AESC30150 Forest Protection

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module provides a comprehensive treatment of the pathogens and animal pests of forest and amenity trees. The module covers the classification and biology of the major biotic agents, as well as the nature of damage caused, symptoms and the diagnosis of causal agents. Identification skills, based on the use of keys and microscopic techniques, are introduced. The module also covers all aspects of current forest pest and disease management strategies and policies, relevant to sustainable forest management.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Interpret symptoms of disease and pest damage on woody plants and attribute the cause to the appropriate biotic agents;
- Identify appropriate specialist diagnostic procedures that are available for major diseases and pest groups;
- Discuss the relationship between damage agents, environmental factors and the host-agent interactions and thus anticipate risk and further development of the problem;
- Decide if control measures are needed and recommend control strategies appropriate to the value and situation of the affected trees.

Indicative Module Content:

There is emphasis on the classification, identification, biology and ecology of the major biotic agents of damage, and on the nature and incidence of outbreaks both locally and internationally. The nature of damage caused, the development of symptoms and the procedures in diagnosis of causal agents receive major attention in relation to viral, fungal, bacterial, nematode, arthropod, avian and mammalian pests of woody plants. Students study all aspects of current management strategies, relevant to sustainable forest management, including regulatory, cultural and biological methods.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Practical

12
Field Trip/External Visits

5
Specified Learning Activities

25
Autonomous Student Learning

48
Total

120
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module uses lectures, laboratory practicals and in-class discussions. Each student prepares and delivers an oral presentation on a tree diseases. One field trip is included.
Places on this module are limited (25) by laboratory facilities, live specimen availability and arrangements for practical tests during the semester. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Level 1 Biology or equivalent.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
AESC30100 - Pests, Parasites & Beneficials, AESC30210 - Plant Protection - Pests

Equivalents:
Forest Protection (ERM30070)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Participation in Learning Activities: Class participation and oral presentation on tree diseases / forest pathology. Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 10, Week 12 Graded No

15

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Class participation and completion of laboratory worksheets on tree pests / forest zoology. Week 3, Week 5, Week 7, Week 9, Week 11 Graded No

15

 No
Exam (In-person): An end-of-semester oral examination, in the form of an in-person interview (20 minutes per individual student) conducted and assessed by two lecturers. End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Graded No

70

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual and class feedback to students is given on laboratory reports (completed in-class). Individual and class feedback to students is given on oral presentations (delivered in-class). Self-assessment is encouraged for both continuous assessment components.