Forest Ecology and Management
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of forest ecosystems, highlighting the importance of their sustainable management and conservation. Students will learn to assess current and future environmental challenges, gaining skills to maintain and enhance provisioning and regulating ecosystem services. This includes a focus on biodiversity conservation, risk prevention (such as fire management, drought, and pathogen control), and the role of forests as a tool for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of forest ecosystems (biological diversity, ecological processes), understanding the importance of forests in providing provisioning and regulating ecosystem services, and the interactions between climate crises, wildfires, droughts, pathogens, and forest health, evaluating the impact of these threats on ecosystem resilience. They will be able to critically analyze and assess forest management projects, considering their effectiveness in promoting ecological resilience and maintaining ecosystem services, with a focus on ecological, economic, and social sustainability. They will acquire basic skills in using technological tools for monitoring and conserving forest ecosystems. Students will learn how to communicate complex concepts of forest ecology and sustainable management to diverse audiences, utilizing various formats and communication techniques. They will reflect on the ethical importance of conserving forest ecosystems, advocating for responsible and sustainable natural resource management, with a strong sense of responsibility toward society and the environment.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1st CFU - Forest Ecology: Structure, Dynamics, and Processes
Definition of forest: structure, functions, and natural dynamics.
The tree and its organs: growth, development, and functional adaptations.
Population and community ecology in forests: structure, evolutionary dynamics, and species interactions.
Forest ecosystems and ecological factors: climate, soil, water availability, and their impact on tree growth.
Energy flows and biogeochemical cycles in forests: carbon balance, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.
2nd CFU - Forest Disturbances and Climate Crisis
Disturbance ecology and forest resilience: regeneration and adaptation strategies.
Types of natural and anthropogenic disturbances: fires, storms, landslides, drought, insect and pathogen outbreaks.
Effects of the climate crisis on forests: water stress, tree mortality, and alterations in biogeochemical cycles.
Interactions between climate change and natural disturbances: positive and negative feedback.
Fire ecology and its role in Mediterranean and temperate ecosystems.
Preventive forestry for wildfire risk reduction.
Drought and water crisis in forest ecosystems. Adaptive strategies of forest species to water scarcity. Effects of water stress on forest growth and resilience.
Effects of windstorms on forest structures. Post-event restoration strategies.
Forest pathogens and containment strategies. Monitoring methods and biological control.
3rd CFU - Sustainable Forest Management and Monitoring
Forests worldwide, in Italy, and in Lombardy: distribution, types, and conservation status.
Ecosystem services of forests: provisioning, regulating, and cultural.
Principles and regulatory tools in the forestry sector. Forest certifications (FSC, PEFC).
Main forest management techniques: coppice, high forest, mixed management, conversion, thinning interventions. Introduction to special silviculture.
Climate-Smart Forestry: strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Survey methods, dendrometry, and new technologies for forest monitoring. Data sources for forest monitoring.
4th CFU - Biodiversity-Smart Forestry, Ecological Restoration, and Governance
Causes and consequences of forest biodiversity loss.
Recognition of forest habitats. Natura 2000 forests and protected areas: active conservation and multifunctional management.
Biodiversity management in productive forests.
Impacts of habitat fragmentation on ecological connectivity. Management strategies to mitigate fragmentation and biodiversity loss.
Ecological and economic impacts of alien species in forests. Management strategies for containment and eradication of invasive species.
Ecological restoration, afforestation, and reforestation: criteria and intervention strategies.
Forest planning and governance. Forest policies and integrated management tools.
Scientific communication on forest management and climate change.
Societal engagement in forest ecosystem conservation.
Ethics of ecosystem management.
Definition of forest: structure, functions, and natural dynamics.
The tree and its organs: growth, development, and functional adaptations.
Population and community ecology in forests: structure, evolutionary dynamics, and species interactions.
Forest ecosystems and ecological factors: climate, soil, water availability, and their impact on tree growth.
Energy flows and biogeochemical cycles in forests: carbon balance, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.
2nd CFU - Forest Disturbances and Climate Crisis
Disturbance ecology and forest resilience: regeneration and adaptation strategies.
Types of natural and anthropogenic disturbances: fires, storms, landslides, drought, insect and pathogen outbreaks.
Effects of the climate crisis on forests: water stress, tree mortality, and alterations in biogeochemical cycles.
Interactions between climate change and natural disturbances: positive and negative feedback.
Fire ecology and its role in Mediterranean and temperate ecosystems.
Preventive forestry for wildfire risk reduction.
Drought and water crisis in forest ecosystems. Adaptive strategies of forest species to water scarcity. Effects of water stress on forest growth and resilience.
Effects of windstorms on forest structures. Post-event restoration strategies.
Forest pathogens and containment strategies. Monitoring methods and biological control.
3rd CFU - Sustainable Forest Management and Monitoring
Forests worldwide, in Italy, and in Lombardy: distribution, types, and conservation status.
Ecosystem services of forests: provisioning, regulating, and cultural.
Principles and regulatory tools in the forestry sector. Forest certifications (FSC, PEFC).
Main forest management techniques: coppice, high forest, mixed management, conversion, thinning interventions. Introduction to special silviculture.
Climate-Smart Forestry: strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Survey methods, dendrometry, and new technologies for forest monitoring. Data sources for forest monitoring.
4th CFU - Biodiversity-Smart Forestry, Ecological Restoration, and Governance
Causes and consequences of forest biodiversity loss.
Recognition of forest habitats. Natura 2000 forests and protected areas: active conservation and multifunctional management.
Biodiversity management in productive forests.
Impacts of habitat fragmentation on ecological connectivity. Management strategies to mitigate fragmentation and biodiversity loss.
Ecological and economic impacts of alien species in forests. Management strategies for containment and eradication of invasive species.
Ecological restoration, afforestation, and reforestation: criteria and intervention strategies.
Forest planning and governance. Forest policies and integrated management tools.
Scientific communication on forest management and climate change.
Societal engagement in forest ecosystem conservation.
Ethics of ecosystem management.
Prerequisites for admission
Using electronic spreadsheets.
English language - level B2.
English language - level B2.
Teaching methods
Lecturers will use:
a) Traditional and interactive lectures aimed at providing students with theoretical concepts and fostering critical thinking through discussion;
b) Laboratory activities to consolidate knowledge acquired during lectures and develop applied ecology skills useful for professional practice;
c) Ongoing exercises and quizzes to reinforce and assess knowledge acquisition;
d) Field trips to learn how to measure, describe, and analyze forest stands.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
For field trips, students must arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.
Participation in field activities is only allowed if equipped with:
Hiking boots with non-slip soles
Water (minimum 1 liter per person) and snacks
First aid kit
Clothing suitable for rain and cold temperatures
Notebook and pencil
Inclusivity
The lecturer commits to providing an inclusive educational environment, responding promptly to any reports or requests for support, and adopting compensatory tools as per university guidelines for students with specific learning disorders. Students wishing to use compensatory tools must notify the lecturer via email within the first week of the course and/or within 15 days of the exam session. Students with mobility issues should contact the teacher before the field trips to check how to accommodate for their participation,
Integrity
The lecturer is committed to objectively and transparently evaluating the achievement of the objectives outlined in this syllabus and the knowledge acquired as specified in the program. Students are expected to maintain the highest integrity during assessments.
Responsibility
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Classes and field trips will start no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Both lecturers and students commit to punctuality, mutual respect, and proactive collaboration in educational activities. The lecturer will promptly communicate any schedule or program changes via the course's online bulletin board. Students are expected to check the course website frequently and use study materials responsibly. Reading the recommended textbook sections before each lecture will facilitate more effective learning in class.
a) Traditional and interactive lectures aimed at providing students with theoretical concepts and fostering critical thinking through discussion;
b) Laboratory activities to consolidate knowledge acquired during lectures and develop applied ecology skills useful for professional practice;
c) Ongoing exercises and quizzes to reinforce and assess knowledge acquisition;
d) Field trips to learn how to measure, describe, and analyze forest stands.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
For field trips, students must arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.
Participation in field activities is only allowed if equipped with:
Hiking boots with non-slip soles
Water (minimum 1 liter per person) and snacks
First aid kit
Clothing suitable for rain and cold temperatures
Notebook and pencil
Inclusivity
The lecturer commits to providing an inclusive educational environment, responding promptly to any reports or requests for support, and adopting compensatory tools as per university guidelines for students with specific learning disorders. Students wishing to use compensatory tools must notify the lecturer via email within the first week of the course and/or within 15 days of the exam session. Students with mobility issues should contact the teacher before the field trips to check how to accommodate for their participation,
Integrity
The lecturer is committed to objectively and transparently evaluating the achievement of the objectives outlined in this syllabus and the knowledge acquired as specified in the program. Students are expected to maintain the highest integrity during assessments.
Responsibility
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Classes and field trips will start no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Both lecturers and students commit to punctuality, mutual respect, and proactive collaboration in educational activities. The lecturer will promptly communicate any schedule or program changes via the course's online bulletin board. Students are expected to check the course website frequently and use study materials responsibly. Reading the recommended textbook sections before each lecture will facilitate more effective learning in class.
Teaching Resources
Slides and course notes; study materials provided by lecturers on MS Teams channels.
Recommended Textbooks:
P. Piussi, G. Alberti (2015). "Selvicoltura generale. Boschi, società e tecniche colturali." Compagnia delle Foreste, Arezzo.
IPLA (2004). "Alberi e arbusti. Guida alle specie spontanee del Piemonte." Blu Edizioni, Peveragno (available as a free PDF).
M. Marchetti (2024). "Foreste e società - Piccolo Dizionario di Gestione Forestale Sostenibile." Compagnia delle Foreste, Arezzo.
Recommended Textbooks:
P. Piussi, G. Alberti (2015). "Selvicoltura generale. Boschi, società e tecniche colturali." Compagnia delle Foreste, Arezzo.
IPLA (2004). "Alberi e arbusti. Guida alle specie spontanee del Piemonte." Blu Edizioni, Peveragno (available as a free PDF).
M. Marchetti (2024). "Foreste e società - Piccolo Dizionario di Gestione Forestale Sostenibile." Compagnia delle Foreste, Arezzo.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will be assessed through an oral exam covering the program (max 24 points) and three individual ongoing exercises (max 6 points) partly based on field trips. Evaluation criteria include: ability to present and apply acquired knowledge; ability to organize information; ability to describe and critically analyze forest systems; proficiency in the use of technical terminology.
AGR/05 - FOREST MANAGEMENT AND SILVICULTURE - University credits: 4
Field activity: 16 hours
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 20 hours
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Vacchiano Giorgio
Professor(s)