Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0070 Tree and forest health, 7.5 Credits

Träd- och skogshälsa

Subjects

Forestry Science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

General entry requirements for first-cycle studies, and knowledge equivalent to:


- 15 credits forestry science or
- 15 credits forest sciences or
- 15 credits biology or
- 15 credits environmental science or
- 15 credits landscape architecture or
- 15 credits agricultural science or
- 15 credits natural resource management

Specific entry requirement also requires English 6 or equivalent. As the language of instruction is English, the Swedish language general entry requirement may not apply.

Objectives

The course aims to give students basic knowledge about biotic and abiotic agents affecting individual tree and forest ecosystem health, including damage caused by insects, pathogens, and other environmental stressors. The course emphasizes the ecological roles of disturbance agents and how they can affect the economic and ecological sustainability of forests.

After completing the course, the student will be able to

• diagnose common tree damages and identify commom damaging agents
• link and apply conceptual knowledge on integrated pest management to forested landscapes for current and future pests and pathogens
• communicate and discuss topics related to forest ecosystem health using relevant terminology and scientific concepts
• write a synthesis based on the biology, etiology, epidemiology and management of native and exotic pests and pathogens in forests.

Content

In the course you will learn how to collect samples to identify damage using different diagnostic keys and methods, what modern tools and techniques are available for detection and monitoring, and mitigation and management options to promote better health and resilience in urban and rural forests. The course includes at least one field trip to visit relevant insect and disease infestations in urban and forest environments with practical field exercises aimed at diagnosing and estimating potential ecological and economical losses.

The course contains lectures, at least one field trip and practical exercises and laboratory demonstrations, group and individual assignments (written and practical including a damage collection), discussions and seminars. Lectures and demonstrations will be conducted with scientific experts working with different damage types and with practitioners in plant protection (i.e. tree nurseries, city arborists, authorities, forest managers). Field excursion(s) will focus on recognition and diagnoses of different biotic agents (native and exotic) and abiotic stressors on important trees in urban and rural settings. Laboratory demonstrations will focus on diagnostics using both conventional and modern, molecular techniques for identification. Individual and group work including written and practical assignments 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

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.

Passed written exam and approved compulsory 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.

Additional information

SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage [www.slu.se]().

Responsible department

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre

Cooperating departments: