Forestry (HBSCF)

Program Overview

Lakehead University's Forestry program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of forestry's biological, social, and operational aspects. Through a combination of coursework, field studies, and research projects, students develop the skills and expertise necessary for careers in forest management, health and protection, and products and marketing. The program emphasizes practical experience and utilizes high-tech tools, preparing graduates for success in the modern forestry industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program:

Forestry (HBSCF)

Overview:

The Forestry program at Lakehead University provides a comprehensive understanding of the biological, social, and operational aspects of forestry and its relationship to ecosystems. Students gain the business skills, scientific expertise, and practical experience necessary to address modern conservation and sustainability challenges.

Objectives:

• Develop a strong foundation in the biological, social, and operational aspects of forestry.
• Acquire business skills and scientific expertise in forest management, forest health and protection, and forest products and marketing.
• Gain practical experience through field studies, internships, and research projects.
• Prepare students for careers in forestry and related fields.

Program Description:

• The program shares a common curriculum with the Environmental Management program for the first two years.
• Students specialize in one of three areas: Forest Management, Forest Health and Protection, or Forest Products and Marketing.
• The program utilizes high-tech tools such as GPS/GIS technologies, 3-D visualization, remote sensing, and genetic research.
• Graduates are eligible for the Registered Professional Forester (RPD) designation and membership in the Canadian Institute of Forestry.

Outline:

Content:

• Biological sciences (e.g., plant biology, animal biology)
• Forest ecology and management
• Forest health and protection
• Forest products and marketing
• Business principles
• Environmental science
• Geographic information systems (GIS)
• Remote sensing
• Statistics

Structure:

• Four-year Honours Bachelor of Science degree
• Co-operative education option available
• Specialization in Forest Management, Forest Health and Protection, or Forest Products and Marketing

Course Schedule:

• First year: Shared curriculum with Environmental Management program
• Second year: Specialization courses begin
• Third and fourth years: Advanced coursework and research projects

Individual Modules:

• Natural Resources Management 0190: Writing Across the Curriculum
• Natural Resources Management 1094: Field School
• Natural Resources Management 1010: Canadian Forest Plant Species
• Natural Resources Management 1110: Natural Resources Inventory I
• Natural Resources Management 1330: Natural Resources Biometrics I
• Natural Resources Management 1071: Business Principles in Natural Resources Management
• Biology 1110: Animal Biology
• Biology 1130: Plant Biology
• Chemistry 1050: Foundations of Chemistry I or Chemistry 1110: Introductory Chemistry
• Economics 2014: Basic Economics–Theory
• Geography 1170: The Environment with Laboratory
• Geology 1131: Crust of the Earth with Laboratory

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Exams
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Fieldwork
• Research projects

Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of forestry concepts
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Fieldwork and research skills
• Professionalism and ethics

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Fieldwork
• Laboratory work
• Research projects

Faculty:

• Experienced and knowledgeable faculty with expertise in forestry and related fields
• Active researchers engaged in cutting-edge projects

Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on practical experience through field studies, internships, and research projects
• Use of high-tech tools and technologies
• Opportunities for international field school excursions and internationally-focused courses

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Registered Professional Forester
• Forest Management Specialist
• Forest/Environmental Technician
• Geomatics Specialist
• Urban Forester
• RPAS/UAV Specialist
• Invasive Species Specialist
• Renewable Energy Specialist
• Forestry/Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Assessment
• Wood Products Specialist or Researcher
• Forest Based Industries
• Conservation Authorities
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• Arborist
• Water and Soils Scientist
• Forest Health and Protection