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FOR30400

Academic Year 2025/2026

Silviculture (FOR30400)

Subject:
Forestry
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Professor Aine Ni Dhubhain
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 develop an understanding of the science and practice of silviculture, building on the basics introduced in Tree Structure and Function and Principles of Forestry. It will address the key aspects of forest establishment starting with site evaluation and description. Species selection for forest sites will be examined and commonly used methods of plant establishment will be outlined, including artificial and natural regeneration methods. Methods of ameliorating adverse site conditions will also be explored. Means of site protection against frost as well of methods of weed control will be considered. The effects of tree spacing, thinning, and pruning on individual tree growth and stand growth parameters will be examined. The role of forest protection, in particular how silvicultural practices can mitigate the impact of wind and fire will be considered. The use of silvicultural systems (high forest, clear-cutting, shelterwood, strip and group, selection, and continuous cover systems) will be addressed. Students will visit forest sites (representing most of the important soil groups and site types found in Ireland) during field trips.

Students are expected to participate in all field events otherwise it will not be possible to complete the essay.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Predict the impact of soil and other site factors on forest productivity.
Identify the silvicultural options available to ameliorate adverse site factors.
Predict the effect of spacing, thinning and pruning operations on tree growth and stand development.
Assess the potential effects of various hazards (such as wind, and fire) on forest productivity and prescribe silvicultural approaches to reduce these risks.
Understand the concept of silvicultural systems, and evaluate the use and relative merits of a variety of silvicultural systems.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

72
Field Trip/External Visits

48
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

220

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and group work.

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
Assignment(Including Essay): Draft of essay Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay on silviculture topic Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Exam (In-person): In class exam Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Thomas Cummins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Edward Wilson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

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) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 11:00 - 11:50
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