LNAK10104U Location Specific Knowledge and Fieldwork in Temperate Forest and Nature Management

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Prograamme in Forest Ecosystems, Nature and Society/EM Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA)
Content
The course is a preparatory course for the subsequent Joint Summer Module in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management. The course includes training in locating and assessing location specific literature; conducting critical online discussions as part of project preparation; preparing and analysing empirically based project proposals; selecting appropriate data collection instruments; finalising a fieldwork project proposal.
Learning Outcome
The aim is to impart a thorough understanding of the importance of field work preparation. The course is providing the fundament for the Joint Summer Module (in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management).

Knowledge: An in-depth factual location specific knowledge, building on theoretical knowledge obtained in other courses, relevant to temperate forest and nature management issues

Skills: The course will develop students’ practical skills with emphasis on (i) ability to collect, analyse and evaluate appropriate qualitative and quantitative information, and combining this with (ii) choice of appropriate research tools in order to plan high quality field work.

Competences: Students will learn to apply theory and methods within sustainable forest and nature management to describe and predict problems and develop suggestions for their solutions. In-depth location specific factual knowledge; ability to collect, analyse and evaluation qualitative and quantitative information; ability to select and design relevant data collection instruments; ability to design coherent research project proposal; ability to reflect on risks and ethics in relation to data collection in developing countries.
Teaching is done through internet based e-modules. Each module contains well-defined learning objectives, literature and exercises, including multiple-choice self-tests and mediated online discussions. Students will work in inter-institutional virtual groups to arrive at project proposals that will form the basis for field work in the Joint Summer Module
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Guidance
  • 10
  • Preparation
  • 120
  • Project work
  • 76
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Description of Examination: Each group will develop a research synopsis. Final grade will be based on (i) the research synopsis, and (ii) individual student peer-review of the other group research synopses (each student must prepare a 500 word/synopsis evaluation).

Weight: Weight: Research synopsis 50%, Review of the other group synopses 50%.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Re-exam
If 10 or fewer register for the reexamination the examination form will be oral.
Criteria for exam assesment
To obtain the grade 12 the student must fullfill the Learning Outcome