Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0071 Forest - use and values, 7.5 Credits

Skog - nyttjande och värden

Subjects

Forestry Science 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 first-cycle studies and

Biology 2, or Biology B

or equivalent knowledge

Objectives

This course introduces the concepts of forest ecological, social and economic values and aims to provide basic understanding to enable discussions regarding the sustainable management of forest resources. Practical course activities focus on methods and measurements to describe and assess forest stands, vegetation and how forests can be managed based on different user perspectives and societal goals.

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

• use basic terminology including measurements, units and measures of relevance for contemporary forestry as well as regarding the supply of forest ecosystem services in a wider context
• provide an overview of Sweden's forest resources, forest conditions, and forest resource management
• account for the various forest values with an outlook towards international and historical conditions
• provide an overview of different forest management systems, silvicultural methods, and operations
• briefly discuss multiple perspectives on sustainable forest management
• describe and discuss the concept of sustainable development, from social, economic, and environmental dimensions, and relate it to forest policy issues
• provide an overview of the laws regulating Swedish forestry
• discuss the forestry sectors’ relation to the society at large, including different stake holder claims
• gather elementary tree and forest stand data in the field, perform basic calculations and assess the reliability of the result
• identify and name characteristic species of ground flora, along with a selection of native and introduced tree species in Sweden, and provide an overview of their growth conditions, ecology, and the classification of vegetation into forest type
• briefly account for factors that determine wood raw material properties and utilization
• use basic digital map applications and recognize the use of geographic information systems for natural resource management and environmental monitoring

Content

The course introduces the ecological, social, and economic values of forests and provides fundamental knowledge to participate in discussions about the sustainable use of forest resources. This includes basic terminology and methods for describing vegetation, trees, stands, and forest landscapes, as well as forest ecosystem services. The course offers insight into Sweden's forest resources, forest history, and forestry from different user perspectives, with an outlook on the rest of the world.

Through teacher-led field exercises, students develop the ability to collect basic measurement data at the tree and stand levels, identify characteristic species of ground flora and a selection of tree species as well as describing their growth conditions, ecology, and classification into forest types. During excursions, forest management systems, silvicultural methods and operations as well as sustainable forestry are introduced and discussed.

Sustainable development is introduced with a particular focus on its application within the forest sector. Students gain knowledge about the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability and how these affect forest policy issues. The course provides an overview of different perspectives on sustainable forest management, its connection to ecosystem services, and introduces global and national sustainability goals. Additionally, the course offers an overview of the foundations of Swedish forest policy, focusing on the laws and regulations that govern forestry.

The teaching is based on lectures, literature studies, teacher-led field exercises, excursions, guest lectures, oral presentation, and written assignments. Activities may be individual or conducted in groups. Teacher-led field exercises and excursions are essential components of the course. Mandatory activities during the course consist of teacher-led field exercises, excursions, and oral presentations. Critical thinking is practiced through lectures and group exercises based on scenario analysis.

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 written exam

- Passed practical test

- Approved oral presentation

- Approved participation in 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.

Responsible department

Department of Forest ecology and Management

Cooperating departments: