Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Copenhagen offers a course titled "Production of Christmas Trees and Greenery" (LSLS10084U). This course is part of the Skov- og landskabsingeniør (Forestry and Landscape Engineering) program.

Course Description

The course covers various aspects of Christmas tree and greenery production, including:

• Introduction to the field
• Selection of location, tree species, and provenance
• Cultural practices and maintenance
• Growth and regulation of noble and Nordmann fir
• Pest, disease, and climate damage management
• Economics, including history, cultural models, strategic considerations, market operators, and pricing models
• Marketing theory and practice, including customer groups, contract formation, and complaint handling
• International production and investment projects
• Visits to producers and field exercises

Course Objectives

The course aims to provide students with a broad understanding of Christmas tree and greenery production, including biology, environmental aspects, and business economics. Upon completion, students should be able to:

• Describe the main characteristics of the species used and the general features of provenance selection
• Explain the parameters and methods for correct nutrient supply and evaluate environmental aspects
• Classify major pests and describe their biology, as well as explain control methods
• Describe the structure of the Christmas tree and greenery market, including operators, pricing, and sales conditions
• Demonstrate knowledge of contract formation, international competition, and marketing

Teaching Methods

The course combines lectures, exercises, and excursions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The teaching team includes experts in research and advisory services.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a written assignment, which is also used as the exam. The assignment requires students to demonstrate their understanding of the course material and apply it to a practical problem.

Course Details

• Language: Danish
• Course code: LSLS10084U
• ECTS points: 7.5
• Level: Professionsbachelor
• Duration: Summer
• Schedule: Every day in weeks 32-34, with a 2-3 day excursion in week 33
• Institute: Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management
• Faculty: Faculty of Science
• Course responsible: Marianne Lyhne and Ulrik Braüner Nielsen
• Teachers: Marianne Lyhne, Ulrik Braüner Nielsen, Iben Margrethe Thomsen, and others

Workload

The estimated workload for the course is:

• Lectures: 45 hours
• Preparation: 20 hours
• Theoretical exercises: 18 hours
• Practical exercises: 18 hours
• Excursions: 45 hours
• Project work: 56 hours
• Supervision: 4 hours
• Total: 206 hours

Examination

The examination consists of a written assignment, which is assessed on a 7-point scale. The assignment must be submitted individually, and all aids are allowed. The re-examination may differ from the ordinary examination. The criteria for assessment include the course literature, teaching and excursion content, and course objectives.