Overview

World forest ecosystems, alpine, boreal and temperate forests, tropical moist and dryland forests. Forest soils, chemical and physical properties, soil formation and conservation. Carbon cycling in Forests. Forests in global carbon cycles. Nutrient cycling in forests.

This module will be taught by distance-learning in the format common to all distance-learning modules in SNS.

Module material will be supplied electronically in a module e-handbook. In addition to the module handbook material, the TALISaspire readinglist system will be used to provide guided reading materials. Further, the module will include discussion forums via Blackboard and formative self-assessments with model answers provided on submission. A substantial piece of assessment will be submitted at the end of the module and marked. Students will sit an examination at the end of the module; Students will be able to contact the module organiser by phone or email to seek guidance.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold (C) -Essay. An essay that covers the fundamentals of the chosen topic, but is based mainly on material provided during the module, shows little evidence of supplementary reading and lacks originality.Examination. Correct answers to half of the compulsory short-answer questions and satisfactory answers to the chosen essay questions.

-good -(B) Essay. A reasonably well-argued essay showing good understanding and knowledge of the chosen topic, evidence of supplementary reading, and some original thought. Examination. Correct answers to three quarters of the compulsory short-answer questions and sound technical answers to the chosen essay questions.

-excellent -(A) Essay. A very well-argued essay showing excellent understanding and depth of knowledge of the chosen topic, evidence of substantial supplementary reading, and much original thought. Examination. Correct answers to nearly all of the compulsory short-answer questions and persuasive, cogent answers to the chosen essay questions.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the extent and importance of forested ecosystems.

• Show a comprehensive understanding of soil structure, formation and conservation.

• Show a comprehensive understanding of the ecology of forest trees.

• Show a comprehensive understanding of the importance and pathways of nutrient cycling.

• Show a comprehensive understanding of the role of forests in catchment hydrology, and evaluate the hydrological implications of forest operations.

• Show a comprehensive understanding of the role of forests in global carbon budgets and discuss the implications of climate change for forested ecosystems.