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Overview

World forest ecosystems, alpine, boreal and temperate forests, tropical moist and dryland forests. Forest soils, chemical and physical properties, soil formation and conservation. Carbon cycling in Forests. Forests in global carbon cycles. Nutrient cycling in forests.

This module will be taught by blended learning in the format common to all modules in SENS.

Module material will be supplied electronically in a module e-handbook. In addition to the module handbook material, the TALISaspire readinglist system will be used to provide guided reading materials. Further, the module will include discussion forums via Blackboard and formative self-assessments with model answers provided on submission. A substantial piece of assessment will be submitted at the end of the module and marked. Students will sit an examination at the end of the module; Students will be able to contact the module organiser by phone or email to seek guidance.

World forest ecosystems, alpine, boreal and temperate forests, tropical moist and dryland forests. Forest soils, chemical and physical properties, soil formation and conservation. Forest mycorrhizae and their function. Forests in global carbon cycles. Nutrient cycling in forests.

This module will be delivered using blended learning (i.e., in-person sessions that distance learners can also join live online) to promote integration of student cohorts within SENS.

Module material will be supplied electronically in a module e-handbook. In addition to the module handbook material, the TALIS aspire reading list system will be used to provide guided reading materials. Further, the module will include discussion forums via Blackboard or Microsoft Teams and formative self-assessments with model answers provided on submission. Students will be assessed using a variety of methods i.e., presentations, short critique of a journal article, and an examination at the end of the module; Students will be able to contact the module organiser by phone or email to seek guidance.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (C) An piece of work that covers the fundamentals of the chosen topic, but is based mainly on material provided during the module, shows little evidence of supplementary reading and lacks originality. Answers provided to at least half of the question posed in assignments have satisfactory answers.

Good (B) A reasonably well-argued piece of work showing good understanding and knowledge of the chosen topic, evidence of supplementary reading, and some original thought. Sound answers to at least three quarters of the questions posed are provided that demonstrate sound mechanistic understanding.

Excellent (A) A very well-argued piece of work showing excellent understanding and depth of knowledge of the chosen topic, evidence of substantial supplementary reading, and much original thought. Answers to questions posed are persuasive, cogent answers to the chosen assignment.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically compare the mycorrhizal types that form associations with plants and explain their ecological function in forest ecosystems

• Critically evaluate the extent and importance of forested ecosystems and discuss the implications of climate change for forest ecosystem function.

• Differentiate between soil formation processes and the relative importance and pathways of nutrient cycling of different soil classes.