Forest Biology

Code:

BIOL3008

Acronym:

BIOL3008

Level:

300

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2020/2021 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	32	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

- To understand and apply the several concepts of Forest.

- To recognize the importance of forests at multiple spatial and temporal scales.

- To acknowledge and interpret the diversity of forest ecosystems at multiple scales.

- To distinguish and value the functions and services of forests.

- To understand forest management models related to the several functions and services.

Learning outcomes and competences

Upon completion, students should be able to:

- Discuss the relationship of the forest and its use to the welfare of mankind;

- Understand the challenges and demands on natural resources for recreational purposes;

- Demonstrate knowledge of how forestry affect wildlife and environmental issues.

- Diagnose forest health status and propose interventions accordingly;

- Identify the various natural hazards on forest areas and propose mitigation measures.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

n.a.

Program

- Forest: concepts. Types of forests: structural, biogeographic and anthropic/historical perspectives. Social, economic and environmental functions of forests. Forests in the landscape context. - Diversity of forest ecosystems in Portugal. - The tree: morphology, eco-physiology and biogeography. Composition, structure and functioning of forest ecosystems. - Functions and services of forest ecosystems. Woody and non-woody products from forests; management for production. Environmental services of forests; management for supporting and regulating services. Forests in nature and biodiversity conservation; management for conservation and protection. Recreation and other cultural functions and services from forests in rural landscapes. Natural hazards in forest landscapes. Forests and the scenic value of landscapes. Trees and forests in urban and peri-urban areas.

Mandatory literature

Alves, A.; Técnicas de Produção Florestal, INIC, 1988
Evans, J. (Ed.) ; The Forest Handbook (Two Volumes), Blackwell Science Ltd. , 2001
Hunter, Malcolm L.; Wildlife, forests, and forestry: principles of managing forests for biological diversity, 1990
Lucas, O. W.; The Design of Forest Landscapes, Oxford University Press, 1991
Radich, M., Alves, A. ; Dois séculos da Floresta em Portugal, CELPA – Associação da Indústria Papeleira, Lisboa, 2000
000102884. ISBN: 978-972-592-274-3

Teaching methods and learning activities

- Formal classes with exposition and discussion of subjects, using video projection of slides.
- Group projects on specific subjects within the scope of the course, with targeted literature search and tutored discussions.
- Field trips (whenever possible) for observation and discussion of real examples.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	70,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	94,00
Frequência das aulas	48,00
Trabalho de investigação	20,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Enrollment in University courses requires regular class attendance as well as careful preparation. Therefore, students are expected to attend all their scheduled classes and particiupate in group projects.
However, absences from classes are allowed to a maximum of 25% of the possible classes. That is, students attending less than 75% of their possible classes are excluded from final assessment.

Calculation formula of final grade

- Final written examination: 70%

- Group projects: 30%

For final approval a student must obtain a final classification of 10 points.

Examinations or Special Assignments

n.a.

Internship work/project

n.a.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

- Final written examination: 70%

- Group projects: 30%

For final approval a student must obtain a final classification of 10 points.

Classification improvement

Students who wish to have a second attempt to improve the overall course grade can only do a second written examination (70%).

Final grade = Final exam (70%) + Group projects presentation (30%).

For final approval a student must obtain a final classification of 10 points.

Observations

n.a.