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Forest Sciences

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 112, 121 and 1408
CHEM 111 or 1214
CHEM 1234
ECON 1013
NRES 150 or WRDS 1503
MATH 10013
MATH 1013
NRES 100 or 11023
NRES 1031
Total Credits32
  
Second Year 
APBI 2003
APBI 244 or GEOS 2043
BIOL 2003
BIOL 2013
CHEM 233 and 2354
ENGL 110, ENGL 111 or NRES 22533
NRES 2003
NRES 2013
NRES 2103
NRES 2113
NRES 231 or BIOL 3003
Total Credits34
  
Third and Fourth Years 
FRST 3023
FRST 3073
FRST 3504,5,6 or 3514,5,62
FRST 3953
FRST 3993
FRST 4303
FRST 495 or BIOL 4163
Area of Concentration79
General Electives9
Forestry Electives818
Total Credits62
 
1 Students without previous knowledge of calculus may take MATH 180 or 184 (4 credits), or MATH 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 190 may also be taken, but is a terminal course and not recommended for students who would like to take further MATH courses.
2 NRES 110 is restricted to students in the Land One cohort.
3 NRES 225 does not count toward the dual degree with Education. Students interested in this option should take ENGL 110 or 111.
4 Credit will be given for only one of FRST 350 or FRST 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 302; FRST 311, 413, 432; APBI 318; BIOL 335, 338, 352. Forest ecology and management: CONS 310, FRST 305, 310, 320, 385, 408; APBI 401, 402. Biodiversity conservation and management: CONS 314, 330, 481, 486, 495; FRST 386; APBI 416. International forestry/sustainability: FRST 411, 415, 439, 444; CONS 330, 425; WOOD 461. Geomatics/mensuration: NRES 232, 241, or 340; NRES 341, 441; FRST 239, 339, 443 (or GEOS 373), 490; GEOS 370, 479.
8 All 300- and 400-level APBI, CONS, FRST, NRES, and UFOR 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 112, 121 and 1408
CHEM 111 or 1214
CHEM 1234
ECON 1013
NRES 150 or WRDS 1503
MATH 10013
MATH 1013
NRES 100 or 11023
NRES 1031
Total Credits32
  
Second Year 
APBI 2003
APBI 244 or GEOS 2043
BIOL 2003
BIOL 2013
CHEM 233 and 2354
ENGL 110, ENGL 111 or NRES 22533
NRES 2003
NRES 2013
NRES 2103
NRES 2113
NRES 231 or BIOL 3003
Total Credits34
  
Third and Fourth Years 
FRST 3023
FRST 3073
FRST 3504,5,6 or 3514,5,62
FRST 3953
FRST 3993
FRST 4303
FRST 49876
FRST 495 or BIOL 4163
Area of Concentration812
General Electives9
Forestry Electives918
Total Credits65
 
1 Students without previous knowledge of calculus may take MATH 180 or 184 (4 credits), or MATH 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 190 may also be taken, but is a terminal course and not recommended for students who would like to take further MATH courses.
2 NRES 110 is restricted to students in the Land One cohort.
3 NRES 225 does not count toward the dual degree with Education. Students interested in this option should take ENGL 110 or 111.
4 Credit will be given for only one of FRST 350 or FRST 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 302; FRST 311, 413, 432; APBI 318; BIOL 335, 338, 352. Forest ecology and management: CONS 310, FRST 305, 310, 320, 385, 408; APBI 401, 402. Biodiversity conservation and management: CONS 314, 330, 481, 486, 495; FRST 386; APBI 416. International forestry/sustainability: FRST 411, 415, 439, 444; CONS 330, 425; WOOD 461. Geomatics/mensuration: NRES 232, 241, or 340; NRES 341, 441; FRST 239, 339, 443 (or GEOS 373), 490; GEOS 370, 479.
9 All 300- and 400-level APBI, CONS, FRST, NRES, and UFOR 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.

 


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