The student will understand major concepts and approaches for forest ecosystem modelling and different types of models, including forest management models, succession models and biogeochemical models.

Essentials: Forest as a dynamic system; From the complexity of forest ecosystems to the abstraction of forest ecosystem models; How to assess the performance of model predictions; Different models and modelling approaches: management models, succession models, and mechanistic (process-based) models. Complementary knowledge: Building a simple simulation model.

The course contains three parts.

3513152A: Forest ecosystem modelling, concepts and applications, theory (2 cp). Lectures (12 hours), active participation in discussions, and exam based on lectures and given literature.

3513152B: Forest ecosystem modelling, concepts and applications, practicals (2 cp). Supervised exercises (12 h) and independent work (12 h) will be used to compile a simple simulation model. The model will be applied to solve appointed problems, and a consice report (Power Point presentation) of the work will be presented in a seminar (4 h).

3513152C: Forest ecosystem modelling, concepts and applications, Python –programming in simulation modelling (1 cp). Technical skills will be built to support the work in simulation practicals (3513152B) and later studies of process-based modelling. The course includes supervised exercises (8 h) and independent exercises (16 h).

The course can be performed by passing the theory part only (3513152A), or by passing all the three parts.

Lecture handouts and other reading material provided by teachers (set of scientific research articles).

3513152A: 0-5

3513152B: Fail / Pass

3513152C: Fail / Pass

Associate Professor in Forest Ecosystem Modelling and visiting lecturers.

Basic/advanced level understanding is required for the silvicultural practices and dynamics of boreal forest ecosystems and its links to environmental conditions and silviculture in order to participate in this M.Sc. course. It is also recommended that the student has already participated at least one of following scientific level course: 3513065 Silvicultural management of forests for timber production and other ecosystem services (3 cp) or 3513122 Intensive forest management and production of forest biomass (3 cp). Attending the practicals (3513152B) requires passing of the theory part (3513152A) and the Python-programming in simulation modelling (3513152C) part.

Will be organized every year. (1.-2. period)

Joensuu

The language of instruction in this course is English. M.Sc. students of the School of Forest Sciences are prioritized.