LSC-30017 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2019/20

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Recommended modules LSC-10033 Ecology and Environment

Barred Combinations

LSC-30017 Trees in their Environment may not be taken with LSC-30005 Neurobiology of Vision and Hearing.

Description for 2019/20

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. They provide us with innumerable crops (from fruits to wood) and are an integral part of the British landscape, contributing to the conservation value and aesthetic appeal of the country. Much is known about how trees work and interact with their environment but many myths abound, often leading to mismanagement.
We will use what is known about the ecology of trees to investigate 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. This is used as a base to explore how groups of trees (forests and woodlands) interact with their environment, including the role that forests play in climate change scenarios, and how this affects their role in the landscape including forestry.
The module is assessed by an individual essay (30%) looking at a current problem faced by trees such as ash dieback or squirrel damage, and an exam (70%). The essay includes a brief summary designed to be understandable by members of the general public. The module includes lectures and a mix of indoor and outdoor tutorials where we use the campus trees and woodland to explore some of the issues discussed in the lectures.

To provide advanced information on the ecology of trees and forests.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Distinguish between the environmental factors that affect trees and interpret how these set general and specific limits on trees will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Summarize the mechanisms by which trees move water through the trunk, and use these to explain the solutions to problems of ensuing air penetration will be achieved by assessments: 2
Evaluate the interaction between trees, forests and their abiotic/biotic environment will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Appraise the environmental limitations to forestry and how wood supply links with biodiversity conservation will be achieved by assessments: 2
Differentiate between the different defences trees use to defend the living tissue and the central core of wood for millennia will be achieved by assessments: 2
Summarize how trees and forests are currently and potentially affected by climate change and their role in mitigating the effects of global warming will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2

Study hours

18 Hours lectures
09 Hours tutorial
15 Hours essay preparation and writing
106 Hours private study
02 Hours examination

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment