Last modified: 06 Aug 2020 12:30
Lectures and practical sessions provide an integrated learning experience that will provide you with core competencies that are essential for professional accreditation in forestry.
Through practical sessions in a local forest you will develop forest measurement skills; in computer-based sessions you will learn to process, analyse and interpret field data.
Visits to an active harvesting site and a local sawmill allow you to experience these operations first hand and benefit from discussions with professionals at these sites.
Coursework requires you to write professional style reports such as those used in the forestry sector and present a topic chosen by you.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Course Aim
to provide a sound understanding of how timber harvesting is planned and carried out, including the measurement and forecasting of timber harvests, and how timber is used, including its use as a source of energy
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course the students should:
1. understand the principles of tree and forest measurement
2. be able to measure individual trees, logs and tree crops
3. be able to forecast crop growth and yield of timber from thinnings and clear fells
4. be able to carry out simple inventories of forests
5. understand timber harvesting systems
6. be aware of the wide uses of timber
7. be aware of timber certification schemes
Course Content
This course looks at wood as a natural resource: how it is measured, harvested and used. Students will learn how timber volumes are measured in the field, both using standard procedures (such as those developed by the GB Forestry Commission) and also from first principles which is often necessary in more remote parts of the world. Students will also learn about efforts to develop techniques of sustainable timber harvesting with minimal negative environmental impacts, in both the tropic and in temperate forests, and why best practice is not always followed. Practical sessions in a local forest will enable students to develop forest measurement skills and visits to an active harvesting site and a local sawmill will enable students to experience these operations first hand and discuss them with the people in charge.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
Forest mensuration practical (30%)
2 written reports on visits to harvesting site and sawmill (15% each)
Written assignment on harvesting and timber utilization (40%)
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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