Master s Degree Programme (CBU) in Forestry (MDP in CBU FOR) Study Guide

Transcription

1 Master s Degree Programme (CBU) in Forestry (MDP in CBU FOR) Study Guide University of Eastern Finland Petrozavodsk State University Moscow State Forest University Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University

2 2 CBU FOR Study Guide Master s Degree Programme (CBU) in Forestry (MDP in CBU FOR) Postal address P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland Street address Yliopistokatu 7 Internet Editor Marjoriitta Möttönen CBU FOR Study Guide : Version 2 June 2016 Copyright: CBU FOR Programme All photographs have been provided by the students and staff of CBU FOR partner universities. The programme reserves the right to revise the guide and amend regulations and procedures at any time.

3 MDP in CBU Forestry 3 FOREWORD Welcome to start your studies in Master s Degree Programme (CBU) in Forestry! With four partner universities, University of Eastern Finland in Finland, and Moscow State Forest University, Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University, and Petrozavodsk State University in Russia, we will offer you a great array of opportunities to learn about sustainable forestry at large in Finland and Russia. You will have a chance to engage with both professional and social activities on both sides of the border. I hope you will have rewarding time both professionally and socially! On behalf of the CBU FOR partner universities, Timo Karjalainen Coordinator of CBU FOR

4 4 CBU FOR Study Guide CONTENT 1. Introduction Contact information Partner universities University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Moscow State Forest University (MSFU) Petrozavodsk State University (PSU) Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University (SPFTU) Studies Degrees and certificates Language of instruction Timing of the studies Course feedback Curriculum General Cross-border element Specialization options Compulsory courses Personal study plan Introductory course Current issues in forest sciences Problem oriented course Intensive course Joint thesis seminar Applied period Master s thesis Elective courses General University of Eastern Finland Moscow State Forest University Petrozavodsk State University Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University Practical information Visa and Residence Permit Financing of the studies University fees Living costs Accommodation Health care Advisory Services Annex Annex Annex

5 MDP in CBU Forestry 5 1. INTRODUCTION The Master s Degree Programme (CBU) in Forestry is based on bilateral and international collaboration in the fields of forest and environmental sciences with aims to promote the ecologically, economically and socially sustainable use of forest resources. As well as teaching based on high level scientific research the aim of this programme is to develop student s cross-cultural understanding and knowledge of different working environments. The programme creates competence to act in the field both in Finland and in Russia. Students are also provided with knowledge and skills, which enable them to serve multinational organizations in creating rational strategies and operations for territories and forests not only in Finland and Russia but also elsewhere. The programme provides the students with high quality and diversified training in forestry and bioenergy, with emphasis on social and ecological sustainability. This programme is designed for students, who already have their Bachelor s or comparable degree. The working language is English, and the studies are made both in Finland and in Russia. The extension of these studies is two years and 120 ECTS points. The programme has been fully implemented since autumn There are four partner universities in the programme: University of Eastern Finland (the coordinator) Moscow State Forest University Petrozavodsk State University Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University The programme will utilize the strong expertise of its partner universities: ecology and forestry bioenergy production forest resource management and planning forest economics and policy forest technology and forest products marketing

6 6 CBU FOR Study Guide CONTACT INFORMATION Main coordinator University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Faculty of Science and Forestry School of Forest Sciences P.O. Box 111, FI JOENSUU Finland Professor Timo Karjalainen tel Planning Officer Marjoriitta Möttönen tel Local coordinators in Russia Moscow State Forest University (MSFU) Professor Vladimir Nikitin Moscow State Forest University 1 st Institutskaya street, , Mytischi, Moscow region Russia nick@mgul.ac.ru

7 MDP in CBU Forestry 7 Petrozavodsk State University (PSU) Professor Vadim Kostyukevich Petrozavodsk State University Lenin Str Petrozavodsk Russia vadkos@petrsu.ru Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University (SPFTU) Coordinator Maxim Chubinsky Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University Institutsky per Saint Petersburg Russia mchubinsky@gmail.com

8 8 CBU FOR Study Guide PARTNER UNIVERSITIES 3.1 University of Eastern Finland (UEF) School of Forest Sciences Founded in 1982, the School of Forest Sciences at the Faculty of Science and Forestry of the University of Eastern Finland is an international research and education centre, providing the highest level of expertise in forestry and related sciences. The School of Forest Sciences is an internationally renowned research and education centre which produces highly competent and responsible professionals with excellent management skills for forestry and other environmental management fields for Finland and the rest of the world. The School's situation in the City of Joensuu places it at the core of a dynamically developing national centre of expertise in the forest, wood, and environmental sciences as well as education. The School of Forest Sciences has over 300 undergraduates and approximately 80 post-graduate students. Each autumn about 60 new forestry students coming from many different countries begin their studies at the School of Forest Sciences. Majors and specializations CBU FOR students of the University of Eastern Finland major in European forestry. CBU FOR students can specialize in A. bioenergy production, B. forest policy and economics, C. forest ecology and silviculture or in D. forest information technology and resource management.

