Integrated Practical: Forest Ecosystems

Abstract

Introductory course on field methods in forest ecosystem research and ecosystem management, with an emphasis on regeneration ecology, forest growth and management as well as mortality processes. The course is set up as a comparative study between a low-elevation beech forest and a mixed spruce-fir forest in the northern pre-Alps.

Objective

By the end of the course, students are able to … - describe key ecological processes in forest ecosystems and discuss their relevance using selected real-world examples. - apply basic field measurement techniques and carry out simple assessment methods to collect and interpret ecological data in forest ecosystems. - compare and evaluate selected forest management systems regarding their suitability for fulfilling different forest functions. - analyze subject-related questions in groups, link scientific literature with own observations, and communicate findings in structured presentations. - identify and assess key challenges for forest management in the context of climate change and propose feasible, science-based adaptation strategies.

Resources