Academic courses
July 23, 2024 2025-07-07 9:38Academic courses
Academic courses Silviculture department
Agroforestry Systems
The course of “Agroforestry systems” is a unit of the upgrading course “Basics of agroforestry”, included in the degree of Bachelor of the subject “Forestry”. It aims to develop knowledge and skills of bachelors for more efficient land-use by combining of the efforts of foresters, agronomists and stockmen. The main types of simultaneous and consecutive terms of agroforestry systems in temperate climates are discussed in details, providing specific examples of foreign and Bulgarian experience. There are also information of allelopathic interactions between agricultural and forest species in terms of their intercropping. Students obtained a detailed knowledge of the various crops used in different agroforestry systems. An appropriate attention on animals and useful insects (bees and silkworms) as a part of agroforestry systems is paid.
Agroforestry
The occurrence of specific plant protection problems in agroforestry systems and identifying opportunities to address them are shown. An economical analysis of the productivity, effectiveness of different agroforestry systems and perspective for their application is present.
The main types of agroforestry systems for the conditions of the temperate climate, their structural components and the principles of their selection, the ways of creation, maintenance and management are presented, emphasizing the possibilities of their application in Bulgaria. Detailed information is given on the place and importance of tree species in agroforestry systems. Basic plant protection problems arising in the joint cultivation of agricultural crops with tree and shrub species are commented on. Special attention is given to the productivity and economic aspects of agroforestry, as well as its impact on some major environmental problems.
Forest pedagogics
The aim of the disciple “Forest Pedagogics” is to prepare foresters to conduct training sessions/activities with variety of target groups. These pedagogical activities aim at enhancing the knowledge and understanding of society about the richness and processes in forest ecosystems, their ecological functions and importance for adaptation to climate change, etc. An emphasis is given to topics that represent the foresters’ profession and its importance for the sustainable and multifunctional management of forests and for the maintenance of forest conservation status.
The disciple is upgradable and includes specific topics, concepts and principles in the field of pedagogy and didactics. It presents a variety of approaches and methods for education and training of various target groups, including disabled people. Students will gain the necessary knowledge how to plan, organize and conduct in the most successful way training sessions and activities for the forest and sylvicultural profession. They will learn how to organize pedagogically efficient workshops inside or outside in the forest environment. The course also cover topics related to public relations and successful communication with various stakeholders in order to present foresters profession and its importance for the sustainable management of forests.
Seeds and Nursery Production and Forestations
The course “Seeds and nursery production and forestations” has theoretical and applied -technology character. It provides the necessary basic scientific knowledge of the issues associated with the establishment and growing of sustainable forest plantations for timber and other forest materials production; of protection against natural and anthropogenic factors, as well as of landscaping and recreational environment.
The course is structured in three sections – Forest seeds production, Nursery production and Afforestation. The first section deals with the provision of forest reproductive materials. In the second, the production of propagating material in forest nurseries is considered. The third – the methods for establishment of forest plantations and the care that should be taken about them, as the main categories of afforestations – industrial, protective, landscape, special and their specific goals are discussed.
Non-Timber Forest Resources
The course aims at obtaining basic information about the non-timber forest resources harvested traditionally on the territory of the forests and forest land. These resources include medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), forest fruits, fodder resources, edible mushrooms, resin and other products.
The resources are studied with the aim of their proper sustainable management and use.
Forest Plantations
The course “Forest plantations” is theoretical and applied one and provides extending knowledge in the field of afforestation, as students improve their preparation for the establishment and management of industrial and nonindustrial forest plantations.
Issues of conceptual, methodological and managerial level for industrial and nonindustrial forest plantations are discussed as a distinction with the traditional man-made forests is given. The emphasis is given on the afforestations for wood production, fruit growing and markedly commercial purposes. The course the provide specific terminology, examples and results related to the sustainability of forest plantations, change in productivity in successive rotations, its maintenance and opportunities for increasing, sites changes, the risks for plantations; current EU afforestation programs of abandoned agricultural areas, ecosystem restoration and others. Specific technologies for the production of reproductive materials are presented as well as the methodologies for establishment and management of plantations of main species subject to Plantation sylviculture. The course gives examples of domestic and foreign experience, demonstrating the potential of species for the development of the forestry business. Scientific research methods are learned in the area of forest plantations in order to optimize the results of plantation sylviculture.
As a result of the training, students acquire knowledge and skills needed to: a) performance of management functions, including preparation of plans and programs for reforestation, forecasting, planning, organization, management and control of Plantation sylviculture; b) application of research methods, analysis capabilities and reach valid conclusions, establishment of experimental and productive forest plantations.
