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Forest management is a science concerned with the nature of forest ecosystems and how they can best be managed — not only for timber but for biodiversity conservation, protection of catchments, storage of carbon and other essential functions.
The Bachelor of Forest Science and Management is a four-year forestry degree that and has been designed in consultation with a range of forestry stakeholders to meet a shortage of degree-qualified foresters.
Forestry graduates develop many skills and understand the multi-faceted aspects of sustainable resource management. They also have the opportunity to specialise in small or large-scale plantations, restoration forestry, provision of environmental services, wood utilisation, forest inventory and planning, or 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. 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.
Forestry graduates are typically employed in the following fields: 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.
This four year course meets the requirements for membership of the Institute of Foresters of Australia.
Students complete 16 weeks of practical workplace experience in a forestry-related area during their studies. Most students find paid work experience in positions throughout the forested regions of Australia.
The course distinguishes itself from other forestry degrees by providing graduates with a strong foundation in forest science, which incorporates field-based practicums and interactive tutorials. It 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.
To qualify for the Bachelor of Forest Science and Management a total of 384 credit points (usually 32 units) must be completed.
This course offers intermediate awards (early exit points) at Diploma and Associate Degree levels.
Please note that some majors and units may not be available at each location. Unit availabilities are published for each study period and vary from year to year. Please contact the School for further information.
For course rules and a full list of units, please refer to the Specific Award Rules below.
| Locations | Distance Education students must attend the compulsory residential teaching periods at Lismore campus. Residentials may also be held at teaching facilities at Mt Gambier, South Australia, subject to class size. | |
| Distance Education | Session 1 Session 2 |
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| Lismore | Session 1 Session 2 |
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| Coffs Harbour | Unavailable | |
| Gold Coast Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga |
Unavailable | |
| Course Duration | 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time May be completed in a shorter duration subject to unit availabilities. |
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| Fees and Charges | • Domestic fees • International fees • Additional fee information |
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| School | School of Environment, Science and Engineering | |
| Admission, Enrolment and General Enquiries | scu.edu.au/enquiries | |
| Further Information | Domestic applicants: Ph: 1800 626 481 International applicants: Ph: +61 2 6620 3876; E: intoff@scu.edu.au |
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| Total Units: | Award Abbreviation: | 2013 ATAR equivalent/OP: |
| 32 | BForScMgt | 68/17 |
| UAC Course Code | QTAC Course Code | CRICOS Course Code |
| Lismore: 334102 | Lismore: 054021 | Lismore NSW: 019851A |
This course places an emphasis on field work and many trips to native and planted forest types. 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. Some residentials may also be held at Mt Gambier in South Australia, subject to class size.
Please note: Distance education students must attend the compulsory residential teaching periods at Lismore campus. Residentials may also be held at teaching facilities at Mt Gambier, South Australia, subject to class size.
MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.
The Academic Skills Development team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, email, phone, and one-on-one support.
Assessments vary for each unit and may comprise a mix of assessment types, including laboratory and readings-based assignments, seminar presentations, field and investigation reports, and formal practical and written examinations.
SCU provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.
Forest science students have access to science laboratories across a range of scientific disciplines. The laboratories are fully equipped with advanced analytical equipment, especially for geochemistry, wood science, microscopy and genetic analysis. The University also provides a large collection of general sampling and field equipment including several boats and 4WD vehicles, fish and animal sampling equipment, sediment samplers, diving equipment and an underwater video recorder, geotechnical and geochemical data collection equipment, and a portable weather station and data loggers.
Pre-requisite Year 12 subjects
There are no pre-requisite subjects required for this course.
On-campus Undergraduate applications
To apply to study an undergraduate degree at a SCU campus, apply online through the NSW Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). For more information please visit either the UAC or QTAC websites: www.uac.edu.au or www.qtac.edu.au. A late fee applies for UAC and QTAC applications received after the 30th of September.
Direct Applications
The following applications to study can be made online, directly to SCU:
Online applications for the Bachelor of Forest Science and Management involve four key steps:
Once registered you can exit and return to your application at any time.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Office website.
At Southern Cross University, your previous study or work experience may help you cut time off your degree.
We recommend that you apply for advance standing at the same time as you apply for admission into this course, because the amount and type of credit awarded will determine your study plan.
For more details and how to apply please visit the Advanced Standing website.
Bachelor of Forest Science and Management with Honours
Graduate Diploma of Forest Science and Management
Master of Forest Science and Management
Bachelor of Environmental Science
Bachelor of Marine Science and Management
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Marine Science and Management
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Important - Please contact the University for confirmation of the course structure prior to acting on this information. The University accepts no liability for any loss suffered by reason of reliance on this information.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
4.1 Requirements for an AwardTo be eligible for the award of the Bachelor of Forest Science and Management degree a candidate shall successfully complete 16 weeks approved work experience and not less than thirty-two (32) units comprising:
(i) all units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units; and
(ii) six (6) units from Part B of the Schedule, or other approved units.
4.2 Advanced Standing