Overview

A two-week field course to an environmentally diverse area. This will alternate between various countries endowed with tropical forest resources, such as Uganda, Ghana and others, in collaboration with host country organisations and universities.
Students may visit a variety of sites which demonstrate a range of natural and managed vegetation, and a range of conservation and sustainability issues. Some of these may involve meeting and discussion with local experts. In the second week, students may work in small teams on a project developed in discussion with fellow students and staff.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grades C- to C+:Basic knowledge of subject and ability to write descriptive accounts.Basic knowledge of the key topics covered in the Study Tour. A basic multidisciplinary approach to a range of issues. Ability to contribute constructively to debate, ability to write reports, peer review the work of others and work effectively as part of a team in the execution of a small research project.Structured, accurate and relevant description. Some quantification and basic level of critical evaluation expected.

-good -Grades B- to B+:Sound knowledge of subject and ability to write descriptive accounts of the key topics covered in the Study Tour.A sound multidisciplinary approach to a range of issues. Ability to contribute constructively to debate, ability to write well-argued reports, peer review the work of others and work effectively as part of a team in the execution of a small research project.Structured, accurate and relevant description. Detailed quantification and sound level of critical evaluation expected.

-excellent -Grades A- to A**:Sound knowledge of subject and ability to pull together various elements of the course material and other material succinctly and perceptively. Evidence of substantive background reading. Lively, frequent and pertinent contributions to group discussions. Ability to write perceptive and well-argued reports, peer review the work of others in a critical and constructive manner, and work very effectively as part of a team in the execution of a small research project.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to collaborate with others in order to produce a research report formatted according to the requirements of a peer-review journal.

• Ability to conduct primary and / or secondary research in a tropical forestry context, both individually and as part of a group effort.

• Ability to draft a research concept note remotely and peer review the research ideas of others.

• Capacity to critically examine and discuss online a range of scientific and non-scientific literature relevant to a specific country and / or specific topic areas relating to tropical forestry..