Students develop a design project and report at their choice, according to their professional interests and perspectives. The selected topic for the report and the design project are aimed at deepening the knowledge of forest plantations, complementing and supporting the development of their Master’s thesis, present or future employment.
Forest soil science
The course on Forest soils science give basic knowledge of forest soil as the most important component of forest ecosystems. The forest soils are primarily a means production in the forestry, such as most form the natural environment of forest plantations. The Forest soil science provides knowledge on the formation, composition and properties of soil. Also are learnt the classification and distribution of soils. Clarification of production capacity of forest soils allows the creation of a proper system of measures for conservation and enhancement of forestry soil properties. In this way students acquire the necessary knowledge that enable them conduct modern and intensive forestry business.
Forest Soils Science is taught in course year II during semesters III and IV. The teaching is ended in academic practice.
Erosion and soil protection
The intensive development of erosion processes on arable lands in hilly, mountainous and semi-mountainous areas is the main reason for declining soil fertility. Well know fact is that all lands located on hills with a slope above 1 ° (1.7%) are subject to erosion. Our country is characterized by a predominant hilly-mountainous relief, on most of the arable land (about 72%) erosion processes is found. As a result of that the soil structure is disturbed, its water-physical properties deteriorate and soil loses much of its fertility and the yield of the crops decreases significantly. Erosion also affects issues related to abrasive and landslide processes, the reasons for their increasing spread throughout the Bulgarian state and ways to prevent them.
Stands Against Hazards
The course aims to educate the students from master programme with management both natural forest stands and forest plantations, which main tasк is to protect various areas against natural or anthropogenic hazards. It explains the concepts of contemporary applied and ecologically sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Consider the multi-functionalmanagement as an expression of public consent for current and future management of forest ecosystems. Endorsing on the role of forest plantations for protection against wind and water erosion damages, as well the processes of creation and management of the tree-shellter belts to protect crops from strong and dry winds in the plains or to protect roads from snowdrifts. The course provides knowledge how to protect forests stands against fires, and how to plan afforesttation for improving the local climate around industrial areas or for restoration of anthropogenically degraded areas.
Lands and soils – module of the course "Abiotic monitoring"
The curriculum is designed for master students of faculty “Ecology and Landscape Architecture” and has a workload 45 hours (lectures and exercises). Students are introduced to the European network for soil monitoring, which was developed in Bulgaria. Students learn the design of the monitoring network, the choice of parameters for monitoring, methods of analysis and evaluation, and others.
The curriculum includes theoretical training that provides knowledge in the following areas:
- Build a network for monitoring agricultural soils and forest ecosystems.
- Characteristics of soil parameters.
- Assessment and forecast of changes in soil parameters.
The students develop coursework, which analyze and assess the real results of monitoring of soils in forest ecosystems.
Mushroom and Medicinal Plants Cultivation
The course “Mushroom and medicinal plants cultivation” is with applied nature. It aims to introduce students to the technology for intensive production of agaric, oyster and other mushrooms to perspective fruit and medicinal plants cultivation in the forestlands. The course discusses biological and ecological characteristics of species, equipment of facilities for growing, technology and applied agricultural activities, properties of the resulting products. The course provides knowledge on the implementation of some mushrooms and herbs in forestry practice.
Creation of New Forests
The course “Creation of new forests” aims at providing knowledge of the specifics of seeds collection and seeds production activities, production of seedlings, afforestation works, tending and inventory of young forest plantations. Future professionals will acquire the necessary knowledge for prognosis, planning, organization, management and control of this group of activities, including the procurement procedures for them.
The course includes theoretical foundations and organizational aspects of the afforestation technologies. An introduction to the relevant references books and legislation, including Bulgarian and international standards related to planning, organization and control of the afforestation works is envisaged.
The course teaches students to elaborate afforestation projects funded by the European programs.
Microbiological control in the environment – Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture – Master's degree program
Purpose and objectives of the course: Upgrading of basic knowledge in microbiology with practical skills and competencies for microbiological control environment. The course offers theoretical knowledge and practical skills in relation to the microbiological control, prevention, monitoring and analysis of soils in urban environment, water, air, food, wastewater, industrial products, environment, medicine, staff.
The purpose of the course is to prepare and encourage working professionals with extensive expertise in various scientific and applied fields related to requirements for microbiological expertise for environmental control – manufacturing plants for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, health and environmental inspections and agencies, environmental organizations, research institutes, universities and many others.
Microbiology – specialties Agronomy and Plant Protection – Bachelor degree program
The course is intended to present the current state of basic questions of general microbiology (general part) and to consider issues related to the distribution and function of soil microbial population (special part).
