Ecological Disturbances in Forests – Silviculture Challenges Under Climate Change
The course largely relies on self-directed learning according to the principle of a 'flipped classroom,' where great emphasis is placed on developing the students' independence, with support from subject matter experts. The course uses a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars and Quizzes. Group work is a central part of the course where the students themselves search for, compile, summarize and evaluate relevant literature. Through this, the students actively contribute to supplementing the course's bibliography. The group work is presented in written and oral form. The final bibliography, group reports, lectures and seminars form an important basis for the final exam.
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
BI1460 Ecological Disturbances in Forests – Silviculture Challenges Under Climate Change, 15.0 Credits
Ekologiska störningar i skogar - skötselutmaningar i ett förändrat klimatSubjects
Forestry Science BiologyEducation cycle
Bachelor’s levelAdvanced study in the main field
First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsBachelor’s level (G2F)
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.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
60 ECTS in biology or 30 credits in Biology and 30 credits in Forestry Science, and English 6.Exceptions are allowed from the entry requirement for basic competence in Swedish
Objectives
The aim of the course is to give students a deeper understanding of disturbance regimes in forests with a focus on managed northern temperate and boreal forests, as well as the consequences of these disturbances for the ecology and management of forests in times of climate change.
After completing the course, the student should be able to
- explain natural disturbance regimes and how these affect the forest ecosystem and how they provide guidance for nature conservation and production-oriented management measures in managed forest landscapes,
- explain the most important factors behind climate change and expected climate changes in different parts of Sweden given different climate scenarios,
- explain common abiotic (e.g. wind and fire) and biotic (e.g. fungi, insects and ungulates) disturbances in managed forest landscapes and how the frequency/intensity and interactions between these may change given different climate scenarios,
- explain and discuss the consequences of these disturbances on the forest values, ecosystem services and disservices, in relation to various management goals,
- use ecological knowledge and theories as a basis for proposals for silvicultural measures and adaptations to counter the risk of negative consequences of these disturbance regimes in managed forest landscapes.
Content
The aim of the course is to give students a deeper understanding of disturbance regimes in forests with a focus on managed northern temperate and boreal forests. This includes the consequences of these disturbances for the ecology and management of forests in times of climate change. The course places great emphasis on developing the students' independence and skills in searching for, critically read, and summarize scientific literature. *
Implementation
The course uses different teaching methods to promote the students' learning and ability to discuss through: (i) lectures that are to be seen as inspiration and background information, (ii) group work that is a central part of the course where the students themselves search for, select, and compile relevant literature in relation to the questions. Through this, the students actively contribute to supplementing the course's bibliography. The group work is presented in written form and in seminar form. The final bibliography, lectures, group work and seminars form the basis for the final exam.
The following elements are compulsory:
- Group work
- Seminars.
Grading form
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.Formats and requirements for examination
Passed examination
Passed written report from the group work
Passed oral presentation from the group work
Completed compulsory parts
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.
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.
Responsible department
Department of Forest ecology and Management