MSc Programme in Forest Ecosystems, Nature and Society

Erasmus Mundus Master Course SUFONAMA - Sustainable Forest and Nature Management

Master of Science (MSc) in Forest Ecosystems, Nature and Society

The SUFONAMA – Sustainable Forest and Nature Management MSc (hereinafter referred to as SUFONAMA) is part of the Erasmus Mundus (EMMC) programme (2009-13) initiated and funded by the European Commission in the field of higher education. The programme aims to enhance the quality of European higher education and to promote dialogue and understanding between people and cultures through cooperation with Third-Countries.

The SUFONAMA MSc is offered by a consortium of five European universities. The University of Copenhagen, Bangor University, Göttingen University, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and University of Padova. The SUFONAMA programme has been approved for EU funding for the time period 2007-2012.

 

The programme is organised in accordance with Executive Order no. 815 of 29 June 2010. The programme is offered under the Natural Science Study Board.

The programme leads to a double-degree. Graduation at LIFE confers the degree Master of Science in Forest Ecosystems, Nature and Society.

 

Chapter 1. The programme’s objective and competence profile

1. 1 The programme’s objective

The main objective of the programme is to educate graduates qualified for coping with the huge challenges in contemporary forest and nature management in countries where the forest-nature paradigm has shifted in recent years. The aim is to provide the graduates with a firm theoretical foundation and understanding of the new paradigm in forest and nature management, including the social and environmental contexts, ability to apply theory and to implement and sustain an integrated management of forest and nature areas, and intercultural competences to function professionally in a complex international context of conflicting aims and interests.

 

1.2 The programme’s general profile

The SUFONAMA programme is a highly integrated international MSc programme developed and implemented jointly by the five partner institutions. During the two-year programme, all students must study at two of the consortium partner institutions. The first study year has common learning outcomes, whereas the second year comprises of the following specializations

· Conservation and land management

· Economic management of forests and nature

· Timber and non-timber product use and processing

· Scandinavian and East European forestry

· Mountain forestry and watershed management

 

1.3 The programme’s employment prospects

Students completing the SUFONAMA programme will be well prepared to either pursue a career in research by taking a PhD or by applying for a job in the private or public sector, e.g. ministry, government or county agency, district forest and nature office, forest and nature association, consultancy, NGO, ENGO, or international organisation.

The programme provides students with a number of central control and management tools and a broad range of economic, ecological and social competences. This forms a good foundation for a possible management career in the private or public sector. The programme is typically aimed at positions as academic employees or as managers in private, commercial companies, in national or international organisations relating to the utilisation of forests and other natural resources, or in a public authority office/agency/company working with area management.

 

1.4 Competence profile for the programme

During the Erasmus Mundus master’s programme in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management students must obtain the knowledge, skills and competences described below. These qualifications are obtained partly through participation in course work, fieldwork, and the preparation of a master’s thesis.

 

Common first year learning outcome

1.4.1 Knowledge

• Describe the structure, development and variation of ecosystems as well as understand the causes and effects in a scientific perspective
• Identify possibilities/limitations and the ecological tolerance in relation to people’s utilisation of forests and nature
• Understand interactions between physical and biological environments of forests and nature areas
• Explain the principles of sustainable utilisation, protection and stewardship of forests and other semi-natural areas
• Summarise economic and policy theory and demonstrate general knowledge of the planning tools utilised in the economic management of forests and nature
• Reflect on the concept of sustainable forest and nature management
• Reflect on the societal and commercial consequences of legislation, regulations and principles of operation in national and international contexts
• Explain key theories and methodologies for management, planning, negotiation and conflict management on the basis of the opinions, interests and values of people
• Reformulate theories, principles and research findings to independently form hypotheses and theories