The main part deals with fundamental issues and recent advances related to systematic, morphology, physiology and biochemistry of microorganisms, their distribution and relationships with other organisms. The specialized section examines issues related to the specialization of the students. The course covers the topics that address microbiological aspects of the main agricultural activities – ensiling, composting, agricultural activities, impact of pesticides and fertilizers on microbial activity of arable soils.
Microbiology – Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture – Bachelor degree program
The course is intended to present the current state of basic questions of general microbiology (general part) and to consider issues related to the distribution and function of soil microbial population (special part).
The main part deals with fundamental issues and recent advances related to systematic, morphology, physiology and biochemistry of microorganisms, their distribution and relationships with other organisms. The specialized section examines issues related to the specialization of the students. The course covers the topics that address microbiological aspects of the main agricultural activities – ensiling, composting, agricultural activities, impact of pesticides and fertilizers on microbial activity of arable soils.
Multifunctional Forest Management
The course is designed for students from the Faculty “Forestry” – Master Programme. The training is aimed at acquiring knowledge in multifunctional forest management (MSG) and multifunctional forest planning (ICO) built on the research results of the used by now traditional silvicultural systems and the guidelines for forest management. Multifunctional forest planning is a methodology and procedure for development of forest-based on the participatory approach.
The course provides knowledge in the functions of forests (social, environmental and economic) and their prioritization, requirements and procedures for development, adoption, implementation and monitoring of strategic documents for management of the forestry sector – sectoral development plan for the forests in the municipality, national regional and district development plan for forests, national strategy for forest development and others. Students shall study the development of multifunctional forest planning in this country, as well as in Europe. Correlation is being established betweenforestry planning with other strategic planning in Bulgaria. Students learn about problems and solutions in forest certification and forest territories as required by the FSC and PEFC and the need for introduction of ISO standards in the forestry sector, elements of multifunctional forest planning and forest management. Students are trained and acquire knowledge and experience through participation in discussions and meetings, seminars, conferences and other events, organized at various levels to determine the functions of the forests and the forest management guidelines. During the course students are taught to define problems and solve conflicts; identifying interested and affected parties in conflict, the role of NGOs, media and others in the determination of management guidelines and management. Students prepare and present presentations on a particular topics during the course of the training. They develop and defend a course project “Multifunctional forest management in the territory of municipality ……..”.
In conducting educational practice “Managing the forest sector in UOGS Petrohan students are offered an opportunity to learn, demonstrate and be involved in discussions and consultations on new aspects of management and multifunction multifunctional forest management and planning. They may explore the methodology for conducting the logging system of individual production of high quality wood and study the requirements for management of forests in the protected areas and the areas of Natura 2000. Their knowledge is assessed through the test “Opportunities to conduct logging system for individual high quality timber production” and the test “Evaluation of knowledge in forest management.”
General Silviculture
The “General silviculture” is a main science for the foresters. It provides basic knowledge for the nature of the wood: morphology, ecology, types, and management systems. This subject has the aim do educate the forestry students how to make decisions in to the forest and forest stands based on: 1 Contemporary knowledge for the forests as an ecological system; 2. Skills for optimizing economic, social and ecologic aspects about the methods for influencing (disturbing) the forests on different levels – stand, groups of stands, landscape, management unit.
Basics of Agroforestry
The aim of the course “Basics of agroforestry” is to give to the students an overview on the principles and possibilities of the agroforestry as a form of land-use systems involving trees combined with crops and/or animals on the same unit of land. The course briefly presents the main types of agroforestry systems for a temperate climate with emphasis on their application in Bulgaria. Information on the main crops used in agroforestry and their applying in various types of agroforestry systems is included. Students learn about the characteristics and significance of livestocks in agroforestry. An emphasis on the useful insect species (bees and silkworms) in agroforestry systems is made. The problems of major plant protection during the joint cultivation of crops and woody shrub species are discussed.
Soil Microbiology – Faculty of Forestry – Master degree
The course has been prepared in accordance with the training program for students majoring in Forestry. The topics are tailored to the need of general and specific knowledge on soil microbiology including the relationship of microorganisms with other representatives of soil biota and abiotic environmental factors. The text presents the basic environmental factors that influence the distribution and activity of soil microorganisms, their role in the cycle of substances in nature. Some of the chapters concern the distribution of soil microflora in different soil types and their participation in the processes of soil formation. Material also clarifies the relationship: soil – microorganisms – plant and its importance for the functioning of forest ecosystems.
