Forest Sciences

Forest Sciences has been taught at Aberdeen since 1907, and brings together the disciplines of Forestry, Ecology, Zoology, and Plant Science. The Department has an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally.

Why Aberdeen?

• Forestry has been taught in University of Aberdeen since 1907, and brings together the disciplines of forestry, ecology, zoology, and plant science
• There is easy access to large areas of forest, including remnants of the once extensive native Caledonian pine forest
• Field visits form an important part of the degree programme, including a trip to the Black Forest in Germany
• The department has close links with local and national research institutes
• The students' Forestry Society was founded in 1919 and is one of the oldest student societies in the University. It runs a wide range of social events. These include activities during Freshers’ Week, raising money for charity, arranging recreational pursuits and social evenings culminating in the Forestry Society Annual Dinner. This is an opportunity for the undergraduates to meet the large number of graduates who attend the event. The students also publish a Society magazine

Programmes

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Forestry

Study Abroad

There will be opportunities for expeditions, voluntary work overseas and ‘year-out’ placements. International exchanges are also possible, normally in the second year of a four year programme. Similarly, it is possible to study for part of the degree in another European university under the ERASMUS programme. 
Further Study Abroad Information. 

 

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

In accordance with degree requirements, four courses at levels 1 and 2 combined and two courses at levels 3 and 4 combined must meet the requirements of enhanced study.  These courses provide an opportunity for sustained study in other disciplines, disciplinary breadth and cross-discipline study (Sixth Century Courses).

First Year

Students cover the basic sciences in Biology and Chemistry, and foundation courses including Ecology and Environmental Science, Geology, Plant Ecology and Taxonomy and Sustainable Land Management and two field courses on Plant Ecology and the Forest Environment. Some choice of courses is available in first year depending on entrance qualifications. This leaves a choice of three further courses which would normally contribute towards enhanced study.

Second Year

These courses provide an essential grounding in many fundamental concepts of Forest Science. Subjects include Soil Science, Ecology, Plant Physiology and Diversity, and Research Skills. A field course on Forest Ecology and Management supports what is learned in the classroom. Other course choices are available depending on the particular interests of the students. The choice of eight courses in total must normally ensure that a student has met the requirements for enhanced study at levels 1 and 2 combined.

Third Year

Third year is a combination of pure and applied sciences where the subjects of forest ecology and stand dynamics are developed. These include Silviculture, Applied Forest Ecology, Forest Measurement, Plant Biogeography and Conservation, Behavioural Ecology, and Experimental Design, Analysis and Skills. Other choices are available depending on the particular interests of the students.

Fourth Year

The final year involves the preparation of an individual research project. Students also have the option of preparing a forest management plan; with three weeks spent studying a 500 hectare forest where the soils, vegetation and the forest stands are studied. Observations and measurements made are used to prepare a five-year plan that ensures the sustainable management of the forest. Students have to choose four specialist subjects from a wide range of available options that include Biology & Ecology of Forest Health, Tropical Forest Ecology & Management, Trees in the Urban Environment, Special Topics in Forestry, Plant Biogeography & Conservation, Plant/Animal Interactions, Nature Conservation in Britain, and Wildlife Conservation & Management. A trip to study forestry in southern Germany completes the programme.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is by a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials and field visits. Opportunities are provided for verbal and written presentations and reports, which are related to topics covered. Assessment is by an appropriate balance of examinations and continuous assessment for each course. Students are required to attend field courses, which are assessed as part of the degree.

Careers

There is a demand for well-motivated and educated individuals to improve the level of knowledge and understanding of forest ecosystems. This knowledge becomes the basis of sustainable forest management. This degree will give you an opportunity to develop a career in forest conservation, environmental management and research. As a Forest Scientist with a knowledge of forest management, you will be in increasing demand for similar posts, but with an advantage over other graduates in the wider environmental sciences due to the range of subjects and skills acquired.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Forest Sciences.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 5 at HL
ILC - BBBB (B2 or above)
*including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB or A Levels ABB or IB 34 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be at A-grade.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide