FORESTRY

Credit Points

5

Course Coordinator

Dr L Page

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Strongly recommended course for all students with a degree intention in Forestry or Forest Science. Open to students with degree intentions in other (mostly, SBS-coordinated) programmes. This course is only available to students from the School of Biological Sciences, with a preference to those students for whom it is compulsory for their degree.

Overview

Students are instructed in tree identification skills, basic techniques in forest mensuration and approaches to forest management. These aspects are taught in the context of field excursion to forest sites in NE Scotland, with further study in the Cruickshank Arboretum.

Structure

Four days of field excursion to local forest sites plus one day of field study in the Cruickshank Arboretum.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Students are assessed on tree identification and mensuration techniques; submission of a wrtitten report on field work.

Resit: Retake course.

Formative Assessment

Continuous discourse amongst students and academic staff ensures enhanced skills in tree identification, forest mensuration and management.

Feedback

Verbal feedback is provided on all components of assessment during the field trip; written feedback is provided on short written reports.

Credit Points

5

Course Coordinator

Dr L M Page

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

Alternative activities and/or venues may be made available to accommodate the abilities of disabled students. This course is only available to students from the School of Biological Sciences, with a preference to those students for whom it is compulsory for their degree.

Overview

One week's residential field course in either Scotland or England (alternating years). Visits to forests (including ancient semi-natural woodlands) and sites with trees out-with forests to study forest ecology and tree identification; woodland creation, restoration and management (for environmental protection and conservation, recreation and timber production); and arboriculture.

Structure

4½ days.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%)

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A D Cameron

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

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, wood quality, mixed-species forests, silvicultural systems and irregular sulviculture. The relationship between Silviculture and Forest Management is emphasised.

Structure

Thread II: 6 weeks – 6 one-hour lectures.

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (80%) and one extended essay (20%).

Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (80%) and one extended essay (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr 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).

Structure

Thread I: 6-week course - 6 lectures or tutorials per week and 3 site visits. Slot B, C & D.

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%).

Resit: Examination (80%) and in-course assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr L M Page

Pre-requisites

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 systems (GIS)in forest planning.

Structure

Thread I: 6 weeks – 3 one-hour lectures per week and 6 field visits of 3 hours each. Slot A-F

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (80%) and submission of practical reports (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (80%) and submission of practical reports (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr L M Page

Pre-requisites

None

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.

Structure

Thread I: 6 weeks – 2 two-hour lecture per week and 12 practical classes, which will be either field visits or computer practicals of 3 hours each in total. Slot A, E & F

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination – 2 hours (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: Examination – 2 hours (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A D Cameron

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for Honours in Forestry.

Overview

Students attend a three-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.

Structure

9 week course - 3 weeks field work and 6 weeks writing up.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course 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.

Structure

Submission of a thesis (90%) and oral presentation (10%).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 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 School.

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.

Assessment of essays and case studies (50%).

Structure

Thread I: 6 weeks - 4 lectures and 2 tutorials per week.

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%) and continuous assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr S Woodward

Pre-requisites

None

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.

Structure

Thread II: 6 weeks - 4 two-hour lectures per week.

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (50%) and in-course assessment of tree reports, valuations and essay (50%).

Credit Points

5

Course Coordinator

Dr L M Page

Pre-requisites

Notes

Alternative activities and/or venues may be made available to meet the requirements of disabled students.

Overview

One weeks residential field course in continental Europe (usually based on Freiburg) to study local forests, both their ecology and management for environmental protection and conservation, recreation, rural development (including community woodlands) and timber production. This course is only available to students from the School of Biological Sciences, with a preference to those students for whom it is compulsory for their degree.

Structure

6-8 day field tour.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Written report.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M A Pinard and Dr M D Swaine

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Course extends over 6 weeks only.

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 examine published research in tropical ecology and write short critiques of assigned papers.

Structure

Thread I (AEF): 3 one-hour lectures and 4 one-hour tutorials per week.

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (50%) and in-course assessment (50%).

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.

Structure

Thread II: 6 week course - 6 hours seminars per week.

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Assessment by examination (50%) and course work (50%).