Module DXX-1003:
Forestry in the 21st Century

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Tim Pagella

Overall aims and purpose

This module aims to introduce students to a number of issues and concepts in forestry and equip them with an understanding of aspects which are unique to trees, rather than other plants. In the first semester the module introduces basic silvoculture and forestry skills such as site classification, tree identification and wood science. There are also a series of specialist lecturers that open up and introduce different broader aspects of forestry and forest science (such as the role of forests in climate change; global land-use systems; deforestation; history of the UK forests). These continue in the second semester, and finish with an introduction to agroforestry systems

Course content

Global Forests; Climate change; global land-use systems; deforestation; history of the UK forests; Tree Identification and Tree measurement; Silvicultural systems and characteristics; Introduction to forest practice: site classification, establishment to harvesting, and stand stability; Tree biology and growth; primary and secondary meristems; buds, bark and xylem, root structure; Wood and wood-based forest products, non-timber forest products; Wood and its cellular characteristics, an introduction, conifers and angiosperms; Forest biology; root and mycorrhizal interactions; Introduction to forest health; Basic wood science: wood properties and the effect of water on its properties

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Shows a basic knowledge of without major omissions or misunderstanding and in sufficient depth to form a coherent answer, where gradings within the D category (40-49%) would be appropriate.

good

Shows an intermediate level of understanding, competence and skill with some evidence of additional reading, where gradings within the B and C categories (50-69%) would be appropriate.

excellent

Shows and advanced and in depth knowledge with extensive use of primary and current literature resources, where gradings within the A category (70+%) would be appropriate.

Learning outcomes

  1. Evaluate the global value of trees, forests and agroforestry systems. This includes an introduction to the role that trees and woodlands play for a variety of different ecosystem functions (such as climate regulation) and the effects of deforestation, disease and other processes on these benefits.

  2. Understand the main features of silvicultural systems (including tree identification, site classification and tree and woodland mensuration practices)

  3. Introduction to basic tree biology and wood science (including key structures, growth patterns, and both positive and negative interactions with decomposer organisms )

  4. Demonstrate an understanding of wood structure, properties and processing to produce materials fit for purpose

  5. Understand the basics of tree ecology and the functions that trees can provide to ecosystems and agroecosystems

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
CLASS TEST Tree ID test

You should familiarise yourself with tree species (native and non-native, conifer and broadleaved) which are commonly grown in the UK. You will be tested on your ability to identify up to 20 tree species from their leaves, seeds and/or twigs. You will be required to a) identify specimens to species level and b) provide 2 reasons to support your identification.

 15
REPORT Species Report

You are required to write a report (worth 20% of the module marks for DXX-1003) about an individual forest tree species. The tree species you choose can be one that is used in forestry in any part of the world (tropical, temperate or boreal). It must produce wood that is used in some way by humans; firewood use alone is excluded, since all wood can be burnt (although some burn better than others).

 20
EXAM Exam

End of module exam which will assess all module learning outcomes.

 50
REPORT Site visit summary descriptions

This assessment requires you to enter basic information and summary descriptions for three different woodland and forest sites that you visit during the first few weeks of the module (Part 1). You are then required to reflect on the three different sites and write a very short report about their similarities and differences (Part 2).

 15

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

Private and guided self-study

 154
Lecture

27 x 1 hour lectures

 27
Fieldwork

13 hours in Semester 1 and 6 hours in semester 2

 19

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.

Subject specific skills

  • Recognize and apply appropriate theories and concepts from a range of disciplines.
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Engagement with current developments in the biosciences and their application.
  • Appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms.
  • Undertake field and/or laboratory studies of living systems.
  • Undertake practical work to ensure competence in basic experimental skills.
  • Collect and record data generated by a diverse range of methods.

Resources

Resource implications for students

Walking boots and waterproof clothing needed for field visits. Waterproof notebooks an advantage.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/dxx-1003.html

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module