SV0071, Forest - use and values, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2024-12-20
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Forestry Science, Biology

Biology Area

Ecology

Sub-area forestry science

Objectives, planning and policy 2,5 credits, Natural processes 3,5 credits, Work processes 1,5 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

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

This course introduces the concepts of forest ecological, social and economic values and aims to provide basic understanding to enable discussions regarding the sustainable management of forest resources. Practical course activities focus on methods and measurements to describe and assess forest stands, vegetation and how forests can be managed based on different user perspectives and societal goals.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

• use basic terminology including measurements, units and measures of relevance for contemporary forestry as well as regarding the supply of forest ecosystem services in a wider context
• provide an overview of Sweden's forest resources, forest conditions, and forest resource management
• account for the various forest values with an outlook towards international and historical conditions
• provide an overview of different forest management systems, silvicultural methods, and operations
• briefly discuss multiple perspectives on sustainable forest management
• describe and discuss the concept of sustainable development, from social, economic, and environmental dimensions, and relate it to forest policy issues
• provide an overview of the laws regulating Swedish forestry
• discuss the forestry sectors’ relation to the society at large, including different stake holder claims
• gather elementary tree and forest stand data in the field, perform basic calculations and assess the reliability of the result
• identify and name characteristic species of ground flora, along with a selection of native and introduced tree species in Sweden, and provide an overview of their growth conditions, ecology, and the classification of vegetation into forest type
• briefly account for factors that determine wood raw material properties and utilization
• use basic digital map applications and recognize the use of geographic information systems for natural resource management and environmental monitoring

Content

The course introduces the ecological, social, and economic values of forests and provides fundamental knowledge to participate in discussions about the sustainable use of forest resources. This includes basic terminology and methods for describing vegetation, trees, stands, and forest landscapes, as well as forest ecosystem services. The course offers insight into Sweden's forest resources, forest history, and forestry from different user perspectives, with an outlook on the rest of the world.

Through teacher-led field exercises, students develop the ability to collect basic measurement data at the tree and stand levels, identify characteristic species of ground flora and a selection of tree species as well as describing their growth conditions, ecology, and classification into forest types. During excursions, forest management systems, silvicultural methods and operations as well as sustainable forestry are introduced and discussed.

Sustainable development is introduced with a particular focus on its application within the forest sector. Students gain knowledge about the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability and how these affect forest policy issues. The course provides an overview of different perspectives on sustainable forest management, its connection to ecosystem services, and introduces global and national sustainability goals. Additionally, the course offers an overview of the foundations of Swedish forest policy, focusing on the laws and regulations that govern forestry.

The teaching is based on lectures, literature studies, teacher-led field exercises, excursions, guest lectures, oral presentation, and written assignments. Activities may be individual or conducted in groups. Teacher-led field exercises and excursions are essential components of the course. Mandatory activities during the course consist of teacher-led field exercises, excursions, and oral presentations. Critical thinking is practiced through lectures and group exercises based on scenario analysis.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

\- Passed written exam \- Passed practical test \- Approved oral presentation \- Approved participation in compulsory components

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Forest ecology and Management

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Forest Science (BSc)

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Botany and Dendrology	2.0	0102
Forest resources, management and wood technology	2.0	0103
Forest mensuration	1.0	0104
Sustainability, policies and scenarios	2.5	0105