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FOR10020

Academic Year 2024/2025

Trees and Forests in Ireland (FOR10020)

Subject:
Forestry
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Brian Tobin
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will provide an introduction to several different aspects of trees and forestry of relevance in Ireland and worldwide.
One component is the basics of dendrology (tree species identification). Here, the theoretical concepts of identifying trees will be covered, along with the terminology associated with this. The general characteristics of a number of different tree genera and the specific qualities of a limited number of individual tree species will also be covered.
The second component will provide an introduction to several aspects of forestry, including the basic theory of timber mensuration (tree and timber measurement) and the equipment and methodologies employed in measuring trees and timber; the main characteristics of the major forest biomes, sustainable forest management, the history of forests and forestry development (in Ireland and abroad), the pattern of tree growth, forest harvesting and the relevance of trees and forests in the global carbon cycle.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Identify a number of tree species, including those used in Irish forestry, based on their winter and summer characteristics.
2. Demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the history of forestry, forest harvesting, tree growth, sustainable forest management and forestry's role in carbon sequestration.
3. Understand the basic concepts of timber measurement and carry out a practical assessment of tree dimensions and timber measurement.
4. Summarise the key ecological and silvicultural features of the main forest types found around the world.

Indicative Module Content:

Forest sites & urban forestry
Species site requirements -broadleaves
Species site requirements -conifers
Dendrology -tree identification
History of forestry
Forests of the world
Novel technology in forestry
Tree measurement & forest inventory
Tree morphology
Forests and carbon
Timber production and harvesting

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

16
Tutorial

20
Specified Learning Activities

28
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

104

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
There are two major components to this module. (a) The practical identification of tree species: a blended approach of mainly face-to-face lectures and group practical work are employed; (b) An introduction to aspects of forestry: this component is mostly delivered through lectures. Every effort will be made to enable face-to-face lectures and practicals, however there may be some sessions that will be delivered online. For the practicals, we will make use of the outdoors on campus as much as possible.

Campus walks and practical sessions are used to promote more active learning and engagement with peers in both components. The practical sessions will be offered as tutorial sessions to reinforce online and autonomous learning. A group-based tree project will utilise a problem-based learning approach to underline the practical "real world" relevance of the module content and to deepen the learning experience.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Tree report.
Students are each assigned a tree species about which to write a structured report.		 Week 4 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 Yes
Group Work Assignment: Tree project.
Students will collaborate on a tree-related project in groups.		 Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 Yes
Exam (In-person): Practical dendrology and mensuration exam.
Students will have tree samples to identify, and will answer other sections about taxonomy, botanical nomenclature and mensuration.		 Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 Yes
Exam (In-person): Written exam covering aspects of dendrology and forestry. Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The feedback strategy in this module uses a number of approaches, providing both individual and group feedback. There are a series of lab-based sessions on practical tree identification and students generally work on these dendrology practicals in groups. The module coordinator and demonstrators move from group to group to make sure every student is afforded face-to-face interaction during the practicals. Post assignment, interim/draft results and feedback are posted through Brightspace using a rubric approach. Personalised feedback comments are also provided alongside project results.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 12:00 - 12:50
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