Module Tutor Photo
School of Life Sciences  
 
 
LSC-40026 Trees, forests and global change  
Co-ordinator: Dr Peter Thomas    Room: Hux026, Tel:33497  
Teaching Team: Mr David  Emley, Mrs Stephanie  Everill, Mrs Emma  Harvey, Dr Sarah  Taylor, Mrs Karen  Babb, Dr Sharon  George, Ms Clare  Sillitto  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 4 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 734414
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Barred Combinations

None

Prerequisites

None beyond the course requirements but biological knowledge at undergraduate level would be an advantage

Description

Timber as a resource for building and derivative products such as paper, and wood as a fuel in third world countries, are in increasing demand around the world. Yet with a net loss of global forests, a dependence on 'mining' forests in an unsustainable way, and the added pressure of global climate change these resources are under increasing threat. This module will explore how forests work and how they respond to external pressures such as pollution and climate change, and from this background the principles underpinning their sustainable use will be drawn out. This will involve a consideration of natural forests and plantations and include study of forests in the field.

Aims

To understand the response of trees and forests to climate change and pollution, from local to global; and also to understand changes in global forestry resources, current management and options for the future.


Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of how trees grow and how they interact with the environment and with each other will be achieved by assessments: 1 &2
Critically evaluate how trees and forests are responding to global change, particularly in relation to aspects of pollution and climate change will be achieved by assessments: 2
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of global forestry resources, current management and sustainable options for the future will be achieved by assessments: 1 &2
Comprehend and discuss case studies in sustainable forestry will be achieved by assessments: 1







Study hours

tutorials 8 hours
lecture 15 hours
practicals and site visits: 15 hours
tutorial preparation 20 hours
independent study 92 hours



Description of Module Assessment

01: Case Study weighted 50%
Students will produce a critical review of the named case study in sustainable forestry
2,500 maximum word length

02: 2 Hour Exam weighted 50% (min pass mark of 50)
Students will sit a 2 hour examination



Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.