1.4.2 Skills

• Develop, quantify and apply theoretical and practical models for the productive functions of forests and natural resources – material as well as immaterial
• Apply economic theory and utilise planning tools to analyse and model the welfare and business economic value production of forests and natural resources
• Assess the possibilities and limitations of theories and methodologies
• Tackle problems by collecting, analysing and evaluating appropriate qualitative and quantitative information and using it creatively
• Develop long-term strategies, operational targets and concrete plans for sustainable utilisation and protection of forests and other green resources while bearing in mind social, ecological and economic objectives and limitations
• Practise economic, dynamic and holistic management planning
• Formulate, plan and implement projects
• Incorporate negotiation and conflict resolution strategies and models in the role as manager, consultant or facilitator
• Communicate professional problems and solutions – both orally and in writing – to different target groups

1.4.3 Competences

• Turn demands on our natural surroundings into concrete actions and projects based on a natural science foundation
• Transfer theories and principles to new situations and assume independent and professional responsibility
• Manage operations and development tasks in the framework set out by society (legislation, regulations, realities)
• Display the competence, key skills, behaviour and attitutes required in a professional working life
• Design decision-making, negotiation and collaboration processes that bear in mind the power and interests of the players. Lead and manage such processes based on knowledge of the interactions in relation to negotiation and conflict
• Transfer problem analysis, theories, empirical data collection and analysis into field based reports to meet the objectives of multitudinous stakeholders
• Collaborate constructively with others in interdisciplinary and intercultural contexts
• Independently evaluate and structure own learning processes and assume responsibility for own professional development with a view to life-long learning

1.5 Second year learning outcomes

The SUFONAMA students spend their second study year at one of the five consortium institutions. The educational objectives in terms of subject specific knowledge of the five possible specializations are listed below.

 

1.6 Study track Copenhagen

After completing the study track in Economic Management of Forest and Nature the graduate should furthermore be able to:

 

1.6.1 Knowledge

· Describe on an advanced level the economic principles that underpin sustainable management of forests and nature and the translation of these principles into practical guidelines

· The appropriate use of standard economic analyses to address sustainable forest and nature management problems

· Explain and integrate the role of forests and nature to owners and society into sustainable management plans

· Reflect upon the resources required for forest and nature management and the effective utilisation of those resources within practical and legislative frameworks

 

1.6.2 Skills

· Formulate a hypothesis, plan and execute research or development work, evaluate the outcomes and draw valid conclusions in relation to economic management of forest and nature areas

· Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems within forest and nature management

· Construct reasoned arguments to support a position on the implications and the potential impacts of scientific advances and appreciate the validity of different points of view

· Analyse, synthesise and assimilate diverse information in a critical manner

· Communicate about a subject matter clearly, confidently and with accuracy

· Synthesize and building a holistic view

· Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis and enterprise

· Record, collate, analyse and report data collected in the laboratory or field

· Access and interpret primary and secondary sources of information

 

1.6.3 Competences

· Undertake field and/or laboratory investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner

· Translate information into instructions that can be given to others at an appropriate level

· Write management plans to meet defined objectives

· Construct scenarios of possible futures and consider their importance in current management

· Work both independently and in collaboration with others

· Take responsibility for self-managed learning and personal/professional development

 

1.7 Study track Bangor

After completing the study track in Conservation and Land Management the graduate should furthermore be able to:

 

1.7.1 Knowledge

· The principles of economic, social and environmental principles that underpin conservation and land management and the ability to synthesis this knowledge for sustainable use of countryside.

· Explain and describe the ecological systems; principles and theories relating to process and structure of plants; invertebrates and vertebrates; genetics and evolution; community and population ecology

· The relationship between components of land use systems with particular emphasis on the impact of/on farming enterprises and their relationship to policy Frameworks

· The nature of scientific investigation and the application of results into practice to help environmental conservation professionals with their work

· The resources required for conservation and land management and the effective utilisation of those resources within practical and legislative frameworks

· Explain systems theory and the integration of knowledge across disciplines in conservation and natural resource management.

· Summarise the theory and practical challenges of conservation biology.

· Understand the concept of evidence-based conservation which concerns the interface between conservation science, policy and practice.

