[Startsidan]

Forest Damage – Incidence and causation

The objective of the course is to provide the students with a basic understanding of the biology and ecology of forest damage agents as well as their risks and effects. Learning outcomes After completing the course, the students will be able to: Recognize different forest damage, symptoms, and damage agents Diagnose common forest pests and pathogens. Understand the ecology of forest pests and pathogens. Discuss topics related to forest ecosystem health. Discuss different risk factors related to forest health.

Extent:
The total course time is estimated at 90 hours with 40 hours for the pre-course journal club and 40 hours for the on-site part. Journal club meetings 12 hours and 28 hours self-studies of scientific literature and preparation. Lectures 20 hours, excursion 8 hours, and 12 hours presentations, seminar, and group discussions. Forest damage - Incidence and causation; Spring 2023 March to April pre-course journal club (8 occasions) On-site course May 2023 (1 week; Monday to Friday) Day 1, Presentation of course content and participants. Introduction to forest health. Biotic and abiotic forest damage. Morphological and molecular detection of species. Day 2, Forest and wildlife ecology and forest damage. Population biology and population genetics. Day 3, Seminar. Interaction of multiple damaging agents. Excursion, symptom and morphological diagnosis Day 4, Student presentations. Examples from research Day 5, Lecture until lunch

Prerequisites
The course is intended for PhD students within and outside SLU and from a variety of relevant disciplines. Master’s in forestry, biology, geography, environmental sciences, and related fields is required. Knowledge of English is important to be able to read material, contribute to discussions and complete written assignments.