Program Overview

Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology (Dr. forest. / Ph.D.)

Programme Overview

The Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology programme offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Dr. forest. degree. The standard period of study is six semesters, with the option to start in either the winter or summer semester. Admission to the programme is limited and requires an application to the faculty.

Admission Requirements

• Above-average master's degree in related fields
• Letter of endorsement from a professor of the faculty
• Language requirement: German (DHS certificate) or English (certified by TOEFL or IELTS), if not a native speaker

Programme Description

Students in this programme deepen and broaden their scientific knowledge in forest sciences and forest ecology. The programme consists of the following modules:

• Research methods
• Subject-specific knowledge extension
• Interdisciplinary topics
• PhD colloquium
• Key qualifications

Participating Departments

The following departments participate in the programme:

• Bioclimatology
• Remote Sensing and Forest Inventory
• Forest Botany and Tree Physiology
• Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding
• Forest Policy and Forest History
• Forest Work Science and Process Technology
• Forest Economics
• Forest Biometrics, Ecoinformatics and Forest Growth
• Forest Zoology and Forest Conservation
• Wood Biology and Wood Products
• Wood Chemistry and Wood Technology
• Nature Conservation and Landscape management
• Silviculture of the temperate zones
• Tropical silviculture and forest ecology
• Ecopedology of the temperate zones
• Ecopedology of the tropics and subtropics
• Technical Mycology
• Molecular Wood Biotechnology

Organisation of the Study

Students must obtain at least 24 credits, with the main focus on writing the doctoral thesis.

Professional Opportunities

Graduates of this programme can pursue careers in:

• Public and private forest enterprises
• Wood industry
• Universities and research institutes