Bachelor of Forest Science and Management

The Bachelor of Forest Science focuses on implementing environmentally-sound practices across a variety of forest environments world-wide.

The course builds skills and an understanding of the multifaceted aspects of sustainable forestry management. You'll have the opportunity to specialise in small or large scale plantations, restoration forestry, provision of environmental services, wood utilisation, forest inventory and planning, and international forestry. The course also focuses on the business aspects of industrial forest management, while acknowledging the importance of alternatives such as small-scale farm forestry, mixed-species plantations and managed private native forests.

You will gain hands-on practical skills and experience in the field in a range of native and plantation forest environments and learn how to use high tech applications in geographic and environmental mapping and analysis.

Changes in the industry drive a continuing demand for degree-qualified foresters able to work in production, conservation and restoration forestry.

Production Forestry
This major qualifies you to work in forestry production, product development and marketing of timber. Subjects of study include plant physiology, forest health, silviculture, agroforestry, wood science, and product development.

Conservation Forestry
This major focuses on conservation of forest landscapes. Subjects include plant identification, wildlife conservation, natural resource policy and protected area management. This enables you to work effectively in fields related to conservation and management of forests such as State Forests and National Parks.

Shared majors You can do a shared major as part of this degree.

In field forestry in plantation establishment and management, use of geographic information systems, natural resource management and environmental planning, native forest management, fire prevention and control, forest resource assessment, policy development, pest and disease management, agroforestry and farm forestry advisory services, forest growth modelling and yield prediction, protected area management, international forestry focused on developing countries, reserve management, and forestry research.

Degree-qualified foresters gain positions in production, conservation and restoration forestry. Native forests require managers in forest agencies and national parks where the focus is on fire management, weed and feral animal control and other important issues.

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Forest Science and Management students must complete 16 weeks approved work experience and the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

• 16 core units (192 credit points), and either
• 1 listed 8 unit major (96 credit points) and 8 equivalent elective units (96 credit points) OR
• 2 listed 8 unit majors (192 credit points); OR
• 1 listed 8 unit major (96 credit points) and 1 shared major (96 credit points).

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Environmental Science after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) comprising 4 core units and 4 elective units.

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Environmental Science after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) comprising 8 core units and 8 elective/major units.