9 MDP in CBU Forestry 9 Research priorities Effects of climate change on forests Forest ecology and biodiversity Multi-objective and participatory forest planning Wood science Wood procurement Forest resource inventory and GIS Economic evaluation of forest benefits Forest economy and marketing Forest energy and its procurement Contact University of Eastern Finland Faculty of Science and Forestry School of Forest Sciences Yliopistokatu 7 (Borealis building) P.O. Box 111, FI JOENSUU Finland metsa.osasto@uef.fi

10 10 CBU FOR Study Guide Moscow State Forest University (MSFU) Forest Faculty Moscow State Forest University (MSFU) is a leading multi-discipline higher forest educational institution in Russia. It was founded in Together with forest-related specialties, the University trains Bachelors, Masters of Science and Specialists in various fields including computer and information systems as well as economics. MSFU has long and close cooperation with many corresponding educational and scientific institutions in Bulgaria, China, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Iran, Mongolia, Montenegro, Serbia, USA, Vietnam and others. It has been educating international students through various educational and research programmes. World famous scientific schools in fundamental and applied research were born and work today at the University. Hundreds of highly qualified specialists, academicians, doctors and candidates of sciences deliver lectures and carry out research work. The University has 65 departments, 5 research institutes, Experimental Forest Management Unit in Schelkovo (with area over 34 thousand hectares), 40 department branches at industrial enterprises, 3 Certification Centers, a library, European level sports complex including two gyms, the stadium and a swimming pool. Forest faculty trains specialists for forest industry, complex forest enterprises, departments of forest management and environment control services. Scientific schools dealing with such principal matters of forestry and forest industry as rational exploitation, conservation and regeneration of forest resources and environment, development of optimal forest use technology were formed in the University.

11 MDP in CBU Forestry 11 Majors There are two majors at the Forest Faculty: Forestry and Forest protection including pest and forest fires protection. It is also possible to study at the Faculty of Landscape Architecture (but there are no courses in English). The specialization options are (all courses are taught in Russian): forestry and aesthetic forestry landscape architecture machines and equipment of forest complex forest protection technology of trees tending in urban range forest technology Research priorities Use, conservation and reproduction of forest resources, landscape architecture with the development of optimal technologies of forest use in terms of forest industry intensification New composite materials on the basis of complex and rational use of forest resources and wood products Development of rational technology of forest and wood processing industry Economy and setting up of automated control systems in various branches of forest complex Invention of controlling measuring and computational systems on the basis of integral microelectronics of microprocessors and robotics Contact Moscow State Forest University 1 st Institutskaya street, 1, , Mytischi, Moscow region Russia tel. +7(495) fax +7(495)

12 12 CBU FOR Study Guide Petrozavodsk State University (PSU) Institute of Forestry, Engineering and Construction Sciences Petrozavodsk State University is the largest educational institution in the European North of Russia, playing a leading role among the higher educational institutions in this region. The 15 faculties and institutes of the university offer a wide range of disciplines. The Institute of Forest, Engineering and Building Sciences of Petrozavodsk State University is the only university department in the Republic of Karelia to offer professional forestry courses towards the degrees of Master of Science (MSc), Candidate of Science (PhD) and Doctor of Science (DSc). Institute of Forestry, Engineering and Construction Sciences has seven departments: Department of Transport and Production Machines and Equipment Department of Technology and Management of Forest Industry Complex Department of Forestry and Landscape Architecture Department of Industrial Transport Department of Architecture, Structural Engineering and Geotechnics Department of General Technical Subjects Department of Management in Construction Operations Majors There are five curricula for graduate students: Diploma Bachelor degree/ MSc degree in forest machinery with following specialization options: logging machinery design, logging machinery service, technical management, and paper machinery design Forest technology with following specialization options: wood working technology, and haulroad construction and road-building machinery Forestry Landscape architecture Road constructions

13 MDP in CBU Forestry 13 CBU students major in forestry or forest technology. Research priorities Increasing productivity of Karelian forests by using scientific knowledge Biodiversity and conservation of genetic resources Finding ways to increase the reliability of machines and the equipment of wood complex at designing, manufacturing, operation and repair A substantiation and development of ecologically safe, economically effective and wasteless technological processes of preparation and processing of wood raw materials A substantiation and development of rational engineering and technology for complex use of wood and development of nonconventional resources of wood raw materials Automation of designing of highways and transport processes under conditions of Republic Karelia Economics of multi-purpose use of nature Contact Petrozavodsk State University Institute of Forestry, Engineering and Construction Sciences pr. A. Nevskogo, , Petrozavodsk The Republic of Karelia RUSSIA tel fax

