Applied Environmental Science Minor (Level 3)
Biology Major (Level 3)
Biology Minor (Level 3)
Geography Major (Level 3)
Geography Single Honours (Level 3)
Physical Geography Major (Level 3)
Trees are the world&©s biggest and longest-lived organisms, weighing up to several thousand tonnes and, in some cases, living for at least 5,000 years. Using what is known about the ecology of trees this module investigates how trees function and survive in often harsh environments. Subjects include the environmental problems of supplying up to half a million leaves with water, how environmental and mechanical factors dictate the shape of trees, and how they cope with wind and other extreme events for millennia. This is used as a base to explore how groups of trees interact with their environment, including the role that forests play in climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation, and to look at the environmental issues associated with the exploitation of forests in forestry.
The module is assessed by an individual essay (25%) based on a group project looking at a current problem faced by trees such as sudden oak death or squirrel damage, and an exam (75%). The module includes lectures and a mix of indoor tutorials used for the group projects and outdoor tutorials where we use the campus trees and woodland to demonstrate some of the issues discussed in the lectures.
Distinguish between the environmental factors that affect trees and interpret how this sets general and specific limits on trees; 1,2
Summarise the mechanisms by which trees move water through the trunk, and use these to explain the solutions to problems of ensuing air penetration; 2
Evaluate the interaction between trees, forests and their abiotic/biotic environment; 1,2
Appraise the environmental limitations to forestry and how would supply links with biodiversity conversation; 2
Differentiate between the different defences trees use to defend the living tissue and the central core of wood for millennia; 2
Summarise how trees and forests are currently and potentially affected by climate change and their role in mitigating the effects of global warming; 2
Appraise the interactions of trees and forests with fire; 1,2
09 Hour tutorial
15 Hours essay preparation and writing
106 Hours private study
02 Hours examination
An individual in-course report of up to 3000 words based on a small-group project
End of module two-hour examination consisting of two essays from a choice of five
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.