Ecophysiological concepts and applications in forests
Course description
Ecophysiology is the study of organisms within their environment – or element fluxes between organisms and the surrounding environment. By connecting measurements at cell, individual leaf or root scale to entire canopy and ecosystem functioning, the approach can provide mechanistic understanding of forest responses to changing conditions (such as climate change or management practices).
The course covers seven topic areas, over a duration of six weeks, corresponding to 7.5 ECTS. The topic areas are: biometry, soil, nitrogen, water, climate, photosynthesis, and modeling. Each topic will be represented by several papers for the literature study and at least one field-day during the field period, as well as lectures and seminars or exercises.
During the course, students will learn to apply ecophysiological principles and methods to a range of topics related to forest growth.
The first part of the course can be attended remotely, and during the final part we will all meet for the field period of the course. During this time, indoor classes led by prominent experts will be complemented by outdoor exercises and visits to scientific field sites.
The location of the field period may vary between course instances, to highlight the applicability of ecophysiological approaches to forest research in a broad range of contexts.
Course facts
P000132, Ecophysiological concepts and applications in forests, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: FUN, 2025-02-11
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
Third cycle
Subject
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
Objectives
After completing the course, students should be able to:
- Judge how an ecophysiological approach can be applied to a forest-related topic of interest to them.
- Explain common measurement techniques and corresponding data analysis.
- Discuss how ecophysiological variables may be used in modelling of forest growth.
Content
4-week journal club
The first section is a literature study, which can be attended remotely. This corresponds to ca 4 weeks, where each week is dedicated to a theme, and students will read selected literature, complete individual assignments, and prepare to discuss the theme in a teacher-led online seminar at the end of the week.
2-week field period
After this, there is a field period of ca 2 weeks, where students and the team of teachers meet in person (check specific course instance for information about the location). During the field period, indoor classes will be complemented by outdoor practical exercises and excursions, and it will conclude with a final examination exercise for the course.
The team of teachers are qualified scientists within a diverse range of fields corresponding to the various topics in the course. The venue and geographical location of the field period may vary between course instances, demonstrating how ecophysiological research approaches can be applied to various forest types and to facilitate scientific networking for participating students. During the field-period the course is organized in collaboration with institutions responsible for the visited research infrastructures.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Active participation in online seminars and mandatory participation to lectures/excursions/exercises during the field period. Approved exercises and assignments, including the final course assessment (individual written task and group exercise).
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Forest ecology and Management
Supplementary information
Other Information
A course registration fee may apply (to cover accommodation etc). Please contact the course leader for current information. All students must cover their own travel from their home university, to the venue for the field period.
Application to the course should be sent to the course leader. The application should, beside name, department, university, and major professor, shortly describe your thesis project and a motivation why you are interested in the course.