Soil science
Soil science provides the necessary basic scientific knowledge on soil issues such as a unique natural formation and an open polyphase, multifunctional system. The main content of soil science as a discipline covers the clarification of issues related to the formation and development of soils, including soil fertility; the composition and properties of soils; regularities in the distribution of soils on the earth’s surface; the ways and methods for creating and maintaining conditions for maximum fertility; methods and ways of soil research; soil classification; protection of soils from erosion and pollution, etc. The considered issues in soil science can be conditionally grouped in three sections – formation, development and composition of soils, properties of soils and soils in Bulgaria and over the world.
Soil Science and soil conservation
The course of Soil Science and Soil Conservation is intended for students of the Faculty of Business Management. They acquire knowledge on the formation, composition and distribution of soils. Also the classification and distribution of soils are learned.
In the course are included topics concerning pollution of soils from different sources. Also measures for eradication of human impact consequences on soils.
The study on forest soil composition and properties, soil production capacity, protection and restoration allow for proper management of forest resources. Soil Science and Soil Conservation are taught in course year II during semester IV. The course education ends with an academic practice.
Soil Science and basics of fertilization
Course “Soil Science with bases of fertilization” provides theoretical and practical knowledge of students of specialty «Landscape Architecture» for: soil as a key component of the ecosystem and an important environmental factor in the growth and development of ornamental plants in natural and anthropogenically altered environment; the main sources of pollution and soil degradation; behavior of pollutants in soil and innovative approaches and methods for remediation and reclamation of anthropogenic soils. In theoretical aspect the degradation of soils and the recovery methods of anthropogenic soils are bind to the origins and causes of soil degradation, and behavior of pollutants in soil, best practices for remediation of contaminated soils and necessary land melioration in view of their practical applicability to restore and increase soil fertility. In practical aspect of the course “Soil Science with bases of fertilization” is aimed at implementing innovative techniques and technologies for the remediation and reclamation anthropogenic soils through practical training and commitment to real objects related to solving soil problems.
Soil science, soil pollution and impacts on ecosystems
The course is designed for students of faculty ” Ecology and Landscape Architecture ” – bachelor qualification degree with 112 hours for two semesters. The curriculum includes theoretical training that provides knowledge in the following areas:
1. Module “Soil Science” – factors and processes of soil formation, the most important physical and chemical properties, water, air, heat and nutrient regimes.
2. Module “Classification of soil” – FAO-UNESCO legend for soil, World reference base for soil resources and national soil classification.
3. In the module “Soil pollution and impact on ecosystems” students are introduced to the sources of pollution of soil, types of pollutants, impact on soil properties and other ecosystem components.
World Forestry
This subject gives knowledge about the ecology and management of the forests on global aspect. It include data concerning environment, ecology and silvicultural practices which in to boreal areas, in to territories with different temperate climate, in the semi dry and dry regions of the globe, as well in the tropical and equatorial lands.
The subjects includes some analytical knowledge concerning forestry practices implemented at different countries, with emphasis to deforestation, degradation of the land, agro forestry practices and social forestry.
Teaching is conducted individually. Students develop papers on topics of their own choosing.
Forest Management – BA
The course “Forest management” is an essential discipline for BA students for Faculty “Business Administration”. Based on lectures, seminars and educational practical training in real conditions in UOGS – Jundola, the course develops basic knowledge in biology and the typology of forest woods; guidelines for forest management by culture and regeneration (silvicultural systems and types otgtledni regeneration felling, methods for removal in different types of forests); planning activities in a forest at forest plantation savkupnast of crops and forestry unit, and preparation of supporting documentation activities.
Students acquire skills and crafts to relate scientific – practical knowledge in management and forest management with the legal requirements on forestry in this area.
Management on Non-Timber Resources in Protected Areas
The classes include studying the products harvested traditionally in the protected areas, including the zones of „NATURA 2000“, as well as the ecosystem and recreational services.
The aim of the course is to acquaint the students with the local and European legislation documents and the rules for the activities related to the long-term and sustainable use of the products and services.
Management of polluted and degraded lands" – module in the course "Management of Soil Resources"
The curriculum is designed for master students of faculty “Ecology and Landscape Architecture” and has a workload 35 hours (lectures and exercises). Theoretical training is aimed at studying the current degradation processes in the soil – acidity, alkalinity, salinity, loss of soil organic matter, soil compaction, and contamination with heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants and others, as well as modern methods and measures to improve soil quality. The students analyze data and offer solutions for improving soil quality – liming, fertilizing and others.
Sustainable management of soil resources in forest areas
The course of Sustainable management of soil resources in forest areas is intended for students of master degree in Forestry specialty. The students acquire knowledge and skills to assess soil fertility and different types of impacts on soil properties – the impact of heavy metals, radioactive contamination, disturbances due to urbanization, industry, forest fires, degradation processes.
