Program Overview

Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology (M.Sc.)

Features

The Master's program in Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology offers a comprehensive education in forest management, conservation, and timber production. Students can specialize in one of three areas: Forest Management and Utilization, Forest Conservation, or Wood Biology and Wood Technology. The program includes compulsory modules, optional courses, internships, and international visits.

Details

Programme Description

The program focuses on sustainable management, ecology, and nature conservation, as well as the role of forests in recreational activities and climate protection. Wood is also an important renewable resource, and the program covers its use in bio-technological processes.

Goals

The program aims to provide students with scientific knowledge and professional skills for a career in forestry and wood management. The three specialization fields are:

• Forest Management and Utilisation
• Forest Conservation
• Wood Biology and Wood Technology

Content

The program includes a range of courses, depending on the specialization field. Students can choose from optional courses offered by the Faculty of Forestry, other faculties of the University of Göttingen, and international partner universities.

Master Programme "Forest Management and Utilisation"

This program conveys knowledge and abilities for sustainable, multifunctional, and efficient forest utilization and protection. Courses cover forest enterprise management, resource management, marketing, and policy.

Master Programme "Forest Conservation"

This program covers topics required for careers in biological aspects of bio-ecology and nature conservation. Students gain insight into the ecology and function of forests as part of the landscape.

Master Programme "Wood Biology and Wood Technology"

This program covers topics around the processing of wood and renewable resources. Students learn about technologies for manufacturing and processing wood into various products.

Professional Opportunities

The program qualifies students for careers in:

• Public and private forest administration and enterprises
• Timber trade and wood industry
• Consultancy and planning agencies
• Nature conservation agencies and organizations
• Universities and research institutes
• International organizations
• International development cooperation
• Forest services and freelance work

Structure

Specialization

Students complete a total of 120 credits, with 90 credits from courses and 30 credits from the Master's thesis. There are three specialization fields to choose from.

Semester Overview

The program is structured into four semesters, with the following courses:

Forest Management and Utilisation

• Semester 1: Forest Business Administration, Work Science, Forest Governance, Forest Nature Conservation, and Elective Module
• Semester 2: Forest Management, Forest Growth, Forestry Location, Forest Inventory, and Elective Module
• Semester 3: Project, Forestry and Timber Markets, and Elective Modules
• Semester 4: Master's Thesis

Forest Conservation

• Semester 1: Forest Nature Conservation, Ecological Principles, Genetic Resources, Biodiversity, and Elective Module
• Semester 2: Remote Sensing, Climate and Soil Protection, Registration and Monitoring, Function and Protection of Biodiversity, and Elective Module
• Semester 3: Project, Methods and Management, and Elective Modules
• Semester 4: Master's Thesis

Wood Biology and Wood Technology

• Semester 1: Properties and Applications of Wood, Wood Biology, Wood Biotechnology, Biomass Use, and Elective Module
• Semester 2: Wood Technology, Wood and Paper Industry, Wood Composites, Energetic Use of Wood, and Elective Module
• Semester 3: Project, and Elective Modules
• Semester 4: Master's Thesis

Application

Previous Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or a related subject with at least 180 ECTS credits
• At least 150 ECTS at the time of application
• Eligibility requires verification of academic performance in Forestry or Environmental Sciences, with at least 60 ECTS, including 24 ECTS in Forestry

Language Requirements

• Proof of proficiency in German at the level of DSH-2, if German is not the first language