Print Syllabus

Syllabus

P000021 Forest damage – Incidence and causation , 3.5 Credits

Subjects

Biology / Forest management

Education cycle

Postgraduate level

Grading scale

Prior knowledge

The course is intended for PhD students within and outside SLU and from a variety of relevant disciplines. Master’s in forestry, biology, geography, environmental sciences, and related fields is required. Knowledge of English is important to be able to read material, contribute to discussions and complete written assignments.

Objectives

The objective of the course is to provide the students with a basic understanding of the biology and ecology of forest damage agents as well as their risks and effects.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the students will be able to:

• Recognize different forest damage, symptoms, and damage agents
• Diagnose common forest pests and pathogens.
• Understand the ecology of forest pests and pathogens.
• Discuss topics related to forest ecosystem health.
• Discuss different risk factors related to forest health.

Content

The course provide practical experience from recognizes symptoms of forest damage. In addition, diagnose common pest and pathogens will be part of the course. During the study week lectures on population biology and population genetics, as well as morphological and molecular identification of species will be given.

A digital journal club will provide students with knowledge on basic concepts related to forest health and prepare them for the on-site study week. Basic literature and scientific papers will be read and discussed. During the study week, lectures on wildlife ecology and forest damage, forest pests and pathogens, and abiotic forest damage will be given.

Formats and requirements for examination

Examination is conducted through assessment of active participation in the course’s journal club, seminar discussions and oral presentation. Attendance during on-site studies is mandatory.

Additional information

**Pedagogical form**

The pedagogical method used during the course will be oriented towards creating a stimulating learning environment for students with diverse background in environmental sciences. Students will be expected to follow the pre-course journal clubs with weekly meetings and discussions of scientific literature in relevant topics selected by the teachers. Each student is expected to present and lead the discussion at least once. The journal club will be followed by a 1 week of on-site studies. including lectures, seminar, group discussions, and presentations as well as an excursion.

**Time table**

The total course time is estimated at 90 hours with 40 hours for the pre-course journal club and 40 hours for the on-site part. Journal club meetings 12 hours and 28 hours self-studies of scientific literature and preparation. Lectures 20 hours, excursion 8 hours, and 12 hours presentations, seminar, and group discussions.

**Forest damage - Incidence and causation; Spring 2023**

March to April pre-course journal club (8 occasions)

On-site course May 2023 (1 week; Monday to Friday)

Day 1, Presentation of course content and participants. Introduction to forest health. Biotic and abiotic forest damage. Morphological and molecular detection of species.

Day 2, Forest and wildlife ecology and forest damage. Population biology and population genetics.

Day 3, Seminar. Interaction of multiple damaging agents. Excursion, symptom and morphological diagnosis

Day 4, Student presentations. Examples from research

Day 5, Lecture until lunch

Responsible department

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology