Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The student understands the various perspectives associated with the concept of sustainability and the constraints it imposes on forest use. They are familiar with the main aspects of carbon and other climate-affecting substances cycling in forest ecosystems. They know the interactions between forests and the atmosphere, as well as the predicted impacts of climate change on ecosystems and the challenges of climate change adaptation. They understand how the carbon balance of forests, peatlands, and forest industry products is formed and how different actions targeting forests can affect it. The student is aware of the role of forests, wetlands, and trees as carbon reservoirs. They are knowledgeable about the current state of forest biodiversity and the challenges of ensuring its preservation. They are familiar with methods to enhance biodiversity conservation beyond the current practices. The student is knowledgeable about essential aspects of aquatic ecology, the background of forestry-related water impacts, and the potential of water protection methods for reducing water pollution.

Content (course unit)

Concepts of weak and strong sustainability. Indicators and constraints of sustainability. Challenges and methods for enhancing biodiversity conservation. Carbon economy of forests, peatlands, and forest industry products. Climate change and the challenges of adaptation. Aquatic ecology, water impacts of forestry, and their causes. Methods of water protection and their potential for reducing water pollution.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student is familiar with the scientific basis of the environmental impacts of forestry processes. However, their ability to apply this knowledge to practical solutions is still lacking, as well as their readiness to communicate these effects to forest owners and other stakeholders.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student is familiar with the scientific basis of the environmental impacts underlying forestry processes. They are able to combine this knowledge with practical solutions and communicate the effects to forest owners and other stakeholders.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student has an extensive understanding of the scientific basis behind the environmental impacts of forestry processes. They can apply and integrate this knowledge into practical solutions, present alternative approaches, and provide comprehensive and analytical explanations of their effects to forest owners and other stakeholders.

Assessment scale

0-5