The major in Forest Sciences is an academically challenging program for students interested in the biology and dynamics of forest ecosystems. The objective of the program is to develop professionals who understand the dynamics of, and conduct research in, forested ecosystems. The program provides a strong foundation for careers involving the biological and environmental aspects of forestry, forest conservation, research, and teaching.
The program offers an honours option.
The first two years of the program have a strong core of foundation courses to ensure scientific breadth. No later than the start of third year, students must select an area of concentration, such as plant genetics/genomics/physiology, forest ecology and management, biodiversity conservation and management, international forestry/sustainability, or geomatics/mensuration. Each area of concentration consists of 15 credits of coursework. It is expected that the 6 credit thesis be in the area of concentration. Students must also select 18 credits from a pool of Forestry Electives. Specific elective packages to suit the interests and needs of individual students can be designed. All Forest Science Majors must have their program of study approved by the Forest Sciences Program Director.
Upon successful completion of this Major, the notation “Major in Forest Sciences" will be placed on the student's transcript.
The recommended program of studies is given below. Part-time students or students with advanced credit should consult the Forest Sciences Program Director before registering in an amended program
Degree Requirements
| First Year | |
| BIOL_V 112, 121 and 140 | 8 |
| CHEM_V 111 or 121 | 4 |
| CHEM_V 123 | 4 |
| ECON_V 101 | 3 |
| NRES_V 150 or WRDS_V 150 | 3 |
| MATH_V 1001 | 3 |
| MATH_V 101 | 3 |
| NRES_V 100 or 1102 | 3 |
| NRES_V 103 | 1 |
| Total Credits | 32 |
| Second Year | |
| APBI_V 200 | 3 |
| APBI_V 244 or GEOS_V 204 | 3 |
| BIOL_V 200 | 3 |
| BIOL_V 201 | 3 |
| CHEM_V 233 and 235 | 4 |
| ENGL_V 110, ENGL_V 111 or NRES_V 2253 | 3 |
| NRES_V 200 | 3 |
| NRES_V 201 | 3 |
| NRES_V 210 | 3 |
| NRES_V 211 | 3 |
| NRES_V 231 or BIOL_V 300 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 34 |
| Third and Fourth Years | |
| FRST_V 302 | 3 |
| FRST_V 307 | 3 |
| FRST_V 3504,5,6 or 3514,5,6 | 2 |
| FRST_V 395 | 3 |
| FRST_V 399 | 3 |
| FRST_V 430 | 3 |
| FRST_V 495 or BIOL_V 416 | 3 |
| Area of Concentration7 | 9 |
| General Electives | 9 |
| Forestry Electives8 | 18 |
| Total Credits | 62 |
| 1 Students without previous knowledge of calculus may take MATH_V 180 or 184 (4 credits), or MATH_V 110 (6 credits) if a grade of 80% in MATH 12 (or equivalent course) was not achieved, but the credit difference cannot be applied towards program elective requirements. MATH_V 190 may also be taken, but is a terminal course and not recommended for students who would like to take further MATH_V courses. | |
| 2 NRES_V 110 is restricted to students in the Land One cohort. | |
| 3 NRES_V 225 does not count toward the dual degree with Education. Students interested in this option should take ENGL_V 110 or 111. | |
| 4 Credit will be given for only one of FRST_V 350 or FRST_V 351. | |
| 5 Students will be assigned to the most appropriate course based on their levels of forestry and field experience as determined by the course instructors. | |
| 6 Course takes place immediately prior to third year. | |
| 7 Students will choose 9 credits from one of the groupings below for their Area of Concentration. Substitutions may be allowed at the discretion of the Director of the Forest Sciences Program. Plant genetics/genomics/physiology: CONS_V 302; FRST_V 311, 413, 432; APBI_V 318; BIOL_V 335, 338, 352. Forest ecology and management: CONS_V 310, FRST_V 305, 310, 320, 385, 408; APBI_V 401, 402. Biodiversity conservation and management: CONS_V 314, 330, 481, 486, 495; FRST_V 386; APBI_V 416. International forestry/sustainability: FRST_V 411, 415, 439, 444; CONS_V 330, 425; WOOD_V 461. Geomatics/mensuration: NRES_V 232, 241, or 340; NRES_V 341, 441; FRST_V 239, 339, 443 (or GEOS_V 373), 490; GEOS_V 370, 479. | |
| 8 All 300- and 400-level APBI_V, CONS_V, FRST_V, NRES_V, and UFOR_V courses that are not specifically required for the program are eligible as Forestry electives as long as students have the necessary prerequisites. | |
Honours in Forest Sciences
Admission
The Honours specialization is restricted to students with a minimum 80% average in the following core courses: NRES 200, 201, 210, 211 and 231. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Director of the Forest Sciences Program. Application for admission to the honours specialization should be made to the Director of the Forest Sciences Program. Applications will be accepted in the first weeks of September, January or May of the 3rd academic year. Students in the Honours specialization can also register in the dual degree in Education and Natural Resources (Major in Forest Sciences) following consultation with the Program Director.
