Course code SKOG304

SKOG304 Forest Ecology

Norsk emneinformasjon

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Showing course contents for the educational year 2022 - 2023 .

Course responsible: Line Nybakken, Bo Johan Asplund
Teachers: Claire Céline Devos, Rieke Lo Madsen, Gustaf Mikael Olsson
ECTS credits: 10
Faculty: Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management
Teaching language: EN, NO
(NO=norsk, EN=Engelsk)
Limits of class size:
40
Teaching exam periods:
This course starts in the Spring parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in the Spring parallel
Course frequency: Annually
First time: Study year 2022-2023
Preferential right:

1. M-SF

2. M-ECOL and M-NF

Then, students with the most relevant background will be prioritised. 

Course contents:
The course should give the students insights on how human activity affects processes and structures in boreal forest ecosystems. We focus on biodiversity, ecological processes, and carbon sequestration. The course deals with the following themes: Tree species ranges, treeline dynamics, mycorrhizal ecology, decomposition and plant-soil feedbacks, nitrogen - limitation and fertilization, disturbance dynamics, forest history, fire ecology, mixed-species forests, forest management effects on ecology and chemical ecology.
Learning outcome:

A candidate who has completed the qualification will gain the following:

Knowledge:

  • Good knowledge of the research frontier of topical themes within forest ecology.
  • In-depth knowledge of forest ecosystem's structure and functioning.
  • Good understanding of research methods.

Skills:

  • Ability to synthesize, acquire and use information from scientific publications, and ability to communicate these findings orally.
  • Good skills in using scientific terminology and to understand research methods as well as being able to interpret results.

General competence:

  • Ability to communicate research questions, analyses and conclusions relevant for forest ecology.
  • Ability to critically relate to research methods, conclusions and statements within the field.
Learning activities:
Lectures to introduce different aspects of forest ecology, seminars and group-discussions where the teacher is present, independent reading, and independent work in the form of writing reports on original scientific publications.
Teaching support:
The candidates' learning can be supported through academic guidance during the teacher's office hours.
Syllabus:
Recent original scientific publications (22 articles in total).
Prerequisites:
ECOL100, SKOG100/102
Recommended prerequisites:
SKOG200, ECOL200, BOT130
Mandatory activity:
Oral presentation of scientific original publications and written reports.
Assessment:

Total assessment:

  • Oral examination (approx. 30 minutes) counts 70 %.
  • A portfolio of 10 written reports in the form of answers to questions related to original scientific publications, counts 30%.

All of the evaluated elements in the course must be passed to pass the course.

Nominal workload:
Approximately 250 hours.
Entrance requirements:
Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)
Reduction of credits:
10 credits overlap with SKS300 (previous version).
Type of course:
Lectures: 10 hours. Seminars: 20 hours. Preparation for presentations, seminars and exam.
Examiner:
Quality assurance of the course by the use of an external examiner with good knowledge of the level of the subject at national as well as international teaching institutions.
Examination details: Combined assessment: Letter grades