Bachelor of Forest Science (Honours)

Course 719-AA (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2009
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Undergraduate

Coordinator

Dr Peter Ades

Contact

Dr Peter Ades, Course Coordinator, School of Forest and Ecosystem Science, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Phone: +61 3 83445036. Email: petera@unimelb.edu.au

Ms Louisa King, Undergraduate Officer, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Phone: +61 3 8344 6390. Email: kingl@unimelb.edu.au

Course Overview:

The honours year can be undertaken at the Parkville campus or at the Creswick campus. Prior to 2005 this course was called Bachelor of Forestry (Honours).

The Bachelor of Forest Science (Honours) comprises advanced coursework and an individual research project designed to extend students' knowledge and skills in solving problems. After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared to either:

  • enter the workforce pursuing a career in forest science and related environmental management industries; or

  • pursue further research study through masters or doctor of philosophy degrees.
Objectives:

Students who complete this course should have acquired:

  • an understanding of the biology and diversity of forest ecosystems;
  • an understanding of Australian forest management and conservation;
  • the capacity to apply scientific knowledge to the definition, analysis and solution of problems in forestry, forest conservation, forest industry and related environmental issues;
  • an ability to design and conduct scientific enquiries;
  • essential skills in the acquisition and interpretation of forest data;
  • a capacity for the exchange, acquisition and dissemination of scientific and industry information and for technology transfer;

  • a capacity and motivation for continuing independent learning.
Subject Options:

BACHELOR OF FOREST SCIENCE (HONOURS)

Students can be located at Parkville or Creswick campuses depending on project and elective choice.

FOURTH YEAR (HONOURS)

Core subjects

208-411 Research Philosophies and Statistics or 207-414 Social Research Methods or 220-404 Methods for Forest and Ecosystem Research

plus 2 electives

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Research Project - Parkville

202-401 Honours Research Project (year-long) may be replaced by 202-403 Honours Research Project (mid-year entry).

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
62.500

Research Project - Creswick

202-409 Honours Research Project (year-long) may be replaced by 202-415 Honours Research Project (mid-year entry).

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
62.500

Elective subjects

Choose from subjects listed below or approved 300-level 220-xxx subjects, subject to course coordinator approval.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.500
Not offered in 2009
12.500
Entry Requirements:

To be eligible for consideration for entry into honours, applicants must have:

  • achieved an average of at least 65 in the third year (300-level) subjects of their Bachelor of Forest Science degree; or

  • completed an equivalent qualification to the Bachelor of Forest Science degree, this qualification being recognised by the Faculty, at a level of academic performance equivalent to that required in the point above.
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enroll in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Co-ordinator and Disability Liaison Unit.
Further Study:

The Faculty offers excellent opportunites for students to pursue postgraduate studies in the fields of agricultural science, forestry, natural resource management, urban horticulture, food science, animal welfare, wood science, agribusiness, wine technolgy and viticulture, forest ecosystem science. Programs available include Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters (by coursework), Masters (by research) and Doctoral degrees.
Graduate Attributes:

Graduates will be expected to:

  • have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
  • have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
  • reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
  • be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
  • be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies
  • be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
  • initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
  • mentor future generations of learners
  • examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of discipline
Generic Skills:

This course encompasses particular generic skills. On completion of the course students should have:

  • A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
  • Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
  • Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and and groups from industry, government and the community

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