Silviculture - the Science of Forest Stand Management
Course description
Silviculture applies forest ecology to manage forest stands with the aim to provide society with wood raw materials and other ecosystem goods and services. In this course, you will study how a range of silvicultural practices, including management of stand structure, composition, density, rotation length and site fertility affect forest development and ecosystem services (with emphasis on wood, carbon and water). After the course, you will be able to evaluate the scientific basis for current and emerging silvicultural practices such as continuous cover forestry, carbon forestry and mixed species forests. We place particular emphasis on learning the skills and tools needed for analysing forest stand management for sustainable provision of desired goods and services under different conditions, including changing climate and management objectives. Thus, the course will give you a sound foundation for decision-making and implementation. The course primarily focuses on boreal and temperate forests, but we will also use examples from tropical forests to discuss differences between forest types, site conditions, and consequences of climate change. We target students interested in careers in the forest industry, public sector, and research in forest science, forest ecology or soil science.
Entry Requirements
- Forestry science
- Forest science
- Forest management
Alternatively 15 credits in forestry science or forest science or forest management and 60 credits in one of the following subjects/fields of study:
- Biology
- Soil science
- Environmental science
- Natural resource management
- Natural geography
English 6 is required for both alternatives
Course facts
SV0055, Silviculture - the Science of Forest Stand Management, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2023-12-22
Valid from : Autumn semester 2024 (2024-09-02)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Forestry Science
Sub-area forestry science
Objectives, planning and policy, 3 credits, Natural Processes 12 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
English
Entry Requirements
- Forestry science
- Forest science
- Forest management
Alternatively 15 credits in forestry science or forest science or forest management and 60 credits in one of the following subjects/fields of study:
- Biology
- Soil science
- Environmental science
- Natural resource management
- Natural geography
English 6 is required for both alternatives
Objectives
The overall aim of the course is to convey in-depth knowledge of methods suitable for evaluating the impact of contemporary and emerging management systems on forest growth, stand structure and ecosystem services at the tree and stand level. We place special emphasis on the knowledge and tools needed to analyze how forest stands can be managed to sustainably provide the desired goods and services under different conditions and with different management goals.
After completion of the course, the students should be able to
- Explain and apply ecological and management-related principles for the development of trees and stands with the help of various modeling exercises and relate the impact of silvicultural measures on the state of the forest durig prevailing environmental conditions
- Analyze how stand dynamics change depending on management goals and measures, site characteristics, and climatic conditions
- Analyze and forecast the impact of silvicultural measures on tree and stand growth, soil properties, and on energy and water balances
\ - Design field trials and computer simulations, and sampling procedures to answer basic management questions and test hypotheses, analyze data with relevant software and statistical tools, and draw conclusions
\ - Evaluate the scientific basis for both established and emerging management systems such as management of mixed forests, clear-cut forestry, agroforestry, and management of full-storied stands
\ - Critically examine contemporary debates on forestry and forest management
\ - Search, critically review, summarize and analyze relevant scientific literature
\ - Use effective communication that take into account different stakeholders and different channels (eg research reports, oral presentations and posters).
Content
Content
The studies include experimental approaches and advanced analysis methods that can be used to diagnose the current and future influence of silviculture on the characteristics of stands and individual trees. During the course, critical review of scientific literature in forestry and ecology as well as scientific writing is also practiced.
Implementation
The teaching is structured around a number of group assignment which also is part of the examination. The assignments contain both quantitative and experimental elements and provide the opportunity for individual in depth studies within the included subject areas. The course uses different teaching methods to promote student learning and discussion through classroom exercises, literature studies, seminars, discussions, and field trips.
*The course focuses on the following generic competencies: *
- Critical thinking
- Digital competence
- Oral and written communication
- Ability to work independently
- Problem solving
- Cooperation
- Autonomy
- Time planning/management of time frames
- Scientific methods
The following course components are mandatory:
- excursion
Collaboration with the surrounding community is facilitated through presentations by various stakeholders in society, such as forest owner associations, forestry companies, conservation associations, and municipalities
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
- Approved reports - Approved oral presentations - Approved data visualizations - Approved participation in discussions - Completed mandatory elements.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Forest ecology and Management
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management (MSc)
- Forest Ecology and Sustainable Management - mastersprogramme
- Forest Science - Master's Programme
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0101 |
The Course Replaces
SG0272