FORESTRY

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr L Page

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Strongly recommended course for all students with a degree intention in Forestry or Forest Science. Open to students with degree intentions in other (mostly, SBS-coordinated) programmes. This course is only available to students from the School of Biological Sciences, with a preference to those students for whom it is strongly recommended for their degree.

Overview

Students are instructed in tree identification skills, basic techniques in forest mensuration and approaches to forest management. These aspects are taught in the context of field excursion to forest sites in NE Scotland, with further study in the Cruickshank Arboretum.

Structure

Four days of field excursion to local forest sites plus one day of field study in the Cruickshank Arboretum.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Students are assessed on tree identification and mensuration techniques; submission of a written report on field work.

Resit: Retake course.

Formative Assessment

Continuous discourse amongst students and academic staff ensures enhanced skills in tree identification, forest mensuration and management.

Feedback

Verbal feedback is provided on all components of assessment during the field trip; written feedback is provided on short written reports.

Credit Points

Course Coordinator

Dr L Page

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

This course is open to students in Programme Year 2 or 3 with a degree intention in a programme run by the School of Biological Sciences. Priority will be given to students for whom it is compulsory for their degree (ie, Forestry and Forest Sciences).

Overview

The course comprises visits to forests (including ancient semi-natural woodlands) in both the public and private sectors in the north of Britain. Students will meet those responsible for managing these forests and will have the opportunity of discussing forest management objectives in environmental, social and economic contexts. Students will carry out exercises relating to forest ecology and management. Topics covered include those relating to forest ecology and tree identification, woodland creation, restoration and management (for environmental protection and conservation, recreation and timber production) and arboriculture.

Structure

One week residential field course during Easter vacation in either Scotland or England (alternate years).

Assessment

1st Attempt: Coursework (100%). Tree identification test (33%), factual report (2,000 words) on visits made and exercises undertaken (33%), and written reflection (2,000 words) on the week as a whole (33%).

Resit: Coursework (100%). Report (2,000 words) on visits made and exercised undertaken (50%), and written reflection (2,000 words) on the week as a whole (50%).

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be provided during interactions between students and the tutor during site visits and group discussions held after the site visits.

Feedback

Written feedback will be provided on the reports; verbal feedback will be provided informally during discussions held within the week long field course.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Cameron

Pre-requisites

Open to 3rd year students enrolled in a degree programme administered by the School of Biological Sciences.

Co-requisites

None

Overview

This course considers the scientific basis of establishing, maintaining, thinning and regenerating forests within the limits of soils, topography and climate. We will examine forest structure and sites, species choice, production of forest trees, natural regeneration, forest nutrition, sustainability, thinning and stand stability, wood quality, mixed-species forests, silvicultural systems and irregular sulviculture. The relationship between Silviculture and Forest Management is emphasised.

Structure

Six week course in first half session (weeks 18-23). Eight 1-hour sessions per week and a half-day field trip. Typically, 6 1-hour lectures per week plus 2 1-hour discussions or tutorials. Total contact hours: 50 hours.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Assessment is based on one 3-hour written examination. Four questions out of 8 (80% of overall mark) and one essay (20% of overall mark).

Resit: One 3-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be provided during this interaction and during student-led discussions and tutor-led tutorials.
A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during seminar and workshop sessions.

Feedback

Feedback will be given by staff to students regarding their participation in discussions and tutorials and their appreciation of course content.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr L Page

Pre-requisites

Acceptance to an Honours programme in a degree administered by the School of Biological Sciences.

Co-requisites

None

Overview

The course covers the various properties of wood (timber), how it is harvested and its different end uses, including woodfuel.

Structure

The course is taught over six weeks in the second half of the first semester.

Four 2 hour classroom sessions per week. These will usually be an informal lecture, but will also include discussions and student presentations. There will also be two field visits. Total contact hours: 48 hours. Lectures/discussions/presentations and 12 h field trips; in total 60 hours.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 2 hour examination (60%)
Coursework (40%), composed of an essay 2000-3000 words (20%), a presentation (8%), two reports on field visits max 1000 words each (6% each).

Resit: One 2 hour examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be provided during this interaction and during student-led discussions and tutor-led tutorials.
A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during seminar and workshop sessions.

