Overview

We explore the unique characteristics of trees in the urban environment. The module begins with an introduction into the relationships between cities and trees by providing a historical overview and classifying the different types of urban forestry. We will then look into the different disciplines related to urban forestry, such as ecosystem services and wellbeing. Before moving on to different tools and techniques that can be used to measure and evaluate urban forestry, as well as looking at management aspects. The module also has guest speakers from the field and provides insights through case studies. In the final unit, we will consider how all the above knowledge can be used to design future cities, addressing issues of retrofitting old cities and designing new sustainable cities.

Summary of course content: - Historical overview of the relationships between trees and cities - Classification of types of urban green - Urban ecology and ecosystem services - Urban green and wellbeing - Urban forestry management and planning - Future cities

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -- Student is able to identify and describe some types of urban forestry and their ecosystem services. - Student shows some ability to dissect the complexities of the urban environment and can identify some stakeholders in the development of green cities, but not all.- Student is able to evaluate some key interactions between people, plants and cities, whether they are ecological, socio-economical or psychological. - Student is able to identify some urban forestry governance issues, might be able to compare cases and propose solutions in order to design more sustainable cities. -good -- Student is able to identify and describe most types of urban forestry and their ecosystem services. - Student is able to dissect the complexities of the urban environment and can identify the different stakeholders in the development of green cities, with a few missing ones or inaccuracies.- Student is able to evaluate key interactions between people, plants and cities, whether they are ecological, socio-economical or psychological, but with some missing ones or inaccuracies. - Student is able to identify urban forestry governance issues, compare cases and propose solutions in order to design more sustainable cities, but with some missing elements or inaccuracies. -excellent -- Student is able to identify and describe different types of urban forestry and their ecosystem services. - Student show great understanding of and the abilty to dissect the complexities of the urban environment and can identify the different stakeholders in the development of green cities.- Student is able to evaluate key interactions between people, plants and cities, whether they are ecological, socio-economical or psychological. - Student is able to identify urban forestry governance issues, compare cases and propose solutions in order to design more sustainable cities.