Forestry

Programme Structure & Content

First Year
Students cover Biology and Chemistry, and foundation courses including Plant Ecology and Taxonomy, Geology, and Sustainable Land Management. There are two field courses on Plant Ecology and the Forest Environment. Some choice of courses is available at first year depending on entrance qualifications.

Second Year
Courses provide an essential grounding in many fundamental concepts of forestry. Subjects include Soil Science, Ecology, Plant Physiology and Diversity, Research Skills and a field course on Forest Ecology and Management.

Third Year
Third year courses cover many of the subjects central to forestry. These include Silviculture: Applied Forest Ecology, Forest Measurement, Forest Resource Management, Wood Science, Harvesting and Wood Use, Rural Development Forestry and Experimental Design, Analysis & Skills. Other choices include Plant/Environment Interactions and Plant Ecology. These courses are supported by site visits to study forest ecology, dendrology, silviculture, and timber processing.

Fourth Year (Honours)
The final year involves the preparation of a forest management plan and an individual research project. Students choose three specialist subjects, and a trip to the forests of southern Germany completes the programme. Three specific courses are chosen from Biology & Ecology of Forest Health, Tropical Forest Ecology & Management, Trees in the Urban Environment, Special Topics in Forestry, Plant Biogeography & Conservation, Plant/ Animal Interactions, Nature Conservation in Britain, and Wildlife Conservation & Management.

Variations
Students have an opportunity to take a gap year within the forestry industry, forestry organisation or research institution between third and fourth year. There is also the possibility of spending a year on an overseas aid project.

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching is by a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials and field visits. Opportunities are provided for verbal and written presentations and reports, which are related to topics covered. Assessment is by examinations and continuous assessment. Forestry students are required to attend field courses, which are also assessed.