Course objectives: This module introduces basic methods and conventions for: measuring trees and forest stands; estimating basic forestry summary characteristics; assessing the patterns of genetic diversity in forest tree species.

Course contents: Forest mensuration: individual tree variables; forest stand / population variables; biodiversity measures.  Genetic diversity: why is it important and how can it be measured?  Adaptive traits and provenance tests; molecular methods.  Conservation and use of genetic diversity.

Teaching and learning methods:  10 ´ 2-hour lectures (20 hours); 3 ´ 4-hour practicals (12 hours); total 32 hours.

Examination: Two reports: genetic variation in a named species (40 % of module marks); inventory of a forest stand (60 % of module marks).

Competences acquired: By the end of the module students should (1) understand the methods used for measuring trees and forest stands, (2) understand the estimation of basic forestry summary characteristics, (3) be able to discuss the ways in which genetic diversity in tree species can be measured, conserved and used.

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