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  Fennoscandia, but also temperate and tropical forests  are 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 forest ecosystems. To facilitate understanding the distribution of forests are studied along gradients of nutrient availability, soil moisture,  disturbance, climate and geographical location . This part is divided into the following sections.

Vegetation Ecology 3 credits. The purpose is to provide in-depth knowledge  about the structure and funtion of forest vegetation  as well as its variation in time and space. The section covers forest production, decomposition, disturbances (especially forest fire), succession, postglacial development, tree species ecology, forest types, forest floor, vegetation and epiphytes. Particular emphasis is placed on differences between natural and l managed 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  important for the composition and growt of forests and forest floor  vegetation composition and growth are studied. This includes geology, hydrology, soil physics, soil chemistry, soiltypes, decomposition, nitrogen dynamics and effects of forest managemant operations and other environmental impacts on soil ecosystems. The meteorology includes the climatic factors  affecting forest growth, dynamics and damages. Forest meteorology concepts and methods are presented. The energy exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere is treated as well as micro-meteorological processes in forest terrain.

Biotic factors and interactions 3 credits. The section includes forest animal ecology, entomology, and mycology.  Animal ecology includes the composition of fauna , adaptions to northern climates and the impact of animals on forest structure and function, including their role as disturbance factors and pests. Entomology treats the function of insects in forest ecosystems, forests and population biology, important pest insect , invasive species and conservation. Mycology treats the function of fungi in forests nutritional strategies dispersal ecology, decomposers, parasitic fungi, mycorrhizae, important pest 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 an excursion over several days to 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 about how forest management affects biodiversity and on indicator and red-listed species. During excursions methods for  forest inventory and plant identification are demonstrated and practiced. Field experiments with current forest ecological research is visited.

Module 3 Field Projects, 3 credits
Whitin the project a field study is conducted to address an ecological  problem regarding relationships between soil conditions, forest structure, forest floor 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 manuscript 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  structure and function of forest vegetation 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 forests and their woodland vegetation.
* Plan, implement, process, compile, critically analyse and evaluate the results obtained from a forest ecological field inventory and to report the results in writing and orally.
* Describe methods in forest ecological research.
* Critically review and analyse 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, excursions and project work. Instruction is in English.

Examination modes

Excursion and field exercises are mandatory. They are examined through presentation directly in the forest. Grading´s given are Fail or Pass. The project work is examined through a written report designed as a scientific paper and oral presentation. Grading´s given are Fail or Pass. The theory ends with a written examination in three parts in which associated  expected study outcome are examined. To pass the theory t, passed on all parts: vegetation ecology, abiotic and biotic factors are required. Gradess given on the theory part, and the entire course is Fail, Pass and Pass with distinction.

Students who have failed, have the right to take a rexamination. 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  are 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)