Overview

This module aims to introduce students to several issues and concepts in forestry and equip them with an understanding of aspects which are unique to trees, rather than other plants. In the first semester it covers a variety of environmental issues which are not covered in detail elsewhere, teaches students to be able to identify trees and understand the cellular structure and behaviour of trees. In the second semester the cellular structure of wood is related to its utilisation properties and introduces the interaction of decomposer organisms with wood. Timber processing is also introduced at a fundamental level.

The global environment: Tree Identification; Forestry/ Global Forests; Climate change; Global land-use systems; Deforestation; History of the Chinese and UK forests; Introduction to silvicultural systems and characteristics; Site classification; Introduction to forest practice: establishment to harvesting; Stand stability; Field visit to Changsha forest; Tree measurement; Tree biology and growth; Primary and secondary meristems: buds, bark and xylem; Root structure; Wood and wood-based forest products; Non-timber forest products; An introduction to wood and its cellular characteristics; Conifers and angiosperms; Lab/field practicals on conifers and angiosperm; Wood anatomy; How tall trees transport sap from root to leaf; Forest biology; Root and mycorrhizal interactions; Simple mycology – the fungi; An introduction to the types of pests and diseases in plantation forests; The interactions of decomposer organisms with wood: the decay of wood in the forest and in service and the need for preservation; Basic wood science: wood properties and the effect of water on its properties (strength characteristics and decay susceptibility, timber drying, wood preservation, stress grading, sawmilling).

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D- to D+) Demonstrates a basic knowledge of forestry - understand most of the terminology, has an average grasp of current issues in relation to global forestry and can identify a significant number of important tree species

Good (C- to B+) Has taken on board most of the terminology, is comfortable with tree biology, has a good grasp of current issues in relation to global forestry and can identify a considerable number of important tree species

Excellent (A- and above) Comprehends all silvicultural and woodland management terminology, has a good grasp of tree biology, can intelligently discuss current issues in relation to global forestry and can identify most, if not all, important tree species

Learning Outcomes

• Students can compare the main features of different silvicultural systems. In particular, students will be able to identify a wide range of commercially applicable systems.

• Students can define the role of trees and forests in the ecosystem and can evaluate their benefits for societies worldwide

• Students can describe clearly the cellular nature of xylem and how the cells are integrated together in conifers and angiosperms

• Students can interpret tree growth and their structure, down to the tissue level

• Students can recognise and evaluate interactions of trees within their broader ecosystems

• Students can use appropriate technology to conduct trees mensuration activity

• Students demonstrate the ability to consider the effects of fungal biology and different decomposer organisms on tree biology