Institute of Land and Food Resources : Guide to courses 15. Bachelor of Forestry

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15. Bachelor of Forestry
    15.1. Course objectives
    15.2. Career opportunities
    15.3. Course outline
    15.4. Elective subjects

15. Bachelor of Forestry

The first and fourth years of this course are offered at the Parkville campus, and the second and third years are at the Creswick campus. The course takes four years of full-time study to complete.

The Bachelor of Forestry degree aims to cover most aspects of forestry, from commercial forest management and conservation to soils and tree physiology. Students study the science of growing and managing forests to maintain a permanent supply of wood and to sustain and manage water, wildlife, recreational opportunities and forest products for the community.

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 12 weeks forestry work experience with approved organisations during vacations. The subject 202-001 Industry Placement is a hurdle requirement for the degree.

15.1. Course objectives

Students who have completed this course should have acquired:

• an understanding of forest biology, diversity and ecosystems;

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

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

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

• an ability to design and conduct scientific enquiries;

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

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

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

• a capacity and motivation for continuing independent learning;

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

15.2. Career opportunities

Graduates are well suited to a wide range of occupations 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. Some forestry 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 many 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 BFor course and combined degrees are eligible to become members of the Institute of Foresters of Australia.

15.3. Course outline

*Electives can be selected from the following list or from approved subjects from other courses:

15.4. Elective subjects

Insufficient enrolments may lead to an elective subject being suspended.

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