Fungi and insects in the managed forest
Course description
The course "Fungi and Insects in the Managed Forest" provides a comprehensive knowledge of the critical roles played by fungi and insects within managed forest ecosystems. The teachers will guide the students to explore the significant impact of fungi and insects on the health, sustainability, and productivity of forests in northern Europe and worldwide. The course will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, field excursions and practical exercises. Students will acquire a deep understanding of the relationships, and ecological dynamics between fungi, insects, and the managed forest, as well as practical skills in identifying fungi and insects, assessing their roles and impacts, and applying management strategies to maintain healthy and sustainable forest ecosystems.
The course schedule can be found on TimeEdit: https://cloud.timeedit.net/slu/web/stud2/ri165v4y55Y445QYQwQ7Q65XZY03Qw7Zu8nZ.html#
Entry Requirements
Exceptions are allowed from the requirement for basic competence in Swedish
Course facts
BI1433, Fungi and insects in the managed forest, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2022-11-15
Valid from : Autumn semester 2023 (2023-08-28)
Level
First cycle (G1F)
Main field of study
Biology, Forestry Science
Sub-area forestry science
Goals, planning and policy 1 credit, Natural processes 5,5 credits, Work processes 1 credit
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
Exceptions are allowed from the requirement for basic competence in Swedish
Objectives
The main objective of the course is to give the student give knowledge about the impact of forest pest and pathogens in forest plant production chain and forests and about the economic and ecological costs associated with damages. The course also aims to give knowledge about and prevention/control strategies. Finally the course provides the student with knowledge of how forestry can affect the diversity of fungi and insects in forest ecosystems
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
-describe the importance of microorganisms and insects in forest ecosystems, including their roles as agents of ecosystem disturbance and key elements of ecosystem functioning and dynamics.
- discuss how forestry can affect the diversity and population sizes of fungi and insects in forest ecosystems.
-identify and account for some common pathogenic fungi and insect pests, and their impact, in Northern Europe
-Account for how and why fungal pathogen and insect pest outbreaks occur and develop in forests, nurseries and urban environments-
-discuss how fungal pathogen and insect pest outbreaks affect the delivery of ecosystem services and forest raw materials.
-discuss management strategies and methods to counteract pests and diseases.
--discuss costs associated with outbreaks and control of pathogens and pests
Content
The course primarily deals with common, and some emerging, pest and pathogens in nurseries and forests in Northern Europe. The course also addresses how fungi and insects in general are affected by forestry and by, for example, climate change and what this can mean for ecosystem functioning and resilience. Furthermore key biological and ecological principles for pest outbreaks and control, including the principles of integrated pest management are covered. By modelling, compiling and evaluating the economic and ecological losses for selected pests or pathogens or certain levels of overall damage, students get to train their ability to identify the type of information needed to be able to make knowledge-based decisions on the choice of management strategies.
The teaching is based on lectures, seminars (compulsory), excursions (compulsory) and exercises (compulsory) and case studies.
The course also trains the student in critical thinking, planning and manageing time and in oral and written communication.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed examination Completed compulsory elements
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
Cooperating departments
Department of Ecology Department of Forest Resource Management
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Forest Business Management (BSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Final exam | 2.5 | 0001 |
| Excursion and practical exercises | 1.5 | 0000 |
| Seminar | 3.5 | 0003 |