14 14 CBU FOR Study Guide Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University (SPFTU) Forest sciences in Saint Petersburg The history of Saint Petersburg Forest Technical University (former Academy) dates back to 1803 when the first special forest education institution was founded by a decree of Emperor Alexander the First. Currently it has 7 different faculties: forestry, forest engineering, mechanical processing of wood, forest mechanics, economics and management, chemical technology of wood, and humanities. The faculty trains pedagogical and scientific staff and high-skilled professionals for the Russian forestry. The faculty has successfully combined theory and practice, traditions and innovations in its activity. Multilevel preparation of experts (engineers, bachelors and masters) is carried out. International students from several countries study at the faculty. Basically all the forest science in Russia was created by the faculty graduates. Among them were professors Morozov, Tkachenko, Melekhov, V.D. Ogievsky, V.V. Ogievsky, Arnold, Rudzkoy, Orlov, Tretyakov, Gorsky, Samolovich, Moiseev, Moshkalev, Baitin, Kholodkovsky, Rimski-Korsakov, Shevirev, Silantiev, Spesivtsev, Doppelmaer, Vanin, Vakin, Poluboyarinov, Borodin, Ivanov, Sukachev, Yatsenko-Khmelevsky, Kostichev, Kossovich, Tavlinov and many others. Specialists in the fields of forestry, reforestation, forest inventory and management, ecology, GIS, information support of forest complex, hunting, forest quarantine, landscape architecture and urban greening and also teachers for colleges and high educational establishments are trained at the faculty. The herbarium of the faculty is among 6 herbariums of Russian Federation which have a status of world heritage. The Faculty has museums of Forest Entomology named by Rimsky-Korsakov, Biology of forest animals and birds named by Silantiev and museum of Soils, minerals and silviculture named by Morozov. The arboretum of the Botanical garden has a collection of more than 1500 species of wood plants both local and introduced species.

15 MDP in CBU Forestry 15 Training of students at the Faculty connected with scientific and research work of departments and to a great extent organized in the field: during training and practical work in forests, excursions to experimental and elite plantations, in scientific research and project institutes and other institutions of forest complex. Two experimental forest stations Lisinski (28000 ha) and Okhtinsky (1700 ha) and Botanical garden (64 ha) are used for practical training as well as forest enterprises. Majors CBU students will graduate with Master in Forest Silviculture. Research priorities Optimization of Russian forestry and forest resources use Sustainable forest management Study, inventory and conservation of forest biodiversity Implementation of computer and GIS technologies in forestry Study of carbon balance (cycle) in forest ecosystems Forest monitoring and forest inventory Study of forest growth tendency in conditions of climate Contact Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University Institutsky per , Saint Petersburg Russia tel fax

16 16 CBU FOR Study Guide STUDIES 4.1 Degrees and certificates At the end of successful completion of studies according to the home university and CBU regulations, the student will be receive a Master s degree from his/her home university, a diploma supplement and a CBU certificate. The degrees awarded in each home university are: UEF MSFU PSU SPFTU Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry Master of Science in Forestry Master of Science Master of Science in Forestry It is also possible to apply for admission to study in the double degree programme offered by UEF and SPFTU and by UEF and MSFU. Upon the successful acceptance at both universities and the completion of the studies agreed by both universities, students are able to get a degree certificate from both universities. This option is visible only for the Russian students at the moment. 4.2 Language of instruction Language of instruction is principally English, but some courses at home university may also be instructed in the local language. Some foreign language studies can be included to students own elective studies. 4.3 Timing of the studies First year of the studies comprises mostly of the compulsory and elective studies, second year is intended to be reserved mostly for the applied period and the preparation of the Master s thesis. Finland. The Academic Year starts August 1 and ends July 31 of the following year. The lectures and other formal teaching occur primarily during two semesters: autumn and spring, which are each sub-divided into two periods of about equal length. The specific division of the periods varies from year to year. Individual courses may overlap periods depending on the prevailing practices of different faculties and universities. From mid- December to early January there are about three weeks of Christmas holiday break, when there are no lectures. The spring semester starts at the beginning of January. There is a six day Easter holiday break during

17 MDP in CBU Forestry 17 this semester. There are generally no courses during the summer with the exception of field courses. During the summer students have the option to continue their studies on a self-guided basis, and utilize the general examination days (dates vary between universities, mostly one day each summer month) to continue accumulating credits. Russia. Teaching and examining during the academic year takes place in two terms of 15 weeks duration each, respectively called the fall and the spring semesters. The fall semester starts on the 1st of September and lasts till mid-december. Fall semester examinations last 3 weeks in January and are followed by two week winter vacation. The spring semester starts on the second week of February; the teaching goes on till mid-may and is followed by the "Spring Exams Session" which lasts the first three weeks in June. July-August is the period of the summer vacation. 4.4 Course feedback Course feedback is collected after each course. It is essential that all students give their feedback and comments about each course as in that way the course contents and structures can be developed. In most cases, the feedback is collected by electronic forms and the summary of the feedback is discussed in the CBU FOR coordinators meetings on a regular basis.

