Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1378 Forest Conservation Biology, 15.0 Credits

Skoglig naturvårdsbiologi

Subjects

Forest Science Biology Forest science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Debate and debate paper	2.0	0202
Litterature seminar	2.0	0203
Excursion	2.0	0204
Written examination	9.0	0205

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of 120 credits at basic level including

- 60 credits in Biology or

- 60 credits in Forest Science or

- 60 credits in Forest Management or

- 60 credits in Environmental Sciences or

- 60 credits in Landscape Architecture or

- 60 credits in Agricultural Sciences or

- 60 credits in Natural Resource Management or

- 60 credits in Forestry and Wood Technology

and

English 6.

Objectives

The aim is to provide students with advanced knowledge in the field of conservation biology with a specific focus on applications in forested landscapes. Students will be able to increase their depth of subject knowledge and ability to work independently and get a stronger understanding of how the knowledge could be applied by stakeholders.

After finishing the course, the students should be able to:

• Explain important theories and concepts in ecology which are used in conservation biology, and their application in forest-related nature conservation;

• Define biodiversity and compare different ways to assess biodiversity in forest ecosystems;

• Describe the natural conditions and processes in Swedish forests, how anthropogenic disturbances (such as forestry, climate change, changed land use) affect biodiversity (currently, in the past, and in the future), and propose appropriate conservation and restoration approaches;

• Describe and compare different types of conservation measures taken in Swedish forested landscapes;

• Discuss how conservation of biodiversity may be in conflict or support other societal goals;

• Acquire, critically analyse, and discuss scientific literature within the field of conservation biology.

Content

This course provides knowledge of the field of conservation biology with a specific focus on applications in forested landscapes. The teaching consists of a mix of self-work and real-time learning activities: lectures, literature seminars, projects, excursions and exercises.

The course consists of several parts: Natural and anthropogenic disturbance regimes, Forest biodiversity and its assessment, Conservation measures in forests, Key ecological concepts in conservation biology, Single-species conservation approaches, Global change, The societal context of nature conservation, and Multifunctional forests and urban ecology. Each part uses both lectures and at least one other type of teaching (such as literature seminars, projects and exercises). Literature seminars play an important role for deepening the knowledge and improve scientific thinking.

The course is given as a distance course. Literature seminars, written reports, oral presentations, excursions and the written exam are compulsory.

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

Approved written exam, approved oral presentations and written reports, and participation in compulsory seminars and excursions.

• 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 Ecology