BI1382, Forest ecology and botany, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Valid from : Spring semester 2026 (2026-01-19)

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Biology

Grading Scale

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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

The purpose of the course is to create a basic understanding of ecological systems globally and locally and to link ecological theories and natural processes in forest ecosystems to forest management and nature conservation.

After completing the course the student should be able to

• explain and use basic ecological concepts
• describe forest ecosystems locally and globally, and explain how these are affected by human and natural disturbance
• account for trophic interactions, energy and food transport
• explain how population density and species richness vary in time and space as a result of biotic and abiotic factors
• explain the ecological basics of forest management and nature conservation
• account for basic ecology, systematics and adaptations, including dispersal, establishment and survival strategies, in trees, vascular plants, mosses and lichens that occur in Swedish forest land use basic methods and tools for species identification of plants
• with correct terminology, describe characters of vascular plants, mosses and lichens in text and image
• search and critically review literature on the subject.

Content

The course provides a basic understanding of the composition and function of ecosystems, especially with regard to forest ecosystems, as well as knowledge of basic ecological concepts and processes. Basic population and community ecology are addressed. Global biological diversity patterns are described together with the processes that control the number of species and the density of species in ecological systems.

Swedish vegetation types and their characteristics are addressed as well as the effects of natural and human disturbance. Special emphasis is given to the variation between different types of forest ecosystems in Sweden. Furthermore, the ecological basis for forest management and nature conservation is discussed.

The course provides basic botanical skills with regard to species identification, morphology, systematics and taxonomy of vascular plants, mosses, lichens which occur in Swedish forest land.

The course is based on lectures, exercises, excursions, group studies of scientific articles and writing reports. Excursions, some plant exercises and exercises in source criticism, copyright and information retrieval are mandatory.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Approved written examination Approved written report Completed mandatory elements

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies

Cooperating departments

Department of Forest Ecology and Management

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Forest Science (BSc)

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
SIG Disturbance – cross-group presentation	0.5	0401
SIG - Conference poster	1.0	0402
Tree species identification	1.0	0403
Written examination	2.0	0404
Forest types, site-productivity and botany	1.5	0405
Species identification	1.0	0406
Photoherbarium	0.5	0407

Other Information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.