Ecology of Forests and Trees (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The aim of the course is to give the student an overall picture of the key element cycles of the forest ecosystem and the factors affecting them, the structure and vital functions of trees, and the processes of tree growth and development.

After completing the course the student:
• understands the principles of nutrient and carbon cycling in forest ecosystems.
• is familiar with the main features of disturbance and succession dynamics in natural forests.
• recognizes the main features of tree structure and physiological functions.
• is able to identify deciduous tree species even when they don´t have leaves
• understands the growth process of trees and forests, factors influencing them, and the life cycle of trees and forests.
• understands the concepts of growth, yield, and the growth potential of different tree species in different sites
• is familiar with crown classification and tree classification concepts, as well as different stand structures.
• knows the reproductive biology of tree species and different natural regeneration processes.
• understands how competition between trees and tree species affects growth and development.
• knows how trees respond to thinning and releasing from understory

Content (course unit)

Carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems, dynamics of natural forest disturbances, varied stand structures, tree structure and physiological functions, leaves, trunk, and canopy, root system, growth and yield of tree species, factors limiting growth, reproductive biology of tree species and different natural regeneration processes, common disturbances affecting growth and regeneration, competition between trees and tree species in stands, crown layers, tree classification, different stand structures, response of trees to thinning, and response of trees in lower canopy layers to release (recovery and rejuvenation), life cycle, aging, and death of tree species, identifying tree species outside the growing season

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

The student has scattered knowledge of forest and tree ecology, and understands the interrelationships between concepts somewhat inadequately

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

The student is familiar with the basic concepts affecting forest ecology, tree growth, and development and can integrate information to some extent. They understand the effects of various factors on forest growth, development, and regeneration.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student has comprehensive knowledge of forest tree ecology, growth, and development, as well as the processes of forest ecosystem. They can analyze the effects of various factors on forest growth, development, and regeneration in a versatile and comprehensive manner.

Location and time

19.11.-13.12. Tampere ja Ylöjärvi (maastoretkistä 1 Seitsemiseen, 2 muuta Tampereen alueella)

Exam schedules

Lopputentti 13.12. Uusinnat tammi -hellmikuussa 2025

Assessment methods and criteria

Tentti 70 %
Ryhmätyö 30 %
Maasto-opetukseen osallistuminen pakollista

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Luennot, maastoretkeilyt, ryhmäesitykset

Learning materials

Moodlessa oleva materiaali
Kuuluvainen, T.,Wallenius, T. & Pennanen, J. 2004. Metsän luontainen rakenne, dynamiikka ja monimuotoisuus. Teoksessa Kuuluvainen, T., Saaristo, L., Keto-Tokoi, P. , Kostamo, J., Kuuluvainen, J., Kuusinen, M., Ollikainen, M. & Salpakivi-Salomaa, P. (toim.), Metsän kätköissä -Suomen metsäluonnon monimuotoisuus, s. 49-s. 69. Edita Publishing Oy, Helsinki.
Nygren, M. 2020. Metsäpuiden uudistumisbiologia. Metsäkustannus (painos loppu)
Nygren, M. 2002. Metsäpuiden siemenopas. https://jukuri.luke.fi/handle/10024/521516

Student workload

Yhteiset luennot ja maastoretkeilyt n. 60 tuntia. Itsenäinen opiskelu n. 70 tuntia