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Overview

In this future-facing module, you will gain a broad and thorough understanding of the factors that contribute to ill health in trees, woodlands and forests and you will gain the much-demanded skills required for a wide range of careers in forest science research, consultancy, policy and industry. Topics covered may include: key insect pests and pathogens and their impacts on trees and forests; new and emerging non-native P&Ds – Horizon scanning, pathways and biosecurity; surveillance, monitoring and detection of tree pests and pathogens; molecular diagnostics; climate change and other abiotic drivers of disease; health of urban trees; wildlife damage; the genetic basis of tree disease resistance; social aspects of forest protection . This module will be delivered in partnership with leading experts from Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.

Students will gain a broad and thorough understanding of the factors that contribute to ill health in trees, woodlands and forests and will gain the much-demanded skills required for a wide range of careers in forest science research, consultancy, policy and industry. Topics covered may include: key insect pests and pathogens and their impacts on trees and forests; new and emerging non-native P&Ds – Horizon scanning, pathways and biosecurity; surveillance, monitoring and detection of tree pests and pathogens; molecular diagnostics; climate change and other abiotic drivers of disease; health of urban trees; wildlife damage; the genetic basis of tree disease resistance; social aspects of forest protection 

Assessment Strategy

Grading Criteria

Threshold - A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. Written work should demonstrate a basic ability to synthesise and interpret data from lectures and readings in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge. (Grade D or C; mark range 50-59%)

Good - A good student should have thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to cite examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and some information from background reading into coherent arguments. (Grade B; mark range 60-69%)

Excellent - An excellent student should have a high level of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading in support of detailed, developed arguments. (Grade A; mark range 70-100%)

Learning Outcomes

• Apply theoretical knowledge to design and implement surveillance, monitoring, detection and diagnosis systems for extant and emerging pests and diseases

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of past, present and possible future pests and diseases of trees, woodland and forests, and costs/benefits of different approaches to pest and disease management.

• Evaluate the genetic, ecological and environmental bases of pest damage and pathogenesis, their environmental and economic impacts, and costs/benefits of different approaches to pest and disease management