Pathology
- Entomology
English 6
Course facts
SV0050, Biotic Forest Damages - Interactions, 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 : Autumn semester 2024 (2024-09-02)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Forestry Science, Biology
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
60 credits in one of the following subjects
- Forestry science
- Forest sciences
- Forest Management
- Biology
3 credits in one of the following subjects
- Forest Pathology
- Plant Pathology
- Entomology
English 6
Objectives
This course aims to provide understanding and skills relating to the biology of insects and fungi and how insects and microorganisms interact with forest and trees. Emphasis is on species which affect trees and forest ecosystems with a high impact on forest economy and environment.
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- identify and account for the common pathogenic fungi and insect pests in Northern Europe, and their impact, and also some of the most important pests and pathogens on trees worldwide
- estimate the risk for outbreak of diseases and pests.
- analyze and propose methods to counteract disease or pest outbreak.
- analyze important pathways for introduction of pests and diseases.
- discuss the impact of environmental changes and stress on important pest and pathogens and on their interactions with their host trees
- discuss the importance and use of management strategies that minimize the impact of forest pests and pathogens for sustainability in forestry.
- compile and synthesize relevant knowledge from the research area, and present it in both oral and written presentations.
Content
Subject-related content:
The course focuses on the ecology of pathogens and pests and damage to trees and forest ecosystems caused by forest pathogens and pests. The aim of the course is that the student should be able to identify and choose forest management measures that reduce damage to trees and ecosystems. The course covers common forest pathogens and pests in the Nordic countries and globally, but also principles for population dynamics and factors of significance for pathogenicity and aggressiveness, such as climate impact and how introduced organisms can affect the stability of forest ecosystems.
The course also covers research and key methods in the field, such as resistance biology and breeding in trees, molecular tools for identification of species and population structure analyses. Furthermore the course covers the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Pest Risk Assessment.
Teaching formats:
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used, for instance:
- Online- and pre-recorded lectures,
- Online seminars
- Excursions
- Exercises
- Practicals
- Case studies
- Presentations
The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
- Information competence
- Critical thinking
- Ability to work autonomously
- Oral and written communication
The following course components are compulsory:
- Online seminars
- Excursions
- Exercises
- Practicals
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Approved written exam, approved oral and written presentations of case studies and individual work and approved participation in compulsory elements.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
Cooperating departments
Department of Ecology
Supplementary information
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Excursions | 1.5 | 0302 |
| Practicals | 2.5 | 0303 |
| Seminars and exercises | 4.0 | 0304 |
| Final examination | 7.0 | 0305 |
The Course Replaces
SG0225
Other Information
The course is a distance course but it includes a week’s excursion and exercises at and nearby campus Ultuna which may involve some expenses for the student.
Examples of courses or combinations of courses at basic level that give knowledge corresponding to the prerequisite of 3 HEC in Forest pathology are
- SV0015
- BI1433
- BI1383 and SV0008 or BI1383 and SV0013
- SG0111 and SG0205
- SG0230
Examples of courses or combinations of courses at advanced levels that give knowledge corresponding to the prerequisite of 3 HEC in Forest pathology are
- SG0245 Sustainable management of Boreal forests
Examples of courses that give knowledge corresponding to the prerequisite of 3 HEC in Entomology are
- BI1415 Ekologisk zoologi och entomologi.