| Responsible Department | Forest & Landscape | ||||||||||||||||
| Earliest Possible Year | BSc. 2 year to MSc. 2 year | ||||||||||||||||
| Duration | One block | ||||||||||||||||
| Credits | 7.5 (ECTS) | ||||||||||||||||
| Level of Course | Joint BSc and MSc | ||||||||||||||||
| Examination | Final Examination oral examination Some Aid allowed English-native dictionary and own project reports allowed Description of Examination: Questions will refer to curriculum as well as project report or mindmaps submitted during the course Weight: Weight oral examination = 100% 7-point scale, internal examiner | ||||||||||||||||
| Requirement for Attending Exam | Course section reports/mind maps must be submitted after each section. Students must successfully complete at least 75% in order to participate in the exam. | ||||||||||||||||
| Organisation of Teaching | The course runs every year. Lectures, excursions, exercises, mind map construction, project work in groups. | ||||||||||||||||
| Block Placement | Block 1 Week Structure: B | ||||||||||||||||
| Language of Instruction | English | ||||||||||||||||
| Restrictions | Max 40 participants | ||||||||||||||||
| Course Content | |||||||||||||||||
| The main objective of the course is to provide a biological understanding of trees as living systems. Focus is on tree proporties and tree ecology of importance for propagation, establishment, and growth of trees. The topics include: tree architecture, biomass allocation, tree crown and root system functionality; phenology and dormancy; maturity and aging, adaptive traits and reactions towards environmental challenges such as frost, drought, fire, wind, snow, inundation. These topics are discussed in relation to cultural practises and uses. The course will refer to practical tasks such as nursery plant production, establishment of plantings, thinning, pruning, and felling, management related to water balance and environmental stresses, and social stability of stands. Knowledge is conveyed within the fields of basic tree anatomy and physiology, growth patterns and tree architecture, adaptations and reactions towards stress factors, the mechanical and physiological challenges of a large plant body, phenology and seasonal cues, ageing and rejuvenation, competition within and among species Skills: Participants will train the skills of assessing growth and growth patterns, evaluate nursery stock quality, propagation methods, and establishment success in stands and solitary plantings, detect signs of ageing and poor health, and on this basis make informed decisions and actions in relation to tree management. Competences: Through this course, students will be introduced to both basic and applied aspects of tree biology. The topics cover the life-span from propagation and establishment through competitive regulation during maturity to natural or anthropogenic degeneration of the tree. Students will also be provided with a basic knowledge of the role of trees in relation to other life forms, local climate and environment. Competences obtained within basic science: A comprehensive basic knowledge about autecological and ecophysiological tree biology. Competences obtained within applied science: The students will gain knowledge pertaining to growing and using trees and train the ability to practically apply this knowledge. Competences obtained within Ethics and Values: Responsibilities of tree managers in relation to global challenges, sustainability and safety are discussed during the course. Subjects of the course are within basic science and technology/production. In preparation or succession of this course we recommend related courses in silviculture, tree patology, wood technology, and agroforestry. | |||||||||||||||||
| Teaching and learning Methods | |||||||||||||||||
| The course contains lectures, theoretical and practical excersises, excursions, and independent study in small groups. Mind-maps are used to visualize, improve understanding and enhance learning. Working groups must produce section reports during the course. | |||||||||||||||||
| Learning Outcome | |||||||||||||||||
| Woody plants dominate most vegetations on earth, and provide microclimate, habitats, and ressources for a profusion of other life forms, including humans. Direct tree products include timber, fibre, biomass, fruit, and secondary substances with innumerable economical uses. The course is directed towards future tree managers in forest and plantations, parks and urban forest, woody plant producers and biologists with particular interest in woody plants. Irrespective of the purpose for growing trees, priority is on good establishment, good growth and health, and high stress tolerance. The course aims at improved quality and economy of tree growing by providing basic understanding of tree biology in relation to natural environments and cultural practises. | |||||||||||||||||
| Course Literature | |||||||||||||||||
| A compendium will be available at the LIFE book store, from 30/8 2010. | |||||||||||||||||
| Course Coordinator | |||||||||||||||||
| Hanne Nina Rasmussen, hnr@life.ku.dk, Forest & Landscape Denmark/Forestry and wood products, Phone: 353-31703 Anders Ræbild, are@life.ku.dk, Forest & Landscape Denmark/Arboretum, Phone: 353-31619 | |||||||||||||||||
| Study Board | |||||||||||||||||
| Study Committee NSN | |||||||||||||||||
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