Trees and Forest ecology
Course description
How does a tree actually function, and what makes the forest such a rich and vital ecosystem? In the course Trees and Forest Ecology, you will delve into the biological basis of forest ecosystem services, such as biodiversity, carbon storage, and the production of raw materials.
You will gain insight into how ecological and evolutionary processes shape life in the forest, from tree growth and life cycles to the interaction between species and the factors that influence their distribution. Why do certain trees grow better in certain places? How do climate, soil conditions, and management practices affect forest development? And how do trees respond to disturbances such as drought, storms, or insect attacks?
The course combines theory with practice. Through lectures, exercises, and independent study, you will develop your ability to apply ecological and evolutionary principles to current issues concerning the future of forests. During excursions and field exercises, you will learn to recognize common Swedish forest species and receive training in collecting and analyzing forest measurement data. You will also learn the basics of species identification, data collection, and geographic databases, which are used to understand and manage our forests in a sustainable way.
The course will therefore not only provide you with knowledge about the life and ecology of trees, but also give you the tools to contribute to the sustainable use of forest resources and services.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
BI1419, Trees and Forest ecology, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN - S), 2021-11-17
Valid from : Autumn semester 2022 (2022-08-29)
Level
First cycle (G1F)
Main field of study
Biology, Forestry Science
Sub-area forestry science
Natural processes 12,5 credits, Work processes 2,5 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
The overall goal of this course is to create an understanding of the biological conditions for forests production of ecosystem services. The practical elements during the course aim to train students in species knowledge and collection of basic forest measurement data from trees and stands.
After completing the course, the student should be able to
- use basic ecological and evolutionary terms and describe basic concepts, theories, and models in ecology
- apply ecological and evolutionary principles to suggest solutions to current issues and problems related to the forest’s production of raw materials and other ecosystem services -account for the development, morphology, and life processes of trees, including the formation, structure, and function of wood -explain and reason about the tree’s growth and production based on internal, physiological factors and external factors such as site characteristics management operations or abiotic or biotic disturbances. -identify and account for a number of common species in Swedish forest ecosystems. -collect and analyse basic forest measurement data from trees and stands -account for the common techniques for collection of such data and for common databases for forest geographical data.
Content
The overall purpose is to create an understanding of the biological framework for production of forest raw materials and other ecosystem services in forests.
The course provides an overview of ecological and evolutionary processes in the forest ecosystem. This includes an overview of the key concepts and theoretical basis for the evolution theory such as genetic variation, natural selection, fitness, speciation, and species concepts. Furthermore, the basics of ecology are covered with emphasis on interactions between organisms such as intra- and inter species competition and the processes that affect the organisms’ distribution and behavior. The evolutionary aspects of ecological interactions and processes will also be discussed. Basic methods for species determination, as well as methods and tools for determining the site productivity will be introduced.
The course covers the basic principles that govern the life and development of the plant, with emphasis on the morphological, structural, and physiological adaptations that allow trees to establish and grow in different environments; as well as the trees physiological responses to site’s characteristics and disturbances such as drought, wind, or pests. The consequences of these adaptations on the production of raw materials and other ecosystem services will be discussed.
The course is based on lectures, individual and group exercises, excursions, study visits, and self-study of course literature. The practical elements during the course aim to train students in species knowledge and forest data collection. The students will also be trained in information retrieval and how to evaluate and critically interpret relevant information about a specific topic or problem.
Excursions, study visits and exercises are mandatory elements in the course.
The Forestry Science content is divieded into sub-areas as follows:
- 12,5 credits Natural processes
- 2,5 credits Work procesesse
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Approved oral or written examination and approved laboratory and exercise reports. Participation in compulsory elements.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
Cooperating departments
Department of Ecology School for Forest Management
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Forest Business Management (BSc)
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Floristics | 3.0 | 0201 |
| Forest Management and operations | 3.0 | 0202 |
| Project work | 1.0 | 0204 |
| Practicals ecology and evolution | 1.0 | 0205 |
| Practicals plant physiology | 1.0 | 0206 |
| Reflections | 1.0 | 0207 |
| Written exam Ecology, Evolution, Plant physiology | 5.0 | 0203 |
Other Information
The course includes a compulsory 4-day study visit to Skinnskatteberg.