Field Research and the Swedish Forestry Model
Course description
The course includes a mix of lectures, excursions and group work activities, out of which some are mandatory. The course will include a literature reading assignment. Each doctoral student will also reflect on their own research project in relation to sustainable forest management and the Swedish forestry model in a mandatory written assignment.
The course examines Sweden’s boreal forests, their characteristics and management practices, as well as the social, economic, and environmental challenges they face in a changing climate. It explores the historical development of Swedish forest policy and the evolution of the Swedish forestry model, highlighting how they have shaped contemporary forest management. The course also introduces national forest monitoring systems, with particular emphasis on the Swedish National Forest Inventory, and demonstrates how long-term data is used to assess forest
resources and sustainability. The course further explores the design of and implementation of field experiments for understanding processes in a forest ecosystem. Together, these perspectives provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how Swedish forests are monitored, managed, and debated in both national and international contexts. The views of different forestry stakeholders will be represented by members of the surrounding society and/or researchers in the humanities and social
sciences. Lastly, we aim for a gender balanced course both in terms of lecturers and participants.
Course facts
P000180, Field Research and the Swedish Forestry Model, 1.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Maria Israelsson Nordström, 2026-04-27
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Forest Management
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 the completion of the course the doctoral students are expected to be able to:\
- Describe boreal forests in Sweden\
- Understand the history of a national forest policy in Sweden and
the Swedish forestry model\ - Gain knowledge on the Swedish National Forest Inventory and
other environmental monitoring and assessment programmes at
SLU\ - Become familiar in how to set-up field studies and learn
about experimental tools at a forest research station and
experimental forest\ - Formulate simple experiments combining forest field research
and environmental data\ - Be able to discuss different perspectives on the Swedish
forestry model
Content
This course explores Sweden’s boreal forests, management practices and growing challenges. Students will gain insight into the historical development of Swedish forest policy, and the Swedish forestry model, as well as national forest monitoring systems including the Swedish National Forest Inventory. Through hands-on exposure to a forest research station, state-of-the-art infrastructure, forest field studies, and environmental data, participants will learn to design and formulate simple field experiments. By the end of the course, students can critically discuss different perspectives on the Swedish forestry model and place their own doctoral research within this broader context.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Presence and active participation in lectures, excursions and group<br> work activities, and pass grade on a written assignment.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology
Supplementary information
Other Information
This course is organised by the WIFORCE Research School and will
mainly be taught by researchers and staff within the Faculty of Forest
Sciences and the Swedish National Forest Inventory at SLU. Eligible
applicants will be offered a place at the course on a first-come, first-served principle. (WIFORCE – Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research).