Master of Forest Ecosystem Science

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

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

Students entering the 200-point Master of Forest Ecosystem Science (MFES) program must complete 125 points of core discipline subjects including at least 25 points of project and 75 points of elective subjects.

Students entering with 50 points advanced standing must complete 100 points of core discipline subjects and 50 points of elective subjects. * Students will a 4 year Honours degree in a related discipline may be eligible for up to 50 points advanced standing.

Students entering with 100 points advanced standing must complete 50 points of core discipline subjects and 50 points of elective subjects. * Students with a 4 year Forest Science (or equivalent) degree may be eligible for up to or 100 points in advanced standing.

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.

Core Discipline Subjects

Plus one of either:

Electives

Suggested Electives

Or approved electives from:

* the Office of Environmental Programs Subject List

* within the Melbourne School of Land & Environment

* the University Handbook

* from another University nationally or internationally (up to 25% of total course)

Please note: Students are eligible to undertake either FRST90035 OR FRST90036

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria:

• An undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year or equivalent; or
• An undergraduate degree in any area including at least 25 points in one or more of Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Statistics, or equivalent, and with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year; or
• An undergraduate degree in any area and a Graduate Certificate in Environment with at least H3 (65%) average in the Certificate.

The requirement for at least H3 (65%) average in each case may be waived where the applicant can demonstrate significant professional development in natural resource management since graduation.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Notes:

• Applicants with a relevant three-year degree plus Honours (four years total), or a five-year double degree, may be eligible or up to 50 points credit towards the Master of Forest Ecosystem Science.
• Applicants with a 4-year Bachelor of Forest Science, or equivalent, may be eligible for up to 100 points credit towards the Master of Forest Ecosystem Science.
• Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Bushfire Management may be eligible to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Bushfire Management or the Master of Forest Ecosystem Science with 50 points credit.
• Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Bushfire Management may be eligible to progress to the Master of Forest Ecosystem Science with 100 points credit.
• Students who discontinue from the Master of Forest Ecosystem Science but have successfully completed the requirements of the Postgraduate Certificate in Bushfire Management or the Postgraduate Diploma in Bushfire Management will be eligible to receive the Certificate or Diploma, respectively, as an exit award. Students who discontinue from the Postgraduate Diploma in Bushfire Management but have successfully completed the requirements of the Postgraduate Certificate in Bushfire Management will be eligible to receive the Certificate as an exit award.
• The Postgraduate Diploma in Forest Ecosystem Science is available as an alternative exit award for students who discontinue from the Master of Forest Ecosystem Science having completed at least 100 points of appropriate subjects.

The Melbourne School of Land and Environment (MSLE) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and School policy to take reasonable steps to make reasonable adjustments so as to enable the student’s participation in the School’s programs. MSLE contributes to the New Generation degrees and offers a broad range of programs across undergraduate and post-graduate levels many of which adopt a multi-disciplinary approach.

Students of the School’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the School. Candidates must have abilities and skills in observation; motor in relevant areas; communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, however students need to be able to participate in the program in an independent manner and with regard to their safety and the safety of others.

I. Observation: In some contexts, the student must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic and applied sciences. More broadly, observation requires reading text, diagrams, maps, drawings and numerical data. The candidate should be able to observe details at a number of scales and record useful observations in discipline dependant contexts.

II. Communication: A candidate should be able to communicate with fellow students, professional and academic staff, members of relevant professions and the public. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing.

III. Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function necessary for participation in the inherent discipline-related activities. The practical work, design work, field work, diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, require varying motor movement abilities. Off campus investigations may include visits to construction sites, urban, rural and/or remote environments.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of professionals in land and environment industries, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

V. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

Progression Pathways to PhD

The Master of Forest Ecosystem Science allows you to complete either the Forest Internship Project (FRST90035) of the Forest Research Project (FRST90036) to progress to a PhD.

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.

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.

• 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

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 2011, limited funding for student travel and accommodation costs to study the MFES is available. More information is available at http://www.forests.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships.html .