Forest ecology (5 cr)

Objective

You are able to explain the basic ecological characteristics of Finnish forest ecosystems in mineral and peatland site types. You are able to describe the structure of vegetation based on site type classification.

Content

What are the basic characteristics of Finnish forest and peatland habitats?
How are mineral and peatland site types classified based on vegetation and soil properties?
How have different soil types generated and what are their main properties in terms of forestry?

Course material

Course study material; lecture material, learning tasks, etc. exercises are available in the course's Learn learning environment.
Literature:
Metsätyypit - kasvupaikkaopas. 2018 (Hotanen, Nousiainen, Mäkipää, Reinikainen &Tonteri)
Suotyypit ja turvekankaat - kasvupaikkaopas. 2018 (Laine, Vasander, Hotanen, Nousiainen, Saarinen &Penttilä)
Kellomäki, S. 2005. Metsäekologia. Joensuun yliopisto. Metsätieteellinen tiedekunta.
Kirjoista käy myös vanhemmat painokset.

Study forms and methods

The course is carried out by way of contact teaching on Mikkeli campus and in the field according to the schedule. Remote participation is not possible. In-person teaching is generally not recorded and is not replaced by remote lectures when in-person teaching is scheduled. Part of the teaching takes place in the field. Teacher guidance is available during in-person sessions.

Assessable tasks are completed independently, in groups, or as pair work. Various feedback methods are utilized in the course, such as written and oral feedback. Peer feedback may also be used.

The course consists of three components, each assessed separately: mineral soilt site types 1 credit, peatland site types 1 credit, exam and assignments 3 credits. More detailed information available below in section “Course part description”.

RDI and work-related cooperation

The course takes place at the very beginning of the studies. Focus on substance and group. No prerequisites for RDI or working life cooperation.

Timing of exams and assignments

Field exams for mineral soil and peatland sitetypes and a written exam. Possible retakes of field exams must be arranged separately with the teacher. Otherwise, according to normal practice.

Student workload

• 1 ECTS credits equals 27 hours of work by the student.
• In a 5-credit course, the student's total maximum workload is approximately 135 hours including lessons, group work and independent study.

Course part description

Forest Site Types on Mineral Soils 1 ECTS Study of site types is conducted both guided and independently in the field. Identification of site types is demonstrated in a field exam.

Forest Site Types on Peatlands 1 ECTS Study of site types is conducted both guided and independently in the field. Identification of site types is demonstrated in a field exam.

Exam and Assignments 3 ECTS Assignments on the structure, growth, and reproduction of trees and forest plants, as well as soil and climate. Exam.

Further information

In the course, we will spend a lot of time in the field and essentially 'jump straight into the deep end.' Dress appropriately for the weather, bring snacks (at least drinking water), and note-taking materials for field lessons.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The student’s performance is assessed with reference to the learning objectives and assessment criteria of the course. The completion of the course requires all components with a passing grade.