Forest Biology

Code:

B323

Acronym:

B323

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2011/2012 - 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:AP	29	Planos de estudos a partir 2009	3	-	5	49	135
L:B	13	Plano de estudos a partir de 2008	3	-	5	49	135
M:CTA	1	PE Mestrado Ciências e Tecnologia do Ambiente	1	-	5	49	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

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.
- To evaluate the condition of forests and propose intervention accordingly.
- To identify the natural hazards related to forests and propose mitigation measures.

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.
- Forest landscape planning and management. Natural hazards in forest landscapes. Forests and the scenic value of landscapes. Restoration of degraded forest ecosystems. Design of sustainable and multi-functional forest 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 for observation and discussion of real examples.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Eligibility for exams

- Attending a minimum of 75% of the classes in the course.
- Participating in group projects.

Calculation formula of final grade

- Final written exam: 70%
- Group projects: 30%