“Special Topics: Structural-Functional Diversity of Trees and Forests- Implications for Forest Management in a Changing Global Climate.” The purpose of this special topics course is to allow graduate students at the University of Padova to enhance their knowledge of the structure and function of different tree species and forest ecosystems around the globe. Course learning objectives are to (1) Explore the functional diversity of different tree species and different forest types; (2) Understand evolved resistance of trees to different environmental stressors, such as wind, flooding, fire, drought and frost; (3) Learn scientific methods to measure or model tree structure and function, including demonstration of terrestrial laser scanning technology; and (4) Explore implications of functional diversity for forest management in a changing global environment, including climate change adaption strategies in the form of “climate-smart” forest management. The course uses a mixed approach to learning with lectures and discussions combined with local excursions outdoors and off-campus field trips.
- Docente: Macfarlane David William