The Forest Science (Specialization in International Forestry) program places the biology and dynamics of forest ecosystems within a global perspective of how forests function throughout the world. Students study the same basic sciences as the regular Forest Sciences program, but also incorporate the study of a second language and learn the cultural context in which forestry is practiced. They also have the opportunity to gain both academic and first-hand knowledge of forest ecosystems outside of British Columbia by studying abroad.
Enrolment in the Forest Science (Specialization in International Forestry) program is limited. Students can apply to the program after completing 21 credits from first-year courses (or their equivalent) of the Forest Science program. To apply for admission, students are required to have a minimum academic standing of 70%.
What will you learn?
The first two years of the program have a strong core of basic sciences. After the completion of their first year, students select International Forestry as their area of concentration. In addition, to fulfill the International Forestry Major, students must select a regional specialization. Students can choose from Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas, or another region with the approval of a program adviser.
Within the regional specialization, the program requires 12 credits of a relevant language other than English, a pre-approved study abroad exchange for a minimum of one term or work experience for a minimum of 13 weeks and relevant course work in the economic, cultural and political/historical situation of the region selected.
A forestry education is unique in that students are constantly challenged to apply what they are learning. Lab sessions are often held outdoors to bring a hands-on reality to the education students get in the classroom. In addition to the lab sessions, field schools are an integral part of the forestry programs. The Forest Science (Specialization in International Forestry) program has one field school that students are required to attend, held at the beginning of the third year. This field school is designed to introduce students to local forestry issues in the interior region of British Columbia, providing additional studies in land use, management, and silviculture.
Graduates of this program are prepared to work as forester scientists in the region of their specialization, or act as consultants to those countries and help extend Canadian skills abroad.
Through the selection of additional courses, graduates may also meet the academic requirements to be eligible for registration as a Registered Professional Biologist or a Registered Professional Forester. The academic requirements of professional accreditation may require an additional year of studies
Course Maps
| FOREST SCIENCES – INT’L FORESTRY PROGRAM MAP (NON CO-OP OPTION) |
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| Term 1 Sep – Dec |
Term 2 Jan – Apr |
Summer May – Aug |
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| Year 1 | Basic Sciences, English, Math, Intro to Forestry, and Soil | Summer | ||
| Year 2 | Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry, Forest Plant Biology, Forest Ecology, and Silvics | Summer | Fall Interior Field School | |
| Year 3 | Educational exchange or work internship to the region of specialization for up to 12 months, to be done anytime after the completion of second year, prior to graduation. Course and Co-op term schedules for students on exchange are arranged through the International Exchange and Co-op Coordinators. Careful planning with the International Exchange Coordinator will allow outside courses to be counted towards the degree program requirements | |||
| Year 4 | Entomology, Pathology, Fire, Hydrology, Advanced Biometrics, and Electives | Forest Genetics, Silviculture, and Aquatic Ecosystems | Summer | |
| Year 5 | Plant Physiology, Soils, Research Methods, Seminar, Conservation Biology, and Graduating Thesis | Forest Soils, Biological Diversity, and Specialization | ||
| FOREST SCIENCES – INT’L FORESTRY PROGRAM MAP (CO-OP OPTION) |
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| Term 1 Sep – Dec |
Term 2 Jan – Apr |
Summer May – Aug |
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| Year 1 | Basic Sciences, English, Math, Intro to Forestry, Conservation, Soil and Statistics | Summer | ||
| Year 2 | Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry, Forest Plant Biology, Forest Ecology, Silvics, a Language and a Region-Specific Elective | Co-op 1 | Fall Interior Field School | |
| Year 3* | Entomology, Pathology, Fire, Hydrology, Wildlife, Electives, a Language and a Region-Specific Elective | Forest Genetics, Silviculture, Aquatic Ecosystems, and Advanced Biometrics | Co-op 2 | |
| Year 4 | Plant Physiology, Soils, Research Methods, Seminar, Conservation Biology, and Graduating Thesis | Co-op 3 | Co-op 4 | |
| Year 5 | Co-op 5 | Region-Specific Area of Specialization and Electives | ||
* Educational exchange or work internship to the region of specialization for up to 12 months, to be done anytime after the completion of second year, prior to graduation. Course and Co-op term schedules for students on exchange are arranged through the International Exchange and Co-op Coordinators. Careful planning with the International Exchange Coordinator will allow outside courses to be counted towards the degree program requirements.
Visit the UBC Calendar to view course listings