18 18 CBU FOR Study Guide CURRICULUM 5.1 General The total minimum extent of the studies is 120 ECTS (Figure 1). Studies include compulsory courses (courses at home university and CBU compulsory common courses), elective courses, an applied period and a Master s thesis. The ECTS requirements on courses at home university and elective courses vary between universities. One ECTS is equivalent to 27 hours of studies. Please contact the local coordinator for further information on the degree structure at your home university. If you are aiming at a double-degree, your study plan should be approved by both universities and include a minimum of 60 ECTS at both universities. You also need a thesis supervisor from both universities. Figure 1. Study structure of CBU FOR. ECTS vary in different universities. 5.2 Cross-border element Cross-border element, i.e. studies in a cross-border environment, is a central part of the CBU FOR Programme. Your study programme has to include at least 24 ECTS of studies with a cross-border element to receive the specific CBU certificate (this is not a degree certificate but a document stating that you have studied in this special programme which will be awarded in addition to the degree certificate). The studies with crossborder element may include student mobility (also virtual mobility in distance-education courses), jointly organized courses such as CBU compulsory courses, a jointly guided Master s thesis and an applied period (work placement or a science or development project abroad).

19 MDP in CBU Forestry Specialization options A student will choose one specialization option at home university. The specialization options are: University of Eastern Finland (UEF): Bioenergy production Forest policy and economics Forest ecology and silviculture Forest information technology and resource management Moscow State Forest University (MSFU) Forestry and aesthetic forestry Landscape architecture Machines and equipment of forest complex Forest protection Technology of trees tending in urban range Forest technology Petrozavodsk State University (PSU) Forestry Forest technology Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University (SPFTU) Forest silviculture 5.4 Compulsory courses Compulsory courses of the programme are divided into two sections: 1) CBU compulsory common courses and 2) compulsory courses at home university. The ECTS of these compulsory courses vary from 48 to 55 ECTS between universities. The other compulsory courses include 3) Applied period (12 ECTS) and 4) MSc Thesis (30 ECTS). 1) CBU compulsory common courses (24 ECTS) CBU compulsory common courses are obligatory for all the students and will be organized in both countries. These courses include: Personal study plan 1 ECTS Introductory course 7 ECTS Current issues in forest sciences 3 ECTS

20 20 CBU FOR Study Guide Problem oriented course Intensive course Joint thesis seminar 5 ECTS 5 ECTS 3 ECTS A personal study plan (1 ECTS) is obligatory for all students and has to be included in the courses at home university. A personal study plan (PSP) consists of your plans on what to study, how to study and a timetable for your studies. It is an action plan, a document in which you express your objectives for your studies. In practice, a PSP includes the degree structure, compulsory and optional study units consisting of all the individual courses planned to be completed. PSP will also include the planned timing of the individual studies. The idea of the PSP is to help you plan and schedule your studies and at the same time to help you make sure that you are doing all the courses required and fulfill the requirements of your home university or the requirements of your home university and host university (in the case of a double degree programme). PSP can be updated as your studies progress. PSP is a tool for you to follow the progress of your studies and to evaluate how you are achieving your personal goals. Your home university will provide you with more detailed information about PSP. 2) Compulsory courses at home university (24 31 ECTS) The courses at home university are defined by your home university. You may have some choice of selection regarding the courses depending on your home university. The minimum amount of compulsory courses at the home university: UEF 24 ECTS (for different options at UEF, see Annex 3) MSFU 30 ECTS PSU 31 ECTS SPFTU 30 ECTS 3) Applied period Applied period (12 ECTS) is compulsory for the CBU students whose home university is University of Eastern Finland and for the students aiming at double degree (for the other partner universities, please consult your local coordinator in your home university). In case, your home university does not require applied period, please make sure that you fulfill the credit requirements (you have to take other courses to fulfill a min. 120 ECTS).

21 MDP in CBU Forestry 21 Applied period can be accomplished at home university, a partner university, company, NGO or public sector organization, preferably not in your home country. More information and guidelines in Annex 1. 4) Master of Science thesis The thesis is preferably jointly guided and has a topic that is relevant on both sides of the border. Your home university will provide you with detailed requirements. The MSc thesis carries 30 ECTS in all universities. You have to discuss and agree the topic and research plan with your supervisor. Please also note that the students of University of Eastern Finland will need at least one supervisor who belongs to the permanent teaching staff (professor or university researcher) of the University of Eastern Finland. The instructions how to make a thesis at the University of Eastern Finland are found in the web pages of CBU FOR programme at

22 22 CBU FOR Study Guide Personal study plan ECTS: 1 Time: Autumn 2016 Place: Home university Organiser: UEF/MSFU/PSU/SPFTU Contact person: Local coordinators Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course students have prepared a personal study plan for taking Master s degree in CBU FOR. Content: Discussions on Master s degree studies with the professor coordinating CBU Master s Degree Programme in Forestry in student s home university. Modes of study: Planning and timing of Master s studies considering the studying goals. For personal study plan at UEF, see the structure of the studies in Annex 3. Grading: pass/fail Further information in WebOodi: Course code:

23 MDP in CBU Forestry Introductory course ECTS: 7 Time: 8-19 August 2016 Place: Joensuu, Finland Organiser: UEF Contact persons: Prof. Timo Karjalainen (timo.karjalainen@uef.fi) and planning officer Marjoriitta Möttönen (marjoriitta.mottonen@uef.fi). Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course students have received an introduction to features specific to forestry and forest sector in Finland and in Russia. In addition, they understand the demands and needs of cross-border co-operation in forest sector. Content: Overview of the forest sector in Finland and Russia, this includes forest policy, forest legislation, forest technology, ecological aspects of forestry, forest industry and forest resources. Fundamentals of Finnish- Russian cross-border co-operation in forest sector. Modes of study: A course (2 weeks) in Finland. Lectures by Finnish and Russian experts, excursions to local forestry companies and other forest sector organizations, group assignments, and other assignments specified during the course. Grading: 0-5. Further information in WebOodi: Course code:

24 24 CBU FOR Study Guide Current issues in forest sciences ECTS: 3 Time: August 2016 Place: Joensuu, Finland Organiser: UEF Contact persons: Prof. Timo Karjalainen (timo.karjalainen@uef.fi) and planning officer Marjoriitta Möttönen (marjoriitta.mottonen@uef.fi). Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course students have obtained specific knowledge on current issues in forest sciences. In addition, they understand the importance and effects of the chosen current issue on cross-border co-operation in the forest sector. Content: A changing theme. Cross-border co-operation aspects related to the current issue. The theme for the course during academic year is bioenergy. Modes of study: Lectures by Finnish and Russian experts, group assignments, and other assignments specified during the course. Grading: 0-5. Further information in WebOodi: Course code:

25 MDP in CBU Forestry Problem oriented course ECTS: 5 Time: May 2017 Place: Petrozavodsk, Russia Organiser: PSU Contact persons: Prof. Timo Karjalainen (timo.karjalainen@uef.fi) and planning officer Marjoriitta Möttönen (marjoriitta.mottonen@uef.fi). Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course students have received skills for conflict resolution in forest sector; have got acquainted with analysing and evaluating conflicts related to forest issues and understand the demands and needs of cross-border co-operation in forest sector. Content: A changing theme. Fundamentals of conflict resolution in forest sector. In spring 2017, the theme will be Natural disturbances and successional dynamics in boreal forests. Modes of study: Lectures by Finnish and Russian experts, group assignments, and other assignments specified during the course. Grading: 0-5. Further information in WebOodi: Course code:

26 26 CBU FOR Study Guide Intensive course ECTS: 5 Time: May 2017 Place: Moscow, Russia Organiser: MSFU Contact persons: Prof. Timo Karjalainen (timo.karjalainen@uef.fi) and planning officer Marjoriitta Möttönen (marjoriitta.mottonen@uef.fi). Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course students have obtained knowledge on features specific to forestry and forest sector in Finland and in Russia. The main focus is placed on the opportunities to improve competitiveness of cross-border activities related to forestry and forest industries in the global market. The new value chains such as biomass based energy production, for example, will be studied during the course. Content: A changing theme dealing with the forest sector in Finland and Russia. In spring 2017, the theme is Forestland transportation. Modes of study: A course (1 week) in Russia. Lectures by Finnish and Russian experts, excursions to local forestry organizations and companies, group assignments, and other assignments specified during the course. Grading: 0-5. Further information in WebOodi: Course code:

27 MDP in CBU Forestry Joint thesis seminar ECTS: 3 Time: Continuous Place: Distance course Organiser: UEF Contact persons: Prof. Timo Karjalainen (timo.karjalainen@uef.fi), and planning officer Marjoriitta Möttönen (marjoriitta.mottonen@uef.fi). Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course students have obtained knowledge on scientific research processes and practice on written and oral research reporting. In addition, they have got acquainted with receiving academic feedback and responding to it and developed academic skills in critical evaluation and reflection. Content: Presenting theoretical and methodological choices and main results of Master s thesis. Discussions on theoretical, methodological, ethical and structural choices and challenges in Master s thesis. Modes of study: Participation in online thesis seminars, presentation of MSc thesis research plan, presentation of final MSc thesis, and reflective report on the research process. Detailed guidelines can be found in Annex 1. Grading: pass/fail Further information in WebOodi: Course code:

