Forestry

P.J. Kanowski, BScFor ANU, DPhil Oxon
Professor and Head of Department

Introduction

The Department of Forestry is the centre of the School of Resource Management and Environmental Science’s work on forests, and a national centre for higher forestry education. We work with others in the School and University, and with many academics, scientists, resource managers and interest groups outside ANU, to advance knowledge and understanding of forest ecosystems, and their conservation and sustainable use. Our 16 academic staff span the breadth of interests in forest science and management: biodiversity conservation and use, ecology and silviculture, engineering and harvesting, fire, forest products, GIS and resource planning, measurement and modelling, physiology and wood science, policy, resource economics, soils, social and community forestry, taxonomy, and wildlife.

Forestry in Australia is evolving rapidly, with comprehensive processes to assess and reserve native forests, the rapid development of plantation forestry, the emergence of farm and agro-forestry, and the rehabilitation of our rural lands through Landcare and associated initiatives. These developments have many parallels internationally. Foresters and other natural resource managers play leading roles in all these arenas, each of which presents new challenges to environmental scientists and resource managers. The four-year BSc (Forestry) program is designed to address these challenges. The course is directed primarily to educating forest scientists and professional foresters, but its graduates are also attractive to a wide range of employers in environmental science and resource management.

The curriculum is based on knowledge of the basic physical and biological sciences relevant to forest ecosystems, of the applied sciences and technologies which support sustainable forest management, and of their application in the context of the political, economic and social dimensions of resource use. We begin with introductions to issues in resource management and environmental science, to resource biology, to ecological measurement, and to statistical techniques. In subsequent years we cover the fundamentals of the terrestrial environmental sciences, develop their applications in resource management, integrate science and practice in resource management projects, and offer various specialised options. Consequently, the degree emphasises field-based learning, and combines a broadly-based education with focused professional development and opportunities for specialisation.

The degree of Bachelor of Science (Forestry)

(Course code 4601)

The course for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Forestry) is normally a four-year course. It comprises a suite of core units (23 in total) and a range of optional units (7 in total).

The core units are those seen as  necessary for the development of sound qualifications in forest science and management. Students wishing to depart from this course may, with the endorsement  of the Head of Department, seek to vary their course within the limits set out in the course requirements. Variations must be aimed at further enhancing an area of special interest but, in all cases, they must maintain an appropriate balance between the various facets of the standard course. No student may undertake less than units to the value of  132 credit points offered by the Department.

Advice on optional units and specialised sequences will be given in the Departmental Handbook, and through consultation with Departmental advisers. Students should note that, in selecting units to be taken, they must not only have in mind the fulfilment of the course requirements, but also the wishes of some potential employers. Students should also note the desirability of obtaining vacation work in forestry whenever possible to augment their experience of field forestry.

In addition to contributing to SREM units, the Department of Forestry offers the following units:

FSTY1003    Ecological Measurement
FSTY1102    Field Studies 1
FSTY2004    Fire in the Australian Environment
FSTY2005    Trees and Forests
FSTY2009    Forest Measurement and Modelling
FSTY2051    Biodiversity Assessment
FSTY2102    Natural Resource Economics
FSTY3014    Forest and Woodland Ecosystems
FSTY3015    Silviculture
FSTY3016    Forest Products
FSTY3017    Forest Operations
FSTY3051    Wildlife Management
FSTY3052    Forest Conservation and Production Genetics
FSTY3054    Special Topics
FSTY3056    Farm Forestry
FSTY3059    Participatory Resource Management
FSTY3112    Field Studies 2a
FSTY3122    Field Studies 2b
FSTY3151    Production Economics
FSTY4001    Resource Management
FSTY4002    Plantation Management
FSTY4003    Forest Planning
FSTY4102    Field Studies 3
FSTY4106    Forest Policy and Politics

Combined courses

Two combined courses are offered, Bachelor of Science(Forestry)/Bachelor of Economics, and Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Science(Forestry). The requirements for students taking the combined courses are detailed in the Combined Courses section of this Handbook.

Students taking the combined course in forestry and economics must satisfy the requirements of the Faculty of Economics and Commerce (at least 96 credit points) and obtain at least 159 credit points acceptable to the Faculty of Science. The  159 credit points will normally include the units recommended for the forestry course. In view of the prescribed nature of the combined course, students are strongly advised to consult the Department of Forestry at the commencement of this course.

Students who wish to take a combined course in science and forestry must take a total of  255 credit points units offered by a science-related department, including 155 credit points of prescribed Science(Forestry) units, and a minimum of  16 Group B and  32 Group C credit points offered by a science-related department other than the Department of Forestry. For more specific information, consult the Faculty of Science office or the Department of Forestry.

Prerequisites

Required prerequisites are stated for each unit. Students without these prerequisites but who believe they have equivalent qualifications should consult the lecturer in charge before enrolment.

Assessment: For each unit, the preferred assessment indicated will be discussed with the class at the beginning of the unit.

Safety Clothing

Occupational Health and Safety Rules require students attending field exercises in the forests to wear hard hats, high visibility safety vests, and safety boots. A list of forestry units for which these items of clothing are required is available from the Department. All BSc (Forestry) students are required to supply themselves with these items of clothing. Hard hats and safety vests are available for purchase from the Department if desired.

