Overview

This module explores the unique characteristics of trees in the urban environment and helps you develop an understanding of the principles and practice of urban forestry. It starts by providing a historical overview of the relationships between trees and cities and its importance as an emerging field of study. It then uses an ecosystem services framework to evaluate the benefits and disbenefits provided by trees and other forms of green infrastructure within cities. Finally, the module evaluates current dynamics in reintegrating green infrastructure into urban and peri-urban environments to build resilient cities for the future.

Summary of course content includes:

Historical overview and classification of types of urban forests Urban ecosystem services (and trees) Governance of urban trees Wellbeing and urban trees
Urban pollution and trees Urban water management and
Cases from the field by guest speakers

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -- (C) Student is able to identify and describe some types of urban forestry and their ecosystem services. - Student shows some ability to dissect the complexities of the urban environment and can identify some stakeholders in the development of green cities, but not all.- Student is able to evaluate some key interactions between people, plants and cities, whether they are ecological, socio-economical or psychological. - Student is able to identify some urban forestry governance issues, might be able to compare cases and propose solutions in order to design more sustainable cities.

-good -- (B) Student is able to identify and describe most types of urban forestry and their ecosystem services. - Student is able to dissect the complexities of the urban environment and can identify the different stakeholders in the development of green cities, with a few missing ones or inaccuracies.- Student is able to evaluate key interactions between people, plants and cities, whether they are ecological, socio-economical or psychological, but with some missing ones or inaccuracies. - Student is able to identify urban forestry governance issues, compare cases and propose solutions in order to design more sustainable cities, but with some missing elements or inaccuracies.

-excellent -- (A) Student is able to identify and describe different types of urban forestry and their ecosystem services. - Student show great understanding of and the abilty to dissect the complexities of the urban environment and can identify the different stakeholders in the development of green cities.- Student is able to evaluate key interactions between people, plants and cities, whether they are ecological, socio-economical or psychological. - Student is able to identify urban forestry governance issues, compare cases and propose solutions in order to design more sustainable cities.

Learning Outcomes

• compare and contrast different types of urban forestry and their ecosystem services.

• critically evaluate urban forestry governance issues, compare cases and propose solutions in order to design more sustainable cities.

• dissect the complexities of the urban environment and can identify the different stakeholders in the development of green cities.

• evaluate key interactions between people, plants and cities, whether they are ecological, socio-economical or psychological.