Forest Biodiversity and Biotechnology

Recommended Prerequisites

Plant Physiology, Genetics.

Teaching Methods

Two-week intensive course with theoretical and practical classes. During the course the students will have theoretical classes in which the basic concepts about trees and forests will be provided. In the practical classes students will perform experiments about tree physiology, biotechnology and ecology. Students will be grouped (3 – 4) and will develop a work related with one particular subject. A  report about the experiments will be presented and discussed. Visits to companies of the forest sector and forestd will be done to introduce students to the practical problems of the forest sector.

Learning Outcomes

Students will learn concepts and methods used in Forestry The different types of Portuguese forests, including riparian ecosystems, will be characterized. Tree anatomy as well as breeding technologies will be analysed  Threats to forest ecossystems will be discussed. Economic. social and environmental roles of forests will be discussed. Students  must have acquired skills which will able them to understand the functioning of forests and to manage the basic principles of forest resources. The following capacities must be aquired

1. Understanding capacity:

To be able to understand concepts related with embryogenesis and to relate these concepts with general plant development and with practical applications of areas like agriculture and plant biotechnology

2. Ability to solve practical problems: To apply the concepts and methods learnt on this course to solve practical issues.

3. Communication:Be able to analyse scientific data and to transmit it in a clear and concise way.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction

  1.1.Trees and forests

  1.2. Tree measurements

  1.3. Types of trees

  1.4. Tree life cycle

2. Forest distribution

  2.1. Forest types

  2.2. Main country producers of forest products and evolution of commercial trade

3. Portuguese forests

  3.1. Forest inventories

  3.2. Distribution of the main types of forests in Portugal

  3.3. Riparian ecosystems - ecology, conservation and management

4. Forest products and services

  4.1. Main forest products

  4.2. Cork production

  4.3. Paper and pulp production

  4.4. Biomass and biofuels

  4.5. Forests, carbon fixation and climatic changes

5. Forest breeding

  5.1. Conventional breeding and biotechnology

  5.2 Molecular characterisation

6. Forest conservation and main threats

  6.1. Anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic threats

  6.2. Forest conservation

  6.3. Legislation and certification.

Head Lecturer(s)

Jorge Manuel Pataca Leal Canhoto

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 50.0%
Synthesis work: 50.0%

Bibliography

Encyclopedia of Life Sciences - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/047001590X

Inventários Florestais - https://www.icnf.pt/api/file/doc/5b9b8e9a51fd0792

Parthiban KT, Krishnakumar N & Karthick M. 2018. Introduction to Forestry and Agroforestry. Scientific Publishers, India

Ramawat KG, Mérillon J-M & Ahuja MR. 2014. Tree Biotechnology. CRC Press, Boca Raton.

Artigos científicos/Scientific articles.