 

1.7.2 Skills

· Formulate a hypothesis, plan and execute research or development work, evaluate the outcomes and draw valid conclusions

· Transfer biological principles that underpin conservation and sustainable management of the countryside into practical guidelines

· Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems

· Analyse, synthesise and assimilate diverse information in a critical manner

· Construct reasoned arguments to support a position on the implications and the potential impacts of scientific advances and appreciate the validity of different points of view

· Communicate about a subject matter clearly, confidently and with accuracy

· Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis and enterprise

· Record, collate, analyse and report data collected in the laboratory or field

· Access and interpret primary and secondary sources of information

 

1.7.3 Competences

· Work both independently and in collaboration with others

· Take responsibility for self-managed learning and personal/professional development Undertake filed and/or laboratory investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner

· Translate information into instructions that can be given to others at an appropriate level

· Write management plans for conservation projects to meet defined objectives

· Construct scenarios of possible futures and consider their importance in current management

 

1.8 Study track Göttingen

After completing the study track in Timber and Non-timber Forest Product Use and Processing the graduate should furthermore be able to:

 

1.8.2 Knowledge

· Knowledge and thorough understanding of the use and processing of timber and non-timber forest products; able to apply this knowledge to the sustainable use and production of these specific resources in relation to both social and environmental components

· Knowledge of various technical processing methods of timber and non-timber forest products

· Social and economic issues in harvesting and use of both types of forest products

· Sustainability in forests products utilisation

 

1.8.2 Skills

· Formulate a hypothesis, plan and execute research or development work, evaluate the outcomes and draw valid conclusions in relation to timber and non-timber forest product use and processing

· Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems

· Analyse, synthesise and assimilate diverse information in a critical manner

· Construct reasoned arguments to support a position on the implications and the potential impacts of scientific advances and appreciate the validity of different points of view

· Communicate about a subject matter clearly, confidently and with accuracy

· Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis and enterprise

· Record, collate, analyse and report data collected in the laboratory or field

· Access and interpret primary and secondary sources of information

 

1.8.3 Competences

· Work both independently and in collaboration with others Take responsibility for self-managed learning and personal/professional development

· Undertake filed and/or laboratory investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner

· Translate information into instructions that can be given to others at an appropriate level

· Write management plans to meet defined objectives

· Construct scenarios of possible futures and consider their importance in current management

 

1.9 Study track Alnarp

After completing the study track in Scandinavian and Boreal Forestry the graduate should furthermore be able to:

 

1.9.1 Knowledge

· Knowledge and thorough understanding of the principles for sustainable forestry in Scandinavia and in Eastern Europe with focus on Sweden, Denmark, Russia, the Baltic States, and Poland. Insights into to differences between the countries, against the background of similar natural settings for forestry but diversity of social norms, management traditions, and approaches to policy-making.

· Knowledge of actors in forestry and forest industry in Scandinavia and East Europe; their objectives, working methods and organisation.

· Understand conflicts that arise due to tensions between timber production on one hand and increasing values of non-timber forest products and services, on the other

· Contempory forest and dependency between socio-economic settings and values of non-timber products and services.

· Thorough understanding of how national and international forest policy is formed and exerted, considering the main policy drivers, the interface between forestry and society

· Reflect on strategies for conservation and enhancement of nature values

· Summarise principles and methods for long-term strategic planning of multifunctional forestry

· Understand processes behind the development of national and international forest policies.

 

1.9.2 Skills

· Formulate a hypothesis, plan and execute research or development work, evaluate the outcomes and draw valid conclusions in relation to Scandinavian and Eastern European forestry

· Ability to compare and analyse differences in forestry practices between the countries, against the background of similar natural settings for forestry but diversity of social norms, management traditions, approaches to policy-making, etc.

