Forest Biology

Code:

BIOL3008

Acronym:

BIOL3008

Level:

300

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2016/2017 - 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	25	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. - 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 (whenever possible) for observation and discussion of real examples.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	70,00
Participação presencial	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	40,00
Frequência das aulas	50,00
Trabalho de investigação	10,00
Total:	100,00

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 examination: 70%

- Group projects: 30%

Examinations or Special Assignments

n.a.

Internship work/project

n.a.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

- Final written examination: 70%

- Group projects: 30%

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%).

Observations

n.a.