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Bachelor of Forest Science and Management
Southern Cross University
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Undergraduate
CRICOS: 01241G
Forest management is a science concerned with the nature of forest ecosystems and best management of these systems - not only for timber but for biodiversity conservation, protection of catchments, storage of carbon and other essential functions. Forestry students develop skills and an understanding of the multifaceted aspects of sustainable resource management. They 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. Changes in the industry drive a continuing demand for degree-qualified foresters able to work in production, conservation and restoration forestry. Native forests continue to be important sources of high-value wood and require managers in public forest agencies and national parks where the focus is on fire management, weed and feral animal control and other important issues. The course places an emphasis on field work and many trips to native and planted forest types. These provide an opportunity for students to learn key skills in forest science, in evaluating vegetation and planning management options. The NSW Northern Rivers region offers a variety of accessible subtropical environments close to the Lismore campus.
Structure
- 32 units, core and elective, including field trips, residential teaching periods and 16 weeks of practical workplace experience in a forestry-related area. It covers foundation studies in forest science
- resource management
- business aspects of industrial forest management
- small-scale farm forestry
- mixed-species plantations and managed private native forests. Most lectures and tutorials are taught via online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The course includes compulsory residential teaching periods at Lismore campus that all students must attend. These occur toward the middle of sessions 1 and 2, and comprise approximately one to four days of lab classes and field work.
Subjects
- Forest science and management
Standard entry requirements
- Year 12
- Recommended: any 2 units of English
- Or TAFE and VET awards (Certificate III and above)
- Or Undergraduate and Postgraduate study
- Or Work Experience (minimum of 1 year full-time equivalent)
Recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Institute of Foresters of Australia.
Study pathways
This course offers intermediate awards (early exit points) at Diploma and Associate Degree levels. An Honours year is available for selected students.
Further information
Graduates may find work in plantation establishment and management, in the 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, reserve management and forestry research.
