Forest Conservation Science
Course description
**Do you want to deepen your knowledge of conservation in forest landscapes?
**This course will deepen your understanding of ecological processes that shape forest biodiversity and provide you with knowledge about methods for the conservation and restoration of different forest types. You will also gain insights about the role of conservation in society and the potential conflicts that can arise between conservation and other societal goals.
The course is primarily taught online and consists of lectures, literature seminars, practical exercises, and projects. It also includes field excursions to different forest types, where we discuss how forests are shaped by natural and anthropogenic processes and disturbance regimes.
This course is suitable for anyone who wants to work with nature conservation, forest management, or biodiversity, or who wants to deepen their understanding of how forests can be conserved and restored.
Entry Requirements
- 60 credits in Biology or
- 60 credits in Forest Science or
- 60 credits in Forest Management or
- 60 credits in Environmental Sciences or
- 60 credits in Landscape Architecture or
- 60 credits in Agricultural Sciences or
- 60 credits in Natural Resource Management or
- 60 credits in Forestry and Wood Technology or
- Forestry Science
and
- 15 credits in ecology
and
- English 6.
Course facts
BI1462, Forest Conservation Science, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2023-12-22
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Biology, Forestry Science
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
- 60 credits in Biology or
- 60 credits in Forest Science or
- 60 credits in Forest Management or
- 60 credits in Environmental Sciences or
- 60 credits in Landscape Architecture or
- 60 credits in Agricultural Sciences or
- 60 credits in Natural Resource Management or
- 60 credits in Forestry and Wood Technology or
- Forestry Science
and
- 15 credits in ecology
and
- English 6.
Objectives
The aim of this course is to provide students with advanced knowledge in the field of biodiversity conservation science with a specific focus on applications in forested landscapes. Students will be able to increase their depth of subject knowledge and ability to work independently and get a stronger understanding of how this knowledge could be applied by stakeholders.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Explain how ecological theories and concepts can be applied for conservation of biodiversity in forest landscapes;
- Critically assess methods and approaches to measure and analyse biodiversity in forest ecosystems;
- Explain how biodiversity in north European forest landscapes is shaped by natural processes and anthropogenic disturbances;
- Propose appropriate measures to conserve and restore biodiversity in different types of forests, and analyse their advantages and disadvantages;
- Analyse potential trade-offs and synergies between biodiversity conservation and other societal goals;
- Critically analyse, and discuss scientific literature within the field of conservation science
Content
Subject-related content:
This course provides advanced knowledge of the field of conservation science with a specific focus on applications in forested landscapes. Whereas we prioritize conservation actions within the Fennoscandian region, we set these issues within the larger theoretical and international context of global change. The course contents include the following themes, knowledge of which is central to achieving sustainable development goals:
- reasons for biodiversity conservation
- population and community ecology for biodiversity conservation
- natural and anthropogenic disturbance regimes, and their effects on biodiversity
- forest biodiversity and its assessment
- conservation measures in forests
- global change
- the societal context of nature conservation
Teaching formats
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Assignments
- Excursions
- Exercises
The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
- Critical thinking
- Written communication
- Oral communication
- Reading, interpreting and appraising primary scientific literature
The following course components are compulsory:
- Literature seminars
- Oral presentations and discussions
- Excursions
Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through seminars with representatives from different actors in society that work with forest biodiversity conservation.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
- Passed written examination - Approved written assignments - Approved participation in compulsory components
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Ecology
Supplementary information
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation genetics | 1.0 | 0101 |
| Debate and debate paper | 2.0 | 0102 |
| Landscape planning for biodiversity | 1.0 | 0103 |
| Literature seminars | 1.0 | 0104 |
| Excursion | 2.0 | 0105 |
| Written examination | 8.0 | 0106 |
The Course Replaces
BI1378