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Syllabus

BI1468 Tree Biology and Wood Formation, 7.5 Credits

Trädbiologi och vedbildning

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

General entry requirements for courses or study programmes that begin in the first cycle and that are intended for new entrants to higher education


- Biology 2, alternatively Biology B
- Chemistry 2, alternatively Chemistry B

Objectives

The course aims to provide comprehensive knowledge about the development of wood cell walls, advanced tree breeding techniques, and the evolutionary and adaptive processes influencing tree growth and reproduction.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the structure of wood cell walls, including their role in tree growth, durability, and adaptation to environmental stress.
• Explain various tree breeding techniques, including clonal propagation, phenotypic-based breeding, and the use of molecular markers.
• Apply phenotypic-based breeding principles to identify desirable traits for tree improvement and understand their role in the selection process.
• Analyze the evolution of cell walls in trees and its relationship to adaptation, wood formation, and overall plant structure.
• Describe differences in wood anatomy and properties of the most common trees in forestry. 
• Explain local adaptation mechanisms in trees and the role of genetic diversity in improving resilience to environmental challenges.
• Evaluate the principles of clonal propagation and its applications in maintaining genetic consistency and enhancing desirable traits in forestry.

This will give students a deeper understanding of wood formation and the strategies used to enhance tree growth through breeding.

Content

Subject-related content

The course provides an in-depth understanding of wood anatomy, cell wall development, and tree breeding techniques, with a focus on wood formation and properties. The course emphasizes the biological and genetic mechanisms that drive tree breeding and wood formation, from molecular to ecological levels.

The content covers the structure and evolution of wood cell walls, their role in tree growth and durability, and how they adapt to environmental stress. Students will explore tree breeding techniques, such as clonal propagation and phenotypic-based breeding, as well as modern breeding methods like genetic engineering. The course also addresses local adaptation mechanisms in trees, including genetic diversity’s role in enhancing resilience to environmental challenges.

Furthermore, the course examines the evolution of tree cell walls, linking this knowledge to wood formation and how it relates to various species' ecological and structural adaptations. Students will learn to apply these principles to forestry, particularly in improving wood quality and sustainability through breeding strategies.

Teaching formats

To enhance learning and foster discussion, the course employs a variety of methods:

The course is delivered through lectures, excursion, laborations, independent literature reviews, and group discussions focused on scientific articles. Excursion/visits, where students observe real-world breeding programs. The excursion and laborations are mandatory.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies

• Analytical ability: Students will develop skills in analyzing biological and genetic data related to wood cell development and tree breeding techniques, making evidence-based conclusions.
• Problem-solving: Through practical and theoretical exercises, students will enhance their ability to solve problems related to tree breeding, wood cell structure, and adaptation to environmental challenges.
• Communication: Students will improve their communication skills by presenting research findings in both written reports and group discussions, fostering clear, scientific expression.
• Collaboration: Group projects will promote teamwork, with students learning to collaborate on breeding strategies and case studies.
• Independent learning: The course encourages self-study, reflection, and critical thinking, which will empower students to work independently on advanced tree breeding and wood development topics.

The following components are mandatory

The laborations and excursion.

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 examination, approved written assignments, and completed mandatory components.

• 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 Genetics and Plant Physiology

Cooperating departments: