At the end of the course unit the learner is expected to be able to:
- Understand the interaction of silvopastoral systems with the physical environment.
- Understand the ecological and biophysical interactions within agroforestry systems, considering the range of social, economic and environmental benefits they deliver.
- Understand the silvicultural techniques considering the interaction of the system with the physical environment (soil, climate, topography etc.).
- Understand the potential effects of climate change on silvopastoral systems.
- Obtain a theoretical understanding of the systems approach to managing natural resources providing several and key ecosystem services, as well as a practical grounding in the ways in which natural resource managers can draw based on a variety of knowledge sources to inform themselves and others of the environmental impacts of agroforestry ecosystem management.
- Modelling, GIS, statistical analysis, planning and optimisation methods and tools required to conduct research and sustainable management in agroforestry systems.
- Obtain scientific and technical skills to support future research and professional careers.