Ecological Measurement    FSTY1003

(6cp) Group A

Second semester
Two to three hours of lectures, and three hours of practical classes per week

Course Coordinator: Dr Brack

Prerequisite or corequisite: STAT1003

A quota may be placed on enrolments in this unit

Syllabus: The course goal is to promote student learning and understanding of measurements and quantitative assessments used in ecological sciences. The principles and techniques used in locating position, surveying areas and measuring samples are introduced.

Topics include: measurement of angles, distances, heights and areas; map reading and development (topographical, geological, soil and vegetation maps); air photograph interpretation; introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems; sampling and survey designs and constraints; data recording, analysis and use; and report production.

Proposed assessment: It is anticipated that the assessment will include examinations, completion of field work and projects.

Preliminary reading

Field Studies 1    FSTY1102

(3cp) Group D

(Formerly Forestry D54 Part 1, FOR3051)

Coordinator: Mr Cary

Prerequisite: Enrolment for the BSc(Forestry) degree

Syllabus: A general introduction to forests and forestry. (Approximately 5 days in April/May or in June/July of the first year of forestry taken at ANU.)

Proposed assessment: On a pass/fail basis, through satisfactory attendance at, and contribution to, the unit and completion of reports.

Fire in the Australian Environment    FSTY2004

(8cp) Group B

First semester
(Formerly FSTY3002 [Fire in the Australian Environment])
Up to three hours per week lectures and five hours per week practicals, tutorials or field work

Course Coordinator: Mr G. Cary

Prerequisite: Group A units to the value of at least 36 credit points.

Syllabus: Introduction: Historical, geographical, ecological and social perspectives on fire in the Australian environment. Fire Science: Principles of heat transfer and combustion; observation and measurement of fire for experimental and ecological purposes. Environmental factors affecting fire occurrence and behaviour including the dynamics of fuels, weather and climate, and topography. Prediction of fire behaviour and fire danger rating systems. Fire in the environment: Effects of fire on hydrology, soils, air and biota. On-site and downstream effects of fire on hydrological cycles. Impacts of soil heating on nutrient cycles, soil structure and post-fire erosion. Impacts of fire plumes; smoke transport and pollution. Experimental and theoretical approaches to understanding the role of fire regimes in determining animal and plant community dynamics. Conservation conflicts over hazard reduction burning in Australia. Fire management: The role of fire as a management tool in environmental management. Principles and systems of fire control and management in the Australian environment. Setting fire management objectives and assessment of strategies to fulfil these objectives. Potential and limitations of computer based modelling systems to simulate and optimise fire management strategies.

Proposed assessment: Mid-semester and final examination 45%, practicals 30%, assignment 25%.

Preliminary reading

Trees and Forests    FSTY2005

(8cp) Group B

First semester
(Formerly Forestry B08, FOR2008, FSTY2003)
Fours hours lectures and four hours practical per week

Course Coordinator: Dr J.C.G. Banks, Dr J. Bauhus

Prerequisite: 36 Group A credit points including SREM1004 or BIOL1001

Syllabus: This unit provides a basic understanding of trees and forests at four levels, tree physiology and patterns of tree growth, dendrology, and the classification of Australian forests and woodlands.

I. Tree physiology and patterns of tree growth: This component introduces the science of plant physiology and examines tree growth in relation to environmental stresses. The focus is on the interaction of plant structure and function with regard to photosynthesis, plant-water relations, nutrition, and environmental influences. Tree architecture and apical dominance are examined in broad leaf trees and conifers.

II. Dendrology and classification of Australian forests and woodlands: This component covers a) the methodology of tree identification providing the student with the tools for identifying broad leaf trees, eucalypts and conifers, and b) the vegetation classification systems and their applicability to Australian vegetation, followed by a discussion of the closed and open forests, woodlands, scrub and shrub-lands.

Proposed assessment: Theory examination 60%, assignments 40%. Students have to pass each component I, and II, to successfully complete the course.

Preliminary reading

Forest Measurement and Modelling    FSTY2009

(8cp) Group B

Second semester
(Formerly Forestry D53, FOR3053, FSTY2101)
Two to three hours of lectures, and five hours of practical per week.

Course Coordinator: Dr C.L. Brack

Prerequisite: 36 Group A credit points including Statistical Techniques 2 (STAT1004)

Syllabus: The course goal is to promote student learning and understanding of the art and science of forest management by focusing on the issues involved in quantitative assessment and interpretation of tree and forest measurements.

Specifically, the course aims to: Develop an understanding of the underlying principles and appropriate use of the tools and instruments that are commonly used to measure forests. Develop an understanding of the sources of error and the significance of these errors in forest science and management. Develop an understanding of the relationships and fundamentals generally used in quantitative forestry, including sampling, inventory and modelling approaches.

Topics include: Measurement of common tree parameters (including diameter, height, bark thickness, crown dimensions, stem form, shape and volume); measurement of stand and forest parameters (including stand volume, density, site quality and classification); growth and yield modelling; forest sampling and inventory (including variable probability inventories, roles, types and planning of inventories); and presentation of results and skills.

