Master of Forest Ecosystem Science

Course MC-FRSTES (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Year and Campus:	2010 - Parkville
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level:	Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points:	200 credit points taken over 24 months full time. This course is available as full or part time.

Coordinator

Dr Chris Weston

Contact

Course Administrator, Master of Forest Ecosystem Science, Phone: +61 3 5321 4300 Fax: +61 3 5321 4166 Email: forests-info@unimelb.edu.au, or Postgraduate Officer, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Phone: +61 3 8344 7834, Email: msle-pgcoursework@unimelb.edu.au

Course Overview:	The Master of Forest Ecosystem Science (MFES) is a two year (full-time) or part-time equivalent coursework degree that prepares students for careers in the forest and natural resource management sectors. Acceleration is possible by taking subjects in the summer, winter and semester breaks, subject to the School approval. Features of the MFES: Taught mainly in intensive two-week blocks with supplementary off-campus study, allowing for greater flexibility for part-time or remote study, or more rapid completion Incorporates internships with the forest sector for advanced industry experience and establishment of key networks for future employment Includes Commonwealth Supported Places (HECS) and Australian Fee paying places Financial support is available through participation in the National Forestry Masters Program, from government student support schemes (Centrelink), and other government and industry scholarships Encourages study abroad and student exchange nationally and internationally Draws on the research strengths of the Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science and benefits from collaborations within the Melbourne School of Land and Environment, the Faculty of Science, and forest management and forest science educators nationally and internationally Provides graduates with key networks in the forest and ecosystem management sectors nationally and internationally
Objectives:	The Master of Forest Ecosystem Science (MFES) will prepare you for a career within the forest and natural resource management sectors and provide a pathway to further study. By undertaking the course, you will: Develop knowledge, skills, understanding and competence in areas of forest ecosystem science Develop a thorough approach to forest sciences and sustainable forest management Understand the biological, economic, social and environmental factors which shape the development of forest and natural resource management enterprises both in Australia and internationally, including climate change science and water resource management Increase your knowledge and analytical capabilities appropriate to forest and ecosystem science and related specialist disciplines Develop research competence in the design, conduct and analysis of experimental work Extend your scholarly and critical attitudes in forest and natural resource management disciplines
Course Structure & Available Subjects:	Students entering the 200-point Master of Forest Ecosystem Science (MFES) program must complete the core subject 220-405 Forest Ecosystems, at least a further seven subjects from Table A and at least two subjects from Table B. Students entering with 50 points advanced standing (150-point MFES program) must complete the core subject 220-405 Forest Ecosystems, at least five subjects from Table A and at least two subjects from Table B. Students entering with 100 points advanced standing (100-point MFES program) must complete at least four 220-coded coursework subjects from either Table A or Table B. In all cases, the balance of subjects may be made up with other MFES subjects including the project subjects 220-512 Forest Internship Project and 220-513 Forest Research Project or other University of Melbourne postgraduate subjects. The structure of the MFES allows students the flexibility to develop their own interests from a wide selection of subjects whilst developing essential forest ecosystem science skills and knowledge. The program also allows students the freedom to complete up to 25% of their subjects at another university in Australia or internationally.
Subject Options:	Core Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: FRST90015 Forest Ecosystems February 12.50 Table A Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: FRST90027 Trees Growth & Development March 12.50 FRST90019 Forest Resource Assessment March 12.50 FRST90073 Forest Planning and Business Management April 12.50 FRST90017 Bushfire Planning & Management May 12.50 FRST90016 Trees in a Changing Climate May 12.50 FRST90034 Ecological Restoration July 12.50 FRST90020 Silviculture & Forest Dynamics August 12.50 FRST90022 Forests and Water August 12.50 FRST90021 Sustainable Forest Management October 12.50 Table B Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: FRST90033 Farm Trees & Agroforestry April 12.50 FRST90032 Forests, Carbon and Climate Change June 12.50 FRST90031 Timber in the Built Environment June 12.50 FRST90026 Bushfire & Biodiversity September 12.50 FRST90030 Forests in the Asia Pacific Region November 12.50 Table B Subjects (offered every other year and next in 2011) Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 220-412 Wood Science & Technology Not offered in 2010 12.50 220-417 Forest Health Not offered in 2010 12.50 220-501 Wood Quality Not offered in 2010 12.50 220-502 Bushfire & Climate Not offered in 2010 12.50 220-505 Advanced Plantation Silviculture Not offered in 2010 12.50 220-720 Forest Operations Not offered in 2010 12.50 Project Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: FRST90035 Forest Internship Project Year Long 25 FRST90036 Forest Research Project Year Long 50 MSLE Elective Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-618 Economics of Resource Use & Conservation Not offered in 2010 GEOG90006 Fundamentals & Management of GIS Semester 1 12.50 NRMT90007 Community Natural Resource Management Semester 2 12.50 NRMT90018 Human Resource Management April 12.50 NRMT90019 Business Strategy February 12.50 NRMT90021 Project Management June 12.50 EVSC90001 Global Environment and Sustainability February 12.50 NRMT90002 Management of Plant and Animal Invasions Semester 2 12.50 NRMT90003 Social Research Methods Semester 1 12.50 Non-MSLE Elective Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: MULT90004 Sustainability Policy and Management March 12.50 EVSC90009 Problem Solving in Environmental Science Semester 2 12.50 ENST90004 Climate Change Politics and Policy Semester 1 12.50 705-624 Indigenous Conceptions of Landscape Not offered in 2010 12.50 EVSC90015 Environmental Impact Assessment Semester 1 12.50 EVSC90010 Environmental Risk Assessment Semester 1 12.50
Entry Requirements:	The Master of Forest Ecosystem Science (MFES) is open to students who have completed a 3-year undergraduate degree with a grade average of 65 or greater in the final year. Applicants whose undergraduate qualification is unrelated to science may be required to complete an appropriate series of undergraduate subjects leading to a Graduate Certificate of Environment prior to entering the MFES. Students entering the MFES with a four-year Bachelor of Forest Science degree may be eligible for up to 100 points advanced standing. Applicants with a relevant 3-year degree plus Honours (4 years total), or a 5-year double degree, may be eligible for up to 50 points advanced standing. Normally students will be given credit fro first year MFES (or 400-level) subjects, but this may vary depending on subjects completed in the students' first degree.
Core Participation Requirements:	It is University policy to take all 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 enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to laboratory activities and field trips. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison Unit.
Further Study:	Progression Pathways to PhD The Master of Forest Ecosystem Science allows you to complete either the Forest Internship Project (220-512) of the Forest Research Project (220-513) to progress to a PhD.
Graduate Attributes:	The Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become: Academically excellent Have 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 Knowledgeable across disciplines Examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines Expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects Have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront Unfamiliar problems Have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment. Leaders in communities Initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces Have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations Mentor future generations of learners Engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs Attuned to cultural diversity Value different cultures Be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they Choose to live and work Have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community Respect Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values Active global citizens Accept social and civic responsibilities Be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment Have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equality and ethics.
Professional Accreditation:	Graduates of the Master of Forest Ecosystem Science will be eligible for membership of the Institute of Foresters Australia and with further professional and practical experience to qualify as Registered Professional Foresters.
Generic Skills:	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 An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for storage, management and analysis of data Capacity for creativity and innovation through the application of skills and knowledge Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations Highly developed computer-based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication 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 groups from industry, government and the community Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects
Links to further information:	www.forests.unimelb.edu.au
Notes:	Please note, the majority of the Master of Forest Ecosystem Science (MFES) subjects are taught at the Creswick campus and some are taught at the metropolitan campuses. Costs associated with accommodation and travel is at the students' own expense. For 2010, funding for student travel and accommodation costs to study the MFES is available. More information is available at http://www.forests.unimelb.edu.au/national_forestry_masters.html .

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Coordinator

Contact

Core Subjects

Table A Subjects

Table B Subjects

Table B Subjects (offered every other year and next in 2011)

Project Subjects

MSLE Elective Subjects

Non-MSLE Elective Subjects