| First Year | |
| BIOL_V 112, 121 and 140 | 8 |
| CHEM_V 111 or 121 | 4 |
| CHEM_V 123 | 4 |
| ECON_V 101 | 3 |
| NRES_V 150 or WRDS_V 150 | 3 |
| MATH_V 1001 | 3 |
| MATH_V 101 | 3 |
| NRES_V 100 or 1102 | 3 |
| NRES_V 103 | 1 |
| Total Credits | 32 |
| Second Year | |
| APBI_V 200 | 3 |
| APBI_V 244 or GEOS_V 204 | 3 |
| BIOL_V 200 | 3 |
| BIOL_V 201 | 3 |
| CHEM_V 233 and 235 | 4 |
| ENGL_V 110, ENGL_V 111 or NRES_V 2253 | 3 |
| NRES_V 200 | 3 |
| NRES_V 201 | 3 |
| NRES_V 210 | 3 |
| NRES_V 211 | 3 |
| NRES_V 231 or BIOL_V 300 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 34 |
| Third and Fourth Years | |
| FRST_V 302 | 3 |
| FRST_V 307 | 3 |
| FRST_V 3504,5,6 or 3514,5,6 | 2 |
| FRST_V 395 | 3 |
| FRST_V 399 | 3 |
| FRST_V 430 | 3 |
| FRST_V 4987 | 6 |
| FRST_V 495 or BIOL_V 416 | 3 |
| Area of Concentration8 | 12 |
| General Electives | 9 |
| Forestry Electives9 | 18 |
| Total Credits | 65 |
| 1 Students without previous knowledge of calculus may take MATH_V 180 or 184 (4 credits), or MATH_V 110 (6 credits) if a grade of 80% in MATH 12 (or equivalent course) was not achieved, but the credit difference cannot be applied towards program elective requirements. MATH_V 190 may also be taken, but is a terminal course and not recommended for students who would like to take further MATH_V courses. | |
| 2 NRES_V 110 is restricted to students in the Land One cohort. | |
| 3 NRES_V 225 does not count toward the dual degree with Education. Students interested in this option should take ENGL_V 110 or 111. | |
| 4 Credit will be given for only one of FRST_V 350 or FRST_V 351. | |
| 5 Students will be assigned to the most appropriate course based on their levels of forestry and field experience as determined by the course instructors. | |
| 6 Course takes place immediately prior to third year. | |
| 7 A 6-credit B.Sc. thesis will be completed in fourth year. | |
| 8 Students will choose 15 credits from one of the groupings below for their Area of Concentration. Substitutions may be allowed at the discretion of the Director of the Forest Sciences Program. Plant genetics/genomics/physiology: CONS_V 302; FRST_V 311, 413, 432; APBI_V 318; BIOL_V 335, 338, 352. Forest ecology and management: CONS_V 310, FRST_V 305, 310, 320, 385, 408; APBI_V 401, 402. Biodiversity conservation and management: CONS_V 314, 330, 481, 486, 495; FRST_V 386; APBI_V 416. International forestry/sustainability: FRST_V 411, 415, 439, 444; CONS_V 330, 425; WOOD_V 461. Geomatics/mensuration: NRES_V 232, 241, or 340; NRES_V 341, 441; FRST_V 239, 339, 443 (or GEOS_V 373), 490; GEOS_V 370, 479. | |
| 9 All 300- and 400-level APBI_V, CONS_V, FRST_V, NRES_V, and UFOR_V courses that are not specifically required for the program are eligible as Forestry electives as long as students have the necessary prerequisites. | |
Courses Toward Registration as a Professional Forester in BC
Students who wish to work towards membership in the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) are advised to contact the ABCFP or the Director of Student Services in the Faculty of Forestry for information on appropriate courses to add to their program.
Courses Toward Registration as a Professional Biologist in BC
Students who wish to work toward registration as a Registered Professional Biologist during their program should contact the College of Applied Biology of BC for course and other membership requirements.