Thematic Course: Ecology and Management of Forests and other Semi-natural Terrestrial Ecosystems
Course content
Through lectures and case studies of relevant ecosystems
(e.g. forests, heath lands, dunes, and mires) system and
restoration ecological aspects will be thoroughly read.
System ecology: The ecosystem concept; succession and disturbances;
biogeochemical cycling of nutrients; the hydrological cycle;
undisturbed soils; carbon sequestration and turn-over of organic
material; biodiversity; wild life ecology.
Restoration ecology: Ecological restoration of damaged ecosystems;
management effects on nutrients and water; grazing ecology and game
management; cultural/historical ecology; nature-based management of
forests and other semi-natural ecosystems, habitat conservation and
protection.
MSc Programme in Agriculture
MSc Programme in Environmental Science
MSc Programme in Forest and Nature Management
MSc Programme in Forest Ecosystems, Nature and Society
(SUFONAMA)
1) Knowledge
Demonstrate fundamental knowledge in systems ecology of forest and
relevant natural and semi natural ecosystems. Focus will be on
functionality, structure, biogeochemistry, biodiversity, hydrology,
succession, disturbance and interactions between ecosystems
Understand ecosystem processes and how they can be influenced by
management
Understand principles for ecosystem restoration
Explain key theories and methodologies for management of forests
and other semi-natural ecosystems
Explain the principles of sustainable use, protection and
stewardship of forests and other semi-natural areas
Identify possibilities/limitations in relation to human
intervention and climate change
2) Skills:
Analyse specific ecosystems – structures and processes
Apply methods for ecosystem management
Develop long-term strategies, operational targets and specific
plans for sustainable use and protection of forests and other
semi-natural ecosystems
Assess implications of human interventions and climate change on
ecosystem functioning
Analyse problems and communicate solutions in report writing
3) Competences:
Define potentials for developments of forests and other
semi-natural terrestrial ecosystems according to different
management goals
Develop and evaluate methods and plans for management
Adapt principles and select tools to implement such plans
Cooperate effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural groups
within a group project.
Transfer knowledge into operational plans
The thematic course includes lectures and interactive class room discussions, theoretical and practical exercises, and excursions. Based on the exercises and excursions mandatory reports are written. One week-long excursion goes abroad.
Relevant textbooks and selected scientific papers
Relevant bachelor degree, e.g. in Natural resources, Forest and
Landscape Engineer, Biology or Geography
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is
recommended.
- ECTS
- 15 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
Written assignmentOral examination, 25 minutesHand in of 3 reports during the course, followed by 25 minutes oral examination with 25 minutes preperation time. The students draw one question related to the curriculum and the handed in reports. The oral examination consists of examination in the drawn question, including a student presentation, and examination in the report. Part-exams are not weighted, and an overall assessment is given after the oral exam
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- External censorship
Criteria for exam assessment
Please see learning outcome.
Single subject courses (day)
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 100
- Preparation
- 212
- Excursions
- 100
- English
- 412
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- LNAK10064U
- ECTS
- 15 ECTS
- Programme level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
-
1 block
- Schedulegroup
-
A And B
- Capacity
- 40
- Studyboard
- Study Board of Natural Resources, Environment and Animal Science
Contracting department
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator
- Karsten Raulund-Rasmussen (3-7a81814f78767d3d7a843d737a)
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Courseinformation of students