28 28 CBU FOR Study Guide Applied period ECTS: 12 Time: Continuous Place: Forest Company or organization, normally in Finland or in Russia. Organiser: UEF/UH/PSU/MSFU/SPFTU in cooperation with different organizations in forest sector. Contact persons: Local coordinators, Prof. Timo Karjalainen and planning officer Marjoriitta Möttönen Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course students have received different types of theoretical, professional and social skills and knowledge and learnt how different organizations in the forest sector are operating at national, European and international level, especially in relation to cross-border co-operation. In addition, they learn business culture, project and organizational management, organizational values, and professional team work. Content: Working in an organization in forest sector. Modes of study: Minimum 8 weeks of practical training, a written report, and an oral presentation. Detailed guidelines can be found in Annex 2. Grading: pass/fail Further information in WebOodi: Course code:

29 MDP in CBU Forestry Master s thesis ECTS: 30 ECTS Time: Second year Place: Home university Organiser: UEF/MSFU/PSU/SPFTU Contact person: Local coordinators Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of MSc thesis the students have further developed the detailed understanding of the main processes of scientific research. Content: Planning and implementing a scientific research project, including scientific reporting. Modes of study: Planning of a research project, collecting and analysis of study material, writing of M.Sc. thesis. The Master s thesis can be jointly guided by Finnish and Russian partner universities. For jointly guided thesis, please contact the local coordinators. Grading: According to the grading system at home university.

30 30 CBU FOR Study Guide Elective courses General A minimum of ECTS of elective courses have to be completed in a home university or a partner university or partner universities. Please consult your local coordinator for the elective courses. While choosing the courses to your study plan keep in mind the mobility and other degree requirements. The elective courses may include also language and cultural courses. The courses can be selected from course list of elective courses (p ) provided by each university. If you plan to include other courses to the elective courses, please discuss this with your local coordinators. The minimum amount of elective courses at each home university: UEF 30 ECTS MSFU 24 ECTS PSU 24 ECTS SPFTU 24 ECTS Please see below the course list of elective courses provided by each partner university. For further information on the courses, please consult the local coordinators University of Eastern Finland The information on the courses at the University of Eastern Finland is available in WebOodi: For the detailed information on the courses, use the search function. Kindly regularly check WebOodi for the latest course schedule information. Registration for courses will be done mostly using the WebOodi. Please note that not all courses are run every year. Students willing to participate in these courses and whose home university is not UEF and who are not aiming at the double degree, should apply to UEF as an exchange student. More information at The call for applications is open two times a year.

31 MDP in CBU Forestry 31 Course list Timing Course ECTS Autumn Academic skills in forest sciences* Advanced geographical information systems (continues to spring 2017) Analysis of forest economics and policy* Basics of wood material science* Carbon dynamics of forest soils Current issues in forest conservation and biodiversity* Economics of multiple-use forestry* Fibrous products Forest ecosystem modelling, concepts and applications* Forest products mechanics* Forestry in Russia Intensive forest management and production of forest biomass Information skills and sources in science and forestry for international students* Perspectives to bioeconomy* Research methodology in forest sciences* Silvicultural management of forests for timber production and other ecosystem services* Supply and energy use of lignocellulosic biomass* University study skills* 1 Spring Advanced remote sensing Bioenergy markets and policies* Co-management of natural resources* Forest information systems* Forest inventory and modeling* Forest pathology and forest microbiology* Forest soil hydrology* Forest zoology International forest governance and environmental policy Literature seminar of forest soil ecology and management Measurement, scaling and instrumentation* Principles of scientific inquiry in forest

32 32 CBU FOR Study Guide ecology and biodiversity research Nutrient dynamics of forest ecosystems Spatial optimization and utilization of new data sources in forest planning* Study tour to Russian forestry Structure and properties of wood-based materials* 8 *Taught during academic year according to the preliminary information. The elective courses at UEF can also include language courses and courses from different departments/schools of the University of Eastern Finland. Check the courses at Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences: Especially the courses of MSc in Environmental Biology: Department of Geographical and Historical Studies: Especially the courses of MSc in Environmental Policy and Law: Business School: Especially the courses of MSc in Service Management: Please note that in case you choose courses from the other departments/schools it cannot be guaranteed that those do not overlap with the courses offered by the School of Forest Sciences Moscow State Forest University For further information about studies at the Moscow State Forest University, please consult the local coordinator. Preliminary course list Timing Course ECTS Other Mathematical modelling of ecosystems Petrozavodsk State University

