Upon successful completion of this course the students should be able to have a global view about the sustainable development goals (SDGs) with a special focus on the chosen topic. Students will familiarize themselves with the chose topic by interviewing experts and by critically examining recent scientific literature on the chosen topic. The topics will vary between the years, and will focus on, e.g., different elements of the SDGs in different countries. The final virtual seminar will provide students an in-depth view on differences and similarities between countries on the chosen topic. 

The course consists of three elements: (1) The introductory lectures will introduce the study methods and the available topics. (2) Each group will prepare a proposal how to investigate the topic. All students prepare an individual presentation (10 min) based on the findings from interviews and literature. (3) Each group will firstly present the preliminary findings to all other students and supervisors internally and secondly prepare a final presentation (20 min) about the chosen topic for the final virtual seminars that ends the course. 

Introductory lectures (approx. 4 h), interviews and group work (approx. 20 h), seminar (approx. 4 h) and self-studies (approx. 20 h).

Available in Moodle

0-5 The grading will be as follows: 40% (individual presentation) and 60% (group presentation). Contents: sound concept for investigating topic (20%), critical evaluation of the national achievements regarding the SDGs (20%), comprehensive comparison between the countries (20%); Presentation: style and layout of the presentation (20%), use of ICT and skills in presenting (20%). 

Teachers from different MSc EF Consortium universities. Contact person in Joensuu: Professor of Forest Information Systems Timo Tokola.

Academic year 2021-2022: Introductory lectures during Trends in European Forestry -course, monthly check-point meetings and the final seminar in April.

Joensuu campus

MSc European Forestry students. The course includes the elements of sustainable development (i.e. ecological principles, management of natural resources and climate change). The language of instruction for this course is English.