Sustainable Forest Management - Analysis and Adaptations
This course instance is exclusively for incoming exchange students
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
SV0060, Sustainable Forest Management - Analysis and Adaptations, 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
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 main objective is that students should get an understanding of why modern forestry is conducted as it is, as well as to provide an overview of key theoretical and practical elements for sustainable forestry in southern Sweden. Silvicultural questions associated with contemporary forestry will be studied in depth and discussed in relation to sustainability issues.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- analyse and present important processes in forest ecosystems and their interactions with growth responses on both tree and stand level
- analyse variations in forest management due to differences in tree species, management traditions, owner objectives, economic circumstances and social needs and preferences
- discuss and evaluate management measures in relation to ecological and plant physiological factors
- identify the most significant conservation values in the boreo-nemoral zone of southern Scandinavia and analyse the impact of modern forestry on these values and suggest measures to mitigate adverse effects
- read scientific literature and communicate key ideas, results and conclusions
- manage forest data and produce introductory statistics and figures.
Content
Contemporary forestry is discussed in the course, and put in relation to silvicultural research, nature conservation issues, societal needs, current forest technology and the wood market. The course contains two major parts, silviculture and forest ecology.
The course starts with a part where forest production and management is discussed on the basis of ecophysiological processes and correlations, to obtain an in-depth understanding of how forest production could be measured, estimated and modelled. The next part of the course focuses on how forest ecosystems and management systems could be evaluated with regard to ecological resilience or economy. Differences regarding stand dynamics, succession and biodiversity will also be discussed. The third and main part of the course takes on issues of regeneration, stand development and production from four perspectives; clearcut management, continuous cover forestry, management in mixed forests and multiple use forestry.
Comparisons and discussions about differences and similarities in forestry between countries are frequent and constantly brought up during the course.
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:
Lectures, literature studies, exercises, written assignments, data lab sessions, seminars, study trips, field exercises, excursions, proficiency training, presentations.
Statistical data treatment and analysis will be performed with supervision from teachers and on an introductory level.
The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Information competence, critical thinking and reflection, problem solving, scientific methods, digital competence, use of technology, oral and written communication, teamwork.
The following course components are compulsory:
Study trip, excursions, individual and group assignments as well as exercises and seminars.
Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through inviting representatives from authorities and practical forestry in southern Sweden to speak about urgent matters in forestry and about their view on future threats and opportunities.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Forest management adaptations | 8.0 | 0001 |
| Forest management analysis | 7.0 | 0002 |
Other Information
Mandatory in the course is a study trip to forest field research stations in southern Sweden. In total nine days are spent in the field including visits to SLU’s experimental forests in Tönnersjöheden and Asa.