33 MDP in CBU Forestry 33 For further information about studies at the Petrozavodsk State University, please consult the local coordinator. Preliminary course list Timing Course ECTS Other Forest management in Russia 5 Landscape design (in Russian) 6 Machinery and logging technology in Russia 5 Forest fires in the north of Russia. Characteristics of burnt forests, cultivation of burnt forests 3 Forestry actions criterions in the European North of Russia Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University For further information about studies at Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University, please consult the local coordinator. Preliminary course list Timing Course ECTS Autumn Mathematical modeling of forest ecosystems 3 Information technologies in forestry 3 Forest policy 8 Forest economy 7 Spring Philosophical problems of forest and forest industry 3 Forest management 5 Sustainable forest management 2 Modern problems of forest and forest industries 3 Management of biological and technological systems in forestry and forestry management 5 Biogeocenology 2 Legal and social aspects of sustainable forest management 5

34 34 CBU FOR Study Guide PRACTICAL INFORMATION 6.1 Visa and Residence Permit Further information on residence permits in Finland: Further information on visas to Russia: Financing of the studies In general, there are no specific CBU-grants available for the students in the programme and the partner universities are not obligated to offer scholarships for the students in the programme. Each student is responsible for financing his/her studies. Students are highly encouraged to apply for scholarships from other sources, eg. FIRST scholarships for non-russian students to study or have an internship in Russia and for Russian students whose home university is PSU or SPFTU to study or have an internship in Finland: University fees Finland. Master s Degree students are required to pay the Student Union membership fee before registration. This fee is about 126 for the full academic year, and approximately 65 for autumn or spring semester. Studies are generally free of charge. Most study materials and courserelated transportation is provided free of charge. Additional fees for instance for transportation, study materials, and accommodation (for example during field courses) will be announced by the respective contact persons for each course. Russia. Consult the local coordinators.

35 MDP in CBU Forestry Living costs Finland. Programme participants should budget for living costs (i.e. accommodation, food and other personal costs) approximately 700 /month in Joensuu. The requirement by the Finnish Immigration office for the Finnish residence permit is 560 EUR/month. Russia. Participants should budget for monthly living costs (i.e. accommodation, food and other personal costs) rubles/month in Petrozavodsk and slightly more in Saint Petersburg and in Moscow. 6.5 Accommodation Joensuu. The Student Housing Company, Joensuun Elli, offers accommodation for students in the shared 3-5 room apartments where each student occupies a single room. The residents of each apartment share a kitchen and a bathroom with a shower. The average monthly rent is approximately per room. More information: Moscow. International students usually live at University Dormitory: or at students sanatorium: Both facilities are situated at University campus. Private accommodation (hotel, flat etc.) is also available. Petrozavodsk. There are generally three options for accommodation for international students in Petrozavodsk: 1) living with a host family, 2) dormitory where you will have a room shared with a roommate or 3) private accommodation in own flat, hotel or hostel. More information: Saint Petersburg. There are two options for accommodation for international students in Saint-Petersburg: 1) dormitory where you will have a room shared with a roommate or 2) private accommodation in own flat, hotel or hostel. More information:

36 36 CBU FOR Study Guide Health care Finland. Health care services are provided by the Finnish Student Health Service FSHS for the members of the Student Union. Every Master s degree student automatically becomes a member of the Student Union and is obliged to pay the annual student union membership fee. The services of FSHS include appointments with general practitioners, dentist, other specialists and nurses, as well as laboratory and X-ray examinations. Small fees (a few euros per visit) are charged for some services. Hospital treatment or emergency duty services are not provided by FSHS. Students from the EU are advised to bring E111 or E128 forms from their home country in order to ensure the additional benefits of national health care services, if, for example, hospital treatment is needed. Students from outside the EU have to obtain private travel insurance for additional coverage. Obtaining private travel insurance is recommended also for the students from the EU. Students who are not eligible for the Student Union membership have to provide all the health care coverage for themselves. More information: Russia. Before arrival to Russia you have to generally get a medical insurance from your home country. You will not get free medical care in Russia if you don t have medical insurance. 6.7 Advisory Services For further information about studies and living in each partner university, please consult the local coordinators and following web sites. UEF International student services: MSFU Information for foreign students: PSU Information for foreign students: SPFTU Information for foreign students:

