This course will give an insight to applied research aspects of forest ecosystems such as classification, physiology, morphology, dendrochronology, dendroclimatology, soil and water assessments, biodiversity surveys and forest conservation. The course will focus on the amazing landscape of Ranti Forest, giving spectacular views over Ikaria Island and will be hosted by Dr. Halil Çakan, associate Professor of University of Çukurova, Turkey. The field course will take place within 1600ha of dense Quercus ilex (Holm Oak) woodland, 'Ranti Forest'. The forest is situated in central Ikaria and covers approximately 30% of the whole forest area found on the island. The main vegetation is Q. ilex woodland, however other habitat types include heath, scree slopes and Platanus orientalis stands (oriental plane). This habitat diversity is due to the range of 200 - 900m in altitude of the forest area, which provides an important array of habitat types for both flora and fauna species.