Forest and landscape biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services
Course description
Discover the vital role of forest biodiversity in supporting human wellbeing through this engaging and comprehensive course. You’ll explore the connections between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and how forests are managed. You’ll learn how we need to balance diverse societal goals such as conservation, recreation, and climate adaptation while addressing the trade-offs and synergies these goals create.
Key topics include threats to forest biodiversity, strategies for conservation, and the implications of alternative forest management practices for both biodiversity and the goods and services forests provide. The course blends theory with hands-on learning through lectures, outdoor exercises, group and independent work.
By the end, you'll be equipped to critically evaluate conservation strategies, articulate the value of biodiversity, and apply social-ecological frameworks to improve forest habitats. If you’re passionate about managing forests for biodiversity and sustaining the goods and services they provide, this course offers the knowledge to make a meaningful impact on the future of our forests.
Entry Requirements
- 15 credits forestry science or
- 15 credits forest sciences or
- 15 credits forestry science or
- 15 credits biology or
- 15 credits environmental sciences or
- 15 credits landscape architecture or
- 15 credits agricultural sciences or
- 15 credits natural resource management
and English B.
As the language of instruction is English, the Swedish language general entry requirement may not apply.
Course facts
BI1418, Forest and landscape biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, 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
First cycle (G1F)
Main field of study
Biology, Landscape Architecture
Biology Area
Ecology
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
- 15 credits forestry science or
- 15 credits forest sciences or
- 15 credits forestry science or
- 15 credits biology or
- 15 credits environmental sciences or
- 15 credits landscape architecture or
- 15 credits agricultural sciences or
- 15 credits natural resource management
and English B.
As the language of instruction is English, the Swedish language general entry requirement may not apply.
Objectives
The overarching aim of this course is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the threats to, and importance of, forest biodiversity to human wellbeing, and the trade-offs and synergies between biodiversity and forest ecosystem services in urban and rural landscapes. This knowledge is placed within the context of how biodiversity may be integrated or segregated within urban and rural settings, and how forest and urban green space management may be altered to improve forest habitat for biodiversity. We delve into important foundational concepts and the need for landscape scale considerations when conserving forest biodiversity and managing urban and rural forest landscapes for ecosystem services.
After completing the course, the student should be able to
- categorize, discuss, and critique the different justifications for conserving forest biodiversity in urban and rural settings
- distinguish and discuss categories of different threats to forest biodiversity within urban and rural settings, and relate these to management solutions
- explain and evaluate the benefits and limitations of the ecosystem services approach
- describe different social-ecological concepts, approaches and mechanisms relevant to conserving forest biodiversity, and apply this knowledge to urban and rural settings
- calculate and appraise common biodiversity indices
- describe differences, advantages and limitations of systematic versus traditional literature review techniques
- explain how critical thinking skills relate to and underlie the scientific method and the interpretation of value-laden results
- synthesize and present the knowledge gained orally and in writing.
Content
The course is designed to introduce students to the core concepts, controversies and approaches to conserving forest biodiversity and balancing the delivery of forest ecosystem services in urban and rural landscape settings. Students learn why biodiversity matters from a range of perspectives and frameworks. During the course, students gain an overview of the threats to forest and tree-associated biodiversity, and how these threats can be alleviated through management. Furthermore, in the course we explore trade-offs and synergies among different societal goals for urban and rural forests, including biodiversity, production, recreation and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The theoretical and applied aspects of all teaching activities are designed to provide an in depth understanding of the material. The course involves lectures, outdoor exercises, group and independent work, as well as written and oral assignments. Training in scientific reading and writing, as well as an introduction to systematic literature synthesis, and the relevance of critical thinking, is provided during the course. Oral and written assignments, and group work are compulsory.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written exam and adequate engagement in compulsory exercises.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Forest and Landscape (BSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity | 5.0 | 0001 |
| Ecosystem services | 5.0 | 0002 |
| Exam | 5.0 | 0003 |