· Transfer scientific research on silvicultural measures into practical forestry and evaluate the effects of actions

· Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems

· Analyse, synthesise and assimilate diverse information in a critical manner

· Construct reasoned arguments to support a position on the implications and the potential impacts of scientific advances and appreciate the validity of different points of view

· Communicate about a subject matter clearly, confidently and with accuracy

· Synthesize and building a holistic view

· Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis and enterprise

· Record, collate, analyse and report data collected in the laboratory or field

· Use GIT (Geographical Information Technology) to present results from different assignmants

· Access and interpret primary and secondary sources of information

 

1.9.3 Competences

· Work both independently and in collaboration with others

· Take responsibility for self-managed learning and personal/professional development Undertake filed and/or laboratory investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner

· Translate information into instructions that can be given to others at an appropriate level

· Write management plans to meet defined objectives

· Construct scenarios of possible futures and consider their importance in current management

 

1.10 Study track Padova

After completing the study track in Mountain Forestry and Watershed Management the graduate should furthermore be able to:

 

1.10.1 Knowledge

· Knowledge and through understanding of the main terrestial concepts, international framework and practical tools related to principles of functioning and management of mountain forest. Forest economics and environmental policy, forest hydrology, soil conservation, flood risk and river restoration

· Structure, dynamic and management of mountain forests, multifunctional role of responsible management of forests according to the institutional setting

· Forest economics and environmental policies related to mountain areas: the economic roles of forestry and market structure and trends of mountain areas; environmental economics; economic analysis of investments in mountain areas; actors and cross-sectoral relations in mountain policies development and implementation at international and European levels.

· Forest hydrology and flood risk management; hydrological processes in forested basins, rainfall-runoff modeling, integrated risk management of floods, social vulnerability related to flood impacts in mountain environments

· Explain stream restoration and erosion control in mountain basins; fluvid morphology identification, sediment dynamics and sustainable tools against floods, inundation and terrain stability in mountain watersheds

· Broad background on cable crane transportation, forest cable crane planning, mounting and operating

 

1.10.2 Skills

· Formulate a hypothesis, plan and execute research or development work, evaluate the outcomes and draw valid conclusions in relation to mountain forestry and watershed management

· Ability to analyse, compare and evaluate different effects of forestry practices and watershed management actions from a silvicultural, engineering, economic and management perspective

· Transfer scientific research on silvicultural measures into practical forestry and evaluate the effects of actions

· Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems

· Analyse, synthesise and assimilate diverse information in a critical manner

· Construct reasoned arguments to support a position on the implications and the potential impacts of scientific advances and appreciate the validity of different points of view

· Communicate about a subject matter clearly, confidently and with accuracy

· Synthesize and building a holistic view

· Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis and enterprise

· Record, collate, analyse and report data collected in the laboratory or field

· Access and interpret primary and secondary sources of information

 

1.10.3 Competences

· Work both independently and in collaboration with others Take responsibility for self-managed learning and personal/professional development Undertake filed and/or laboratory investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner

· Translate information into instructions that can be given to others at an appropriate level

· Write management plans to meet defined objectives

· Construct scenarios of possible futures and consider their importance in current management

 

Chapter 2. Degree programme content

2.1 Content

The duration of the programme is two years – 120 credits. All SUFONAMA students must study at two consortium institutions – 60 credits at each. The first year of study must take place in one of three institutions: Copenhagen, Bangor or Göttingen.

As part of the requirements of the first study year, all SUFONAMA students must take part in the Joint Summer Module 7,5 credits. The Joint Summer Module is developed and implemented jointly gathering students and teaching staff from all of the consortium institutions. Overall theme, responsible institution, and location will change between years.

The second study takes place at Copenhagen, Bangor, Göttingen, Alnarp or Padova. The five second year specialisations are: Economic engagement of forest and nature (Copenhagen), Conservation and land management (Bangor), Timber and non-timber forest product use and processing (Göttingen), Scandinavian and East European forestry (Alnarp), and Mountain forestry and watershed management (Padova). The study is completed with a 30 credit thesis.