37 MDP in CBU Forestry 37 ANNEX 1 THESIS SEMINAR, 3 ECTS GUIDELINES, COURSEWORK AND EVALUATION The aim of the thesis seminar is to learn about scientific research processes, and to receive academic peer feedback on your MSc thesis research plan and the final MSc thesis. You will get familiar with written and oral research reporting. The course is held partly as an online seminar, and consists of four parts: participation in at least 3 online thesis seminars, presentation of your MSc thesis research plan, presentation of your final MSc thesis, and reflective report on your MSc thesis process. All the four parts need to be completed for the passing this course. You can participate to the seminars even though you would not have yet started your MSc thesis research. The discussions will take place in Moodle: MSc thesis is typically the first independent research work that is done during academic career. Online thesis seminar offers a possibility for you to receive and give academic feedback on MSc thesis research plan and the final work. Critical evaluation of research is an inseparable part of science, and of producing new scientific knowledge. You will have a change to critically evaluate not only your own research but also your colleagues research. Reflecting on your own work and choices is an inseparable part of learning process not only in academic life but also in working life. COURSEWORK 1. PRESENTATION OF YOUR MSC THESIS RESEARCH PLAN. The presentation of your MSc thesis research plan typically takes place during the early stages of your MSc thesis process, and latest before starting the actual data collection. The presentation has to include at least four different parts: introduction, research questions, material, and methods. You have maximum 15 minutes for your presentation. In your presentation, remember to present also your supervisors, and possible funders of your research. Mention if you do your MSc thesis research as a part of research team. Remember to invite your supervisor(s) and other relevant parties to listen to and comment on the presentation of your MSc thesis research plan. 2. ONLINE THESIS SEMINARS. Online thesis seminars run through the academic year. Students give online presentations on their final MSc thesis. You need to actively participate in at least 3 different seminars (your own presentations are not included in these). Active participation means that you will listen to the presentation, participate in the discussion by making comments and suggestions, and asking the presenter at least three questions related to different

38 38 CBU FOR Study Guide aspects of the presentation: the background of the research, relevance of the research, research material, research questions, methods, analysis of the results etc. When asking the questions, put the focus both on scientific and practical aspects of the research. Each presentation will be open for discussion in Moodle for two weeks after the CBU FOR staff has put it online 3. PRESENTATION OF YOUR FINAL MSC THESIS IN ONLINE SEMINARS. The presentation of your final MSc thesis typically takes place when you have submitted your MSc thesis to the faculty. The presentation has to include six different parts: introduction, research questions, material, methods, discussion, and conclusions. As you have already presented introduction, research questions, material, and methods in the presentation of your MSc thesis research plan, you need to only briefly describe these parts just to give the relevant background for the listeners. If the original research plan has significantly changed, describe it in brief. You have maximum 15 minutes for your presentation. Your presentation will be open for discussion in Moodle for two full weeks after the CBU FOR staff has put it online. For successful completion of the presentation of your final MSc thesis work, you need to answer all the questions asked in Moodle. Note that your response may raise further questions that you need to answer as well. Remember to invite your supervisor(s) and other relevant parties to listen to and comment on the online presentation of your final MSc thesis research. Instructions how to make your online seminar with Screencast-O-Matic: SCREENCAST-O-MATIC Go to Press Start recording For few seconds, you will get the message Downloading the latest version. A small plug-in is being downloaded (only the first time you use the website). You will get a square with some menu options. Define there the screen size (as full screen), and activate the webcam. (Microphone should already by active, but if needed, simply choose the one.) Load your Power Point and maximise the view of the slide to the full screen. Please note that the presentation slides will be party covered by the camera picture. The size and place can be adjusted after recording but enough space should be left in one of the corners of the slides. Press the red button (rec) and start talking after the countdown. The programme will record your voice, image (if the webcam is on) and the different slides as you go through them. Esc (escape), Control+p or clicking in the box at the menu at the bottom of your screen are the three alternative ways to pause the recording. After

39 MDP in CBU Forestry 39 that, you can either continue ( restart ) with the recording or simply finalize it ( done ). Once done with the recording, select the option Publish to video file. Choose the Windows media file as the video file, and save video, choosing a name and a place to save it. SENDING THE FILES Once your video is ready, you may use any of the following alternatives to send it by to CBU FOR staff using any of the available free services, e.g.: (only for students holding UEF username) REFLECTIVE REPORT OF YOUR THESIS PROCESS. After submitting your MSc thesis work to the faculty, have a critical self-evaluation of your MSc thesis research process. Do your reflection in four different phases: problem articulation, problem analysis, hypothesis generation and action stage. You have to submit the reflective report latest one week after commenting period of your presentation on your final MSc thesis work ends. The length of the report has to be between 10 to 15 pages (Times New Roman, font size 12, line spacing 1.5). The report should be a proper representation of the time spent on the thesis process, online discussions and presentations of research plan and final MSc thesis. Use the following questions as a guide for your reflection: write the report in an essay form, do not only answer the questions but reflect on them. Reflect on your Master s thesis, your Master s thesis research process, yourself as a researcher, the public discussion on your final MSc thesis and any other issue related to your thesis process that you find relevant to reflect on. Later in your professional life you can use reflection for instance in learning from past experiences and planning for the future. Problem articulation What do you consider having done especially well during your thesis research? What type of feelings did the research process brought up in you? What do you think in general about the thesis process? What type of researcher were you? What type of problems can you identify in your thesis research (background material, selection of research questions, material, methods of data collection and analysis, use of time, writing process, ethical issues etc.)? What did you learn? Hypothesis generation How would you improve your MSc thesis research process now?