Forest Ecology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course covers the abiotic and biotic conditions for forest regeneration, growth and dynamics. Focus is on boreal forests in Scandinavia, but also temperate and tropical forests is addressed. The course is divided into the following parts:

Part 1, Forest Ecological Theory, 9 credits
This part aims to provide a deeper understanding of the functional relationships between soil, climate, flora and fauna in the forest ecosystem. To facilitate understanding forest distribution along gradients of nutrient availability, soil moisture, noise level, climate and geographical location are studied. This part is divided into the following sections.

Vegetation Ecology 3 credits. The purpose is to provide in-depth knowledge of the forest vegetation structure and function as well as its variation in time and space. The section covers the forest, degradation, dislocations (especially forest fire) role, succession, postglacial development, tree species ecology, forest types, vegetation and epiphytes. Particular emphasis is placed on differences between natural and cultural forests and restoration of forest ecosystems based on natural variation.

Abiotic factors and interactions, 3 credits. The section includes soil science and meteorology. In soil science, basic soil factors importance for forests and ground vegetations composition and growth is studied. This includes geology, hydrology, soil physics, soil chemistry, soils, decomposition, nitrogen dynamics and effects of forestry measures and other environmental impacts on soil ecosystem. In meteorology climatic factors impact on forest growth, dynamics and damage are studied. Forest meteorology concepts and methods presented. The energy exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere is treated as micro-meteorological processes in forest terrain.

Biotic factors and interactions 3 credits. The section includes forest animal ecology, entomology, and mycology. Zoo ecology includes fauna composition, adjustments to the northern climate and the impact on forest structure and function, including their role as disturbance factors and pests. Entomology treats insect role in forest ecosystems, forests insectss nutrition and population biology, important insect pests, invasive species and wildlife management. Mycology treats fungal function of forest, fungus groups nutritional strategies and dissemination biology, decomposers, parasitic fungi, mycorrhizae, important fungi, lichen, indicator species and nature conservation.

Part 2, Excursions in the boreal forest, 3 credits
This part aims at a deeper understanding of the relationships between soil, climate, regeneration, production, disturbances, flora and fauna in boreal forests. It includes a multi-day excursion to the typical examples of natural and managed forests on different types of soils and with different disturbance regime. Particular focus is placed on understanding the importance of forest fire and to highlight forest trees and other functionally important species role in the forest ecosystem. Examples are shown of how forest management affects biodiversity and on indicator and red-listed species. During excursions methods of forest inventory methods and species identification of plants are demonstrated and practiced. Field experiments with current forest ecological research is being visited.

Module 3 Field Projects, 3 credits
The project conducted a field study to answer an ecological issue regarding relationships between soil conditions, forest structure, vegetation and animal populations. This includes planning, literature search, collection of field data, processing, compilation, critical analysis and evaluation of the results obtained. The project is presented both orally and in writing, designed as a script written in English for a scientific journal.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student shall be able to:
• Describe and explain the factors and processes (especially disturbance regimes) that regulates the forest vegetation structure and function as well as its variation in time and space.
• Describe and explain the interactions between soil factors, meteorological factors and forest production and dynamics.
• Describe and explain the interactions between biotic factors (animals, fungi) and forest structure and function.
• Apply common methods for inventorying forest and woodland vegetation.
• Plan, implement, process, compile, critically analyze and evaluate the results obtained from a forest ecological field inventory and to report the results in writing and orally.
• Describe the methods of forest ecological research.
• Critically review and analyze scientific papers in forest ecology.

Required Knowledge

120 ECTS credits including 60 ECTS in Biology of which 15 ECTS in Ecology or 60 ECTS Earth science/physical geography and 15 ECTS in ecology, or equivalent knowledge. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section).

Form of instruction

The course consists of lectures, demonstrations, evaluation of scientific articles, field trips and project work. Instruction is in English.

Examination modes

Excursion and field exercises are mandatory. They are examined through presentation directly in the forest. Gradings given are Fail or Pass. The project work is assessed through a written report designed as a scientific paper and oral presentation. Gradings given are Fail or Pass. Theory course ends with a written examinationt in three parts in which the associated ESO examined. To pass the theory moment, passed on all parts: vegetation ecology, abiotic and biotic factors are rquired. Gradess given on the theory of parte, and the entire course is Fail, Pass and Pass with distinction.

Students who have failed, have the right to take a reaxamination. Those who passed the examination may not retake the examination for the higher grade. A student who has failed two tests for a course or part of a course, is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons to the contrary (HEO Chapter 6. § 22). Requests for new examiners is sent to the ​​head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science.

Crediting
Credit transfers are always tried individually (See the universitys guidelines and credit-of-transfer-ordinance)