 

2.1.1 First year

At Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, First year module

Year 1	Block 1	Thematic Course in Ecology and Management of Forests and Nature Resources
	Block 2	Applied Forest and Natural Resource Economic	Conflict Management
	Block 3	Agricultural Economics and Policy	Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
	Block 4	Conservation and Management of Genetic Resources	Joint Summer Module

 

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at LIFE, First year module, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

 

LBIF10176	Conservation and Management of Genetic Resources	7.5 credits
LTEF10152	Geographical Information Systems (GIS)	7.5 credits
LOJK10208	Applied Forest and Natural Resource Economics	7.5 credits
LOJK10255	Agricultural Economics and Policy	7.5 credits
LNAK10064	Thematic Course in Ecology and Management of Forests and Nature Resources	15 credits
LFKK10265	Conflict Management	7.5 credits
	Joint Summer Module	7.5 credits

 

At Bangor University, First year module

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at Bangor University, First year module, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

 

Ecological Sampling, Surveing and Analysis for Foresters	5 credits
Forest Products and their Utilisation	5 credits
World Forest Resources: Management, Markets and Policies	10 credits
Natural Resource Economics and Policy	5 credits
Environmental Silviculture and Continuous Cover Forestry	5 credits
Forest Ecology	5 credits
UK or Continental Field Course	10 credits
Joint Summer Module	7.5 credits

 

At University of Göttingen, First year module

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, First year module, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

 

Forest Resource Inventory Techniques	6 credits
Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS	6 credits
Remote Sensing Image Processing	6 credits
Biometrics Data Analysis and Forest Dynamics	6 credits
Project Planning, Management and Evaluation	6 credits
International Forest Economics	6 credits
Forestry in Germany	10.5 credits
Assessment of NTFP’s and Wildlife Management	6 credits
Joint Summer Module	7.5 credits

 

2.1.2 Second year

At all SUFONAMA institutions, the second study year consists of 30 credit of coursework and a 30-credit thesis within the subject area.

 

The study track in Economic Management of Forest and Nature

At Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Second year module

Year 2	Block 1	Natural Resource Sampling and Modelling	Research Planning
	Block 2	Thematic Course: Sustainable Forest and Natural Resource Management
	Block 3	Thesis (incl. Field Data Collection)
	Block 4

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Second year module, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

 

LTEK10157	Natural Resource Sampling and Modelling	7.5 credits
LNAK10055	Thematic Course: Sustainable Forest and Natural Resource Management	15 credits
LFKK10270	Research Planning	7.5 credits

 

The study track in Conservation and Land Management

At Bangor University, Second year module

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Second year module, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

 

Ecological Sampling, Surveying and Analysis for Conservationists	10 credits
Agricultural Systems	5 credits
Agriculture and the Environment	5 credits
Conservation Biology	5 credits
Natural Resource Management	5 credits
Conservation Management Plan	10 credits
Research Plan	10 credits

 

The study track in Timber and Non-timber Forest Product Use and Processing

At University of Göttingen, Second year module

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Second year module, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

 

NTFP and Agroforestry Products	6 credits
Project: Harvest, Use and Processing of Products from Forested Landscapes	12 credits
Forest Products and Wood Processing	6 credits

 

The study track in Scandinavian and East European Forestry

At Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Second year module

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Second year module, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

 

Sustainable Forestry in Southern Sweden	15 credits
Planning of Sustainable Forest management	15 credits
Broadleaves: Ecology, nature Conservation, Silviculture	15 credits
National and International Forest Policy	15 credits
Research Planning	10 credits

 

The study track in Mountain Forestry and Watershed Management

At University of Padova, Second year module

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Second year module, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

 

Structure and Dynamics of Mountain Forests	4 credits
Management and Treatments in Mountain Forests	4 credits
Forest Economics Related to Mountain Areas	4 credits
Environmental Policies in Mountain Areas	4 credits
Forest Hydrology	4 credits
Flood Risk Management in Mountainous Areas	4 credits
Mountain Fluvial Morphology and Stream Restoration	4 credits
Sustainable Erosion Control and Stream Restoration in Mountain Basins	4 credits
Sustainable Logging Systems in Mountain Areas	4 credits

 

Chapter 3. Admission requirements and admission

3.1 Admission requirement

A good first university degree in Forest and Nature Management or a relevant area, e.g forestry, agriculture, biology, geography, economics

High proficiency in English (IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL : IBT:83 or equivalent)

 

3.2 Admission

Students are admitted to the Erasmus Mundus master’s programme in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management once a year (1 September).