Proposed assessment: Assessment techniques will be discussed and agreed to by the class and lecturer within the first two weeks of semester. It is anticipated that the assessments will include examinations, completion of field work and projects.

Preliminary reading

Biodiversity Assessment    FSTY2051

(8cp) Group B

Second semester
(Formerly Forestry B07, FOR2007)
This course will be taught during the mid-semester break in September/October. The first week will involve lectures and practical classes. In the second week a field survey will be undertaken in rural NSW.

Coordinator: Dr Tidemann

Prerequisite or corequisite: STAT1003; and one of FSTY1001, FSTY1002, FSTY1003, BIOL1001, BIOL1002, BIOL1003, SREM1004

Syllabus: This unit introduces principles of and techniques for the surveying of floral and faunal biodiversity for management, ecological study or assessment of environmental impact. Major consideration is given to the cost-effectiveness and practical limitations of methodologies in the context of different plant and animal groups. These are implemented in a five day field survey of flora and fauna of a National Park or other protected area.

Preliminary reading

Proposed assessment: Report on field survey 100%

Natural Resource Economics    FSTY2102

(8cp) Group D

Second semester
(Formerly SREM DO1, SREM 4001)
Ninety-six hours of lectures, practical work and assignments

Course Coordinator: Dr S. Mahendrarajah

Prerequisite: At least 48 credit points towards a degree. Incompatible with ECON1001 or ENGN2005

Syllabus: Principles of economics: efficiency and equity in allocation; market mechanism; basic theory of consumption and consumer demand; basic theory of production and distribution. Externalities and market failure: public goods; tenure and property rights; common property; Resource and environmental Economics — special cases of market failure: water, landscapes, pollution, forestry, fisheries, wildlife. How economists deal with resource and environmental problems; discounting, cost-benefit analysis; social rate of discount controversy; optimal rate of depletion.

Proposed assessment: Assignments, mid-term test and final examination.

Preliminary reading

Forest & Woodland Ecosystems    FSTY3014

(8cp) Group C

First semester
(Formerly Forestry CO3, FOR3003, FSTY3001)
Four hours of lectures and four hours of practical classes per week, and one weekend of field work.

Course Coordinators: Dr J.C.G. Banks and Dr M.T. Tanton.

Prerequisites: 36 Group A credit points including STAT1003 and either SREM1004 (Forestry students) or BIOL1001 (non-Forestry students).

Syllabus: This unit studies the ecosystem as a dynamic landscape entity; examines the inter-relationships of climate, soil, plants and animals in relatively undisturbed and in variously modified forests and woodland systems, and examines criteria for biota conservation. Ecosystem Concepts and Principles: The organisation of the ecosystem, closed and open cycles, environmental principles and biogeochemical cycles; Fire Ecology: Changing patterns of historical fire regimes over the pre-aboriginal, aboriginal and European periods and their role in producing the forests and woodlands of today. The adaptation of species and plant communities of the wet and dry sclerophyll forest and woodlands to fire; Biota conservation and landscape ecology: Changing environment and reasons for conservation. Viability of ecological units in terms of sites, isolation and genetic composition. Landscape scale and diversity. Fragmentation, corridors and connectivity and their role in survival of metapopulations. Evaluation for conservation purposes. Adequacy of present conservation systems; Invertebrate pests: Reasons for outbreaks, effects on forests and woodland communities, and methods of management.

Proposed assessment: By discussion with the class, but in the region of theory examination 50-60%, assignments 40-50%.

Preliminary reading

Silviculture    FSTY3015

(8cp) Group C

First semester
(Formerly & combining Forestry C10, FOR3010, FSTY3004 [Native Forest Silviculture] and Forestry C11, FOR3011, FSTY3003 [Plantation Forestry & Tree Breeding])

Course Coordinators: Dr J. Bauhus and Dr R. James

Prerequisites: Ecological Measurement (FSTY1003) or Resource Biology (SREM1004) and at least 32 credit points of Group B, C, or later-year D units in Forestry, Geography, SREM, Biology or Human Ecology. FSTY3122 (one week excursion to Pine Creek) must be taken in conjunction with FSTY3015.

Syllabus: The forest site: The site as a combination of abiotic and biotic factors. The effect of light, moisture, temperature, wind, soil fertility, etc. on tree growth. Site adaptations of eucalypts at the species and at the subgeneric level. Natural regeneration: seeds, seed production, collection, handling, germination, seedling growth, coppice, regeneration strategies. Artificial regeneration: sowing and planting, site preparation, species mixtures, matching trees and site. Nursery: The production of seedling or vegetatively reproduced planting stock by open bed and container techniques. Maintenance of nursery soils and nursery management. Tree Breeding: Genetic variation and its importance in provenance and superior tree selection, production of improved seed and other propagules, progeny testing and seed orchard propagules, clonal breeding programs, principles of genetic conservation. Tending: Stand dynamics, self thinning rule, regulating competition, weeding, pre-commercial thinning, thinning (theory, tree classification systems, thