FOR20040
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Academic Year 2025/2026
Tree Structure and Function (FOR20040)
Subject: : Forestry
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 2 (Intermediate)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Mr Charles Harper
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : Blended
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This module will provide students with foundation knowledge of the mechanisms of tree growth and development. The module is intended to underpin other forestry modules, especially Principles of Forestry, Forest Establishment and Silviculture of Forest Stands. Students will study primary and secondary growth of the shoot, including shoot and leaf growth mechanisms; and the structure and function of various tissues and cell types. Other areas of study will include: root initiation and development; branch initiation and growth; periderm formation; and whole-plant physiology. Reproductive growth in trees and some practical aspects of seed biology and seed storage will be examined.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to: Describe the origin, structure and function of various cell, tissue and organ types found in trees. Discuss the impact of environmental factors on growth, development and physiological activity in trees. Outline the procedures followed to maximise seed quality and quantity, including details on effect of harvesting, processing, and storage practices.
Indicative Module Content:
Mechanisms of shoot. Primary and secondary growth of the shoot. Structure and function of various tissues and cell types, root initiation and development; branch initiation and growth; periderm formation. Water relations, photosynthesis, dormancy and growth regulators. Reproductive growth, seed biology and seed storage.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Student Learning | 60 |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Practical | 24 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 108 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, lab work, and some problem-based and case-based learning.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Not applicable to this module.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (In-person): Midterm Exam | Week 6 | Graded | No | 25 | No |
| Exam (In-person): Final Exam | Week 12 | Graded | No | 30 | No |
| Practical Skills Assessment: Lab exam | Week 12 | Graded | No | 15 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: Quiz 2 (Continuous Assessment) | Week 8 | Graded | No | 5 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: Quiz 3 (Continuous Assessment) | Week 10 | Graded | No | 5 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: Quiz 1 (Continuous Assessment) | Week 4 | Graded | No | 5 | No |
| Report(s): Lab Reports | Week 15 | Graded | No | 15 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Spring | Yes - 2 Hour |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Class feedback provided. Individual feedback also available on request.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Mr Charles Harper | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Romane Guernalec | Tutor |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Autumn | Practical | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Thurs 15:00 - 16:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Tues 12:00 - 12:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Wed 10:00 - 10:50 |