Feedback

Students receive informal feedback during class discussions, presentations and field visits from teaching staff. Formal feedback is provided on coursework.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr L Page

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in programme year 3 or above in a degree programme administered by the School of Biological Sciences.

Co-requisites

None

Notes

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Overview

This course is designed to give an understanding of the measurement of single trees and tree crops, forecasting of yield from thinnings and clear fells (including yield regulation), methods of inventory of forests, and the application of remote sensing in inventories. The application of geographical information systems (GIS) in forest planning.

Structure

The course runs over six weeks, and meets for 3 one-hour lectures per week and 5 field visits of 3 hours each; total contact time approximately 36 hours; Thread 2, weeks 30-35.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (80%) and submission of practical reports (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during practicals, field trips and discussions.

Feedback

Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments. Students who are identified as having difficulty in successfully completing the coursework assessment tasks will be invited to meet members of the course team to identify difficulties and discuss solutions.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr L Page

Pre-requisites

Acceptance to an Honours programme administered by the School of Biological Sciences.

Co-requisites

None

Overview

This course provides an introduction to forest planning. It will include forest management plans, yield regulation, forest normality, transformation, forest design, financial appraisal, introduction to forest protection.

Structure

3 two-hour sessions in the classroom per week which will be used for lectures, discussions, presentations, or tutorials.
2 all day field trips and 4 classroom based practicals (four hour sessions).

Total contact hours: 68 hours (36 hours classroom; 16 hours practicals; 16 h field trips).

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 2 hour written examination (60%) coursework (40%), composed of a forestry database exercise (8%), a financial appraisal exercise (10%), a forest visit report 1000 words (10%) and a yield control exercise (12%).

Resit: One 2 hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be provided during this interaction and during student-led discussions and tutor-led tutorials.
A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during seminar and workshop sessions.

Feedback

Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments. Groups will also be given generic feedback.

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr L Page

Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Notes

This course is open to students in year 2 or year 3 with a degree intention in a programme run by the School of Biological Sciences. Priority will be given to students for whom it is compulsory for their degree (i.e., Forestry and Forest Sciences).

Overview

The course comprises visits to forests (including ancient semi-natural woodlands) in both the public and private sectors in the north of Britain. Students will meet those responsible for managing these forests and will have the opportunity of discussing forest management objectives in environmental, social and economic contexts. Students will carry out exercises relating to forest ecology and management. Topics covered include those relating to forest ecology and tree identification, woodland creation, restoration and management (for environmental protection and conservation, recreation and timber production) and arboriculture.

Structure

One week residential field course during easter vacation in either Scotland or England (alternate years).

Assessment

1st Attempt: Coursework (100%). Tree identification test (20%), critical report (2000 words) on visits made and exercises undertaken (40%), and written reflection (2000 words) on the week as a whole (40%).

Resit: Coursework (100%). Critical report (2000 words) on visits made and exercises undertaken (50%), and written reflection (2000 words) on the week as a whole (50%).

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be provided during interactions between students and the tutor during site visits and group discussions held after the site visits.

Feedback

Written feedback will be provided on the reports; verbal feedback will be provided informally during discussions held within the weeklong field course.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A Cameron

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for Honours in Forestry or Forest Sciences.

Co-requisites

None

Overview

Forest management plans are a central feature of forest management. They define the objectives of management for a forest or part of a forest, and set out a programme of activities for a fixed period of time, usually five years. Forest management plans comprise long and short term management objectives, description of the forest, overview of past management practices, the planning structure and management prescriptions to be adopted, prescriptions for environment and protection and a financial forecast for the plan period.

Structure

After a short introductory classroom session, teaching is entirely field based during two weeks forest field work where the students collect and log their data as groups. Once the field work is completed there is a two hour discussion with instruction on completing the management plan. This is followed by a six week writing up period where the collated data from all groups are available to each student working independently to complete the management plan. Students write up on their own, but are required to meet the course coordinator at least once a week to check on progress.

Total contact hours 90.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 100% coursework (a management plan).

Resit: Resubmission of coursework (a management plan) 100%.

Formative Assessment

A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during discussion and tutorial sessions.

Feedback

There is a two hour long feedback session when the students can see their plans complete with comments by the first marker. These are discussed both within the class setting and at the individual level if requested.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr S Woodward

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for Honours in Forestry or Forest Sciences.

Co-requisites

None

Overview

Preparation of a thesis or a dissertation based on guided research work or reading carried out by the student. The subject of the project should be relevant to the students intending specialisation.

