Seminar in Tropical Forest Environments2
| Numbering Code | G-AGR02 6BB23 SJ80 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ Year-round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Credits | 4 | Course Type | Seminar |
| Target Year | Target Student | ||
| Language | Japanese and English | Day/Period | Mon.3・4・5 |
| Instructor name |
KITAJIMA KAORU (Graduate School of Agriculture Professor) ONODA YUUSUKE (Graduate School of Agriculture Associate Professor) KANEKO TAKAYUKI (Graduate School of Agriculture Assistant Professor) |
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| Outline and Purpose of the Course | Through reading and discussion of selected publications, the students will learn the background of current research topics in tropical forest environments, including functional characteristics of tropical forest plants, soils and ecosystems, as well as utilization and conservation of tropical forest resources. Furthermore, there will be regular presentations of research plans and accomplishments by the group members, to which feedbacks will be given by the participants and the instructors so that technical and conceptual issues will be better understood. The ultimate goal of the seminar series is to provide instructional support toward the completion of the thesis research of the participating students. | ||
| Course Goals | The first goal is to become able to clearly communicate the objectives, the methods and the results of one’s own research projects as oral and poster presentations. The second goal is to cultivate ability to give constructive and logically cohesive critiques of presentations from a sound scientific standpoint. | ||
| Schedule and Contents |
The number of class meetings below indicate the relative weight of each topic throughout the academic year. Climate and soils in tropical forest environments (2 meetings) Ecosystem nutrient cycling in tropical forests (2 meetings) Functional traits of forest trees and their seedling regeneration (2 meetings) Tree species diversity and habitat specializations in tropical forest communities (2 meetings) Large-scale industrial plantations and selective logging management (2 meetings) Tropical forests and global environmental changes (2 meetings) Hypothesis testing and experimental design (5 meetings) Statistical hypothesis testing (6 meetings) English writing and presentation skills (7 meetings) Critical communication skills (2 meetings) |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy | Course grades will be based on attendance and active participation to discussion. Refer to the current year’s ‘Guide to Degree Programs’ for attainment levels in grade evaluation. | ||
| Course Requirements | Foundational knowledge on biogeography, soil science, forest ecology, plant physiological ecology and silvicuture is desirable. | ||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | It is highly recommended to consult the instructor to have a good academic-year long plan for research planning and preparation of presentations in the class. | ||
| References, etc. | Indicated as needed during the class | ||
