FORESTRY

Credit Points

5

Course Coordinator

Ms L M Page

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Available only to students on the BSc Forestry and BSc Forest Sciences Programmes.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to forests with particular reference to stand structures, species composition, establishment, maintenance and thinning, and forest products.
Six half-day field visits.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

5

Course Coordinator

To be appointed.

Pre-requisites

Restricted to students registered for BSc (Forestry).

Co-requisites

BI 20A2

Overview

Visits to forests, timber processing plants and treed sites, mainly based in Aberdeen but sometimes including one night away, to study forest ecology, dendrology, silviculture, arboriculture, and timber processing.
4½ days.
Submission of written report.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms L M Page

Pre-requisites

BI 25A3

Overview

This course is designed to give an understanding of the measurement of single trees and tree crops, forecasting of yield from thinnings and clear fells (including yield regulation), methods of inventory of forests, and the application of remote sensing in inventories. The application of geographical information in forest planning.
12 weeks – 3 one-hour lectures per week and 6 field visits of 3 hours each. Slot D
1 two-hour examination (80%) and submission of practical reports (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms L M Page

Pre-requisites

LM 2504 or Permission of Head of Department.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to forest planning. It will include forest management plans, yield regulation, forest normality, transformation, forest design, financial appraisal, introduction to forest protection.
12 weeks –1 two-hour lecture per week and 12 practical classes, which will be either field visits or computer practicals of 3 hours each in total.
Examination – 2 hours (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A D Cameron

Pre-requisites

BI25A3, SS 2002, SS 2503

Co-requisites

FY 3018, FY 3020

Overview

This course considers the scientific basis of establishing, maintaining, thinning and regenerating forests within the limits of soils, topography and climate. We will examine forest structure and sites, species choice, production of forest trees, natural regeneration, forest nutrition, sustainability, thinning and stand stability, timber quality, mixed-species forests, silvicultural systems and irregular sulviculture. The relationship between Silviculture and Forest Management will be emphasised.
12 weeks – 3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week. Slot F
1 three-hour written examination (80%) and one extended essay (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ms L M Page

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

Structure and properties of wood including stress grading, chemical modification of wood, influence of wood structure on pulping, drying technology, influence of silviculture on wood quality, wood in relation to its function in living trees. Timber harvesting and extraction techniques. Wood uses (sawn, board, pulp and paper).
12-week course - 3 lectures or tutorials per week and 3 site visits.
Examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M A Pinard

Pre-requisites

Appropriate Forestry, Biology or Agriculture with approval of the Head of Department.

Overview

To develop an understanding of rural development forestry and agroforestry in the tropics. We examine ecological, political and socio-economic aspects of rural development forestry and technical aspects of agroforestry. Case studies are used to develop an appreciation of the diversity of programmes and their potential contribution to sustainable development in the tropics.
6 weeks - 4 one-hour lectures and 4 hours tutorials over 6 weeks. Slots A and E
1 three-hour written examination (50%) and continuous assessment of essays and exercises (50%).

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr S Woodward

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

Acceptance for Honours in Forest Sciences

Overview

Research project in an approved area of Forest Science, conducted under the supervision of a member of staff.
Research conducted in the laboratory/field as appropriate.
Submission of a thesis (90%) and oral presentation (10%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A D Cameron

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for Honours in Forestry.

Overview

Students attend a four-week field course in an area of forest near to Aberdeen immediately prior to the start of fourth year, and a further six weeks based at the University writing up plan. The exercise sets out a detailed programme of work for a 5-year period that comprises long and short term management objectives, description of the forest, overview of past management practices, the planning structure and management prescriptions to be adopted, prescriptions for environment and protection and a financial forecast for the plan period.10 week course - 4 weeks field work and 6 weeks writing up.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr S Woodward

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for Honours in Forestry.

Overview

Preparation of a thesis or a dissertation based on guided research work or reading carried out by the student. The subject of the project should be relevant to the students intending specialisation.
Project will be marked and will count towards honours assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr S Woodward

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for Honours in Forestry, or with approval of Head of Department.

Overview

Importance of abiotic factors, pathogens and pests in forests; ecology and epidemiology; management and control; tree defences against pests and pathogens. Case studies will focus on particular pest and disease problems to give an appreciation of the diversity of abiotic and biotic problems faced by the manager.
4 lectures and 2 tutorials per week.
1 two-hour written examination (50%) and continuous assessment of essays and case studies (50%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr S Woodward

Pre-requisites

FY 3507

Overview

Trees and the law; Trees in relation to buildings; Planting trees on derelict land; urban tree surveys and reporting; Trees for amenity and recreation; Urban forests; urban ecology; recognition of hazardous trees.
6 weeks - 4 two-hour lectures per week.
1 two-hour examination (50%) and continuous assessment of tree reports and essay (50%).

Credit Points

5

Course Coordinator

Ms L M Page

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for Honours in Forestry.

Overview

Field tour(s) in continental Europe to demonstrate effect of differing national policies on the practice of silviculture and arboriculture. Depending on numbers the forest management and arboriculture students may be based at the same place (usually Freiburg) or be sent on different tours. Programmes of daily visits will be prepared separately for the two degrees.
6-8 day field tour.
Written report.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A D Cameron

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for Honours in Forestry.

Overview

The course deals with current issues of relevance in forestry world-wide. A seminar-discussion format will be used in which students prepare material on the chosen topics for presentation and discussion.
6 week course - 6 hours seminars per week.
Assessment by examination and course work.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M A Pinard and Dr M D Swaine

Pre-requisites

Appropriate Forestry, Biology or Agriculture with the approval of the Head of Department.

Notes

Available only to students in programme year 4.

Overview

This course reviews the ecological basis for tropical forest management, including tree seed production, dispersal and germination, seeding ecology, species guilds, tree population dynamics and the effects of disturbance. Silvicultural systems appropriate for natural forest management in the tropics are described and we review the current status of management in tropical countries, including programmes aimed at promoting sustainable forestry in the tropics. Students will explore relevant issues in research, conservation, policy and marketing.
6 weeks - 4 hours lectures and 4 hours tutorials over 6 weeks. Slots A and E
1 three-hour written examination (50%) and continuous assessment (50%).