Structure

Independent work although meetings with supervisors are expected to be held regularly during the project development, implementation and write-up. At the end of the project period students are expected to attend a 3 hr session where all students make an oral presentation of their work.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Written project 10,000-12,000 words (90%) and oral presentation (10%).

Resit: Resubmission of written project 10,000-12,000 words (100%).

Formative Assessment

Students will get informal feedback from project supervisor during meetings and through feedback on project proposals. In addition, students will get written feedback on a draft of their project prior to submission.

Feedback

Students receive verbal feedback from their supervisors that summarizes strengths and weaknesses after the projects are marked

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr S Woodward

Pre-requisites

Acceptance on to a School of Biological Sciences Honours programme.

Co-requisites

None

Notes

This course will run in alternate years with FY 4526; will next run in 2014-2015.

Overview

• Trees and the law.


• Trees in relation to buildings.


• Planting trees on derelict land.


• Urban tree surveys and reporting.


• Trees for amenity and recreation.


• Urban forests.


• Urban ecology.


• Recognition of hazardous trees.

Structure

30 hours of lectures, typically as 3 sessions per week over a six week block, Thread 1, weeks 30-35.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (50%) and written exam (50%). Continous assessment comprises two tree reports (2,500 words total), two valuations (1,500 words total), and a 2,500 word essay.

Resit: Written exam (100%).

Formative Assessment

A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during seminar and workshop sessions.

Feedback

Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments. Groups will also be given generic feedback.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr S Woodward

Pre-requisites

Acceptance on to a School of Biological Sciences Honours programme.

Co-requisites

None

Notes

This course will run in alternate years with FY 4524; will run in 2013-2014.

Overview

• Importance of abiotic factors, pathogens and pests in forests.


• Ecology and epidemiology.


• Management and control.


• Tree defences against pests and pathogens.

Students will prepare two case studies focused on a selected pest and disease problems to give an appreciation of the diversity of abiotic and biotic problems faced by the manager.

Structure

Typically 8 hours of lectures per week, total contact hours = 48 hours; Thread 1, weeks 30-35.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (50%) comprised of two case studies (one A4 page each) and a 10 page essay and written exam (50%).

Resit: Written exam and resubmission of any failed continuous assessment.

Formative Assessment

Students receive informal feedback during class discussions and sessions where essays and case studies are planned.

Feedback

Students receive informal feedback during their oral presentations of their essays and case studies and receive formal, written feedback on all three pieces of continuous assessment.

Credit Points

7.5

Course Coordinator

Dr L Page

Pre-requisites

Accepted into an Honours programme within the School of Biological Sciences.

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Alternative activities and/or venues may be made available to meet the requirements of disabled students.

Students are required to cover the costs of travel to and from Freiburg, as well as contributing to the cost of subsistence and accommodation.

Overview

One week residential field course in continental Europe (usually based on Freiburg) to study local forests, both their ecology and management for environmental protection and conservation, recreation, rural development (including community woodlands) and timber production.

Structure

This is a residentital field course that runs from 6-8 days and is typically based in Freiburg, Germany. Each day includes a field visit with discussions. Approximate contact time is 70 hours. It is timetabled during the spring term break but the exact dates vary from year to year.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Written Report (70%) and Participation (30%). Written report, two parts, equally weighted, a short reflective essay on the week as a whole (approx 500 words, 35%) and a detailed report on one of the site visits (approx 1,000 words, 35%).

Resit: Resubmission of written report (100%).

Formative Assessment

Informal feedback is provided during the field visits and in the formal and informal discussions of the visits.

Feedback

Students receive written feedback on their individual reports.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A Cameron

Pre-requisites

Acceptance onto an Honours Programme in Forestry or Forest Sciences, or permission by Course Coordinator.

Co-requisites

None

Overview

The course deals with current issues of relevance in forestry world-wide. A seminar-discussion format will be used in which students prepare material on the chosen topics for presentation and discussion.

Structure

The class meets for three 2 hour sessions each week over six weeks; class sessions are used for lectures, discussions and presentations. Total contact time is approximately 36 hours.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination. (50%) Continuous assessment: one essay of 1500 words (15%), one presentation (15%) and review article (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during discussions, presentations and tutorials.

Feedback

Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments.