Study Guide

Objective

Main learning outcomes
· The student understands the various ecosystem services the forest provides
· The student is able to explain the different forests functions
· The student knows current and future forest-based products
· The student can plan and evaluate the integration of several forest functions
· The student can assess the economic value of the trade-offs of forest functions

Content

This study unit is about the diverse uses of forests. The forest ecosystem services provide the framework for understanding the various forest functions. Furthermore, the current and innovative future forest-based products are discussed. The possible integration of several forest functions is planned and evaluated, and the economic value of the trade-offs are assessed.

Location and time

The course will be implemented between August-December 2025 in Karelia Wärtsilä campus, Joensuu and nearby study excursion locations.

Materials

The teacher provides information about study materials at the beginning of the course. Most of the materials will be made available in Moodle study platform.

Teaching methods

This study unit is about the diverse uses of forests. The forest ecosystem services provide the framework for understanding the various forest functions. Furthermore, the current and innovative future forest-based products are discussed. The possible integration of several forest functions is planned and evaluated, and the economic value of the trade-offs are assessed.
The course consists of the following learning activities: lectures, project work, excursions, assessments and independent study.

Employer connections

Working life cooperation will be included as case study examples and excursion destinations.

Exam schedules

Course exam will take place after the completion of lessons and exercises. A possibility for re-exam will be provided if needed.

International connections

The course is part of the INVEST specialization studies (Forestry Adaptation to a Changing Environment - FACE).

Student workload

The academic credit yield of this course is 6 ECTS which corresponds to 150 hours total work load for a student.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Evaluation criteria will be presented at the beginning of the course.