Institute of Land and Food Resources : Guide to courses 28. Bachelor of Forest Science

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28. Bachelor of Forest Science
    28.1. Course objectives
    28.2. Careers for forestry graduates
    28.3. Undergraduate subjects

28. Bachelor of Forest Science

There has been no first year entry into this course from 2001 onwards. Please refer to the details for the new course Bachelor of Forestry. The information below only applies to continuing students.

The aim of the BForSc course is to educate students of forest science to the best international standards and to prepare them for careers in professional and industrial work, research and public service.

The course provides a broad-based education that will give students the necessary knowledge and thinking skills to care for and manage forest lands for purposes such as the sustainable production of timber, water and other forest products, recreation and the conservation of flora and fauna.

Such an education requires a comprehensive understanding of the biology of forest ecosystems, as well as an understanding of economics, engineering, wood science and sociology.

Students do practical laboratory and fieldwork throughout the course. Excursions are arranged to provide opportunities to supplement, by personal observation, knowledge gained in lectures and practical work. Sometimes they take place during vacations.

Students must also complete a total of 16 weeks forestry work experience with approved organizations during vacations. The subject 211-442 Work Experience is a hurdle requirement for the degree.

28.1. Course objectives

The Bachelor of Forest Science course has as its objectives that graduates:

• understand the structures of Australian forest industries and the principal factors that determine location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international cost-competitiveness;

• have the essential factual knowledge and an understanding of principles appropriate to each stage of the educational process;

• have a capacity to apply scientific knowledge to the definition, analysis and solution of forestry, forest industry and related environmental problems;

• have an ability to design and conduct scientific enquiries;

• have essential skills in the acquisition and interpretation of forestry data;

• understand principles of sound practice in relation to health, safety, ethical issues and the environment in forestry and the forest industries;

• have a capacity for the exchange, acquisition and dissemination of scientific and industry information and for technology transfer;

• have a capacity and motivation for continuing independent learning;

• understand the rights, privileges and responsibilities conferred with the degree and with membership of professional associations and learned societies.

28.2. Careers for forestry graduates

Graduates are well suited to a wide range of occupations, in particular relating to the management of forest resources and the environment. Most forest estates cover several hundred thousand hectares and the management of such large scale enterprises draws continually on training in forest biology (including ecology, genetics and physiology), hydrology, engineering, remote sensing and economics. Many forest science graduates are employed by government authorities, principally with the state forest services but also with land care, national parks, wildlife, water supply and country fire authorities as well as environmental management and planning agencies. There are also opportunities for employment in private forestry, mainly with the pulp and paper companies, and in the larger firms in the wood-based industry, especially in resource planning, timber and harvesting management, reforestation and wood technology.

Graduates of the BForSc course and combined degrees are eligible to become members of the Institute of Foresters of Australia.

28.3. Undergraduate subjects

*Insufficient enrolments may lead to an elective subject being suspended.

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