Bachelor of Forest Science and Management

The course is distinctive for providing graduates with a strong foundation in forest science and 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.

The course places an emphasis on field work and includes 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.

Forestry students 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.

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

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.

This course places an emphasis on field work and includes 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 that all students must attend. These occur in the middle of sessions 1 and 2 and comprise approximately one-to-four days of lab classes and field work.

Please note: Online students must attend the compulsory residential workshops at Lismore.

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.

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.

Students complete 16 weeks of practical workplace experience during in a forestry-related area including plantation and forested regions across Australia. Students are assisted by work experience coordinator to find paid and/or volunteer work placements that complement their studies. 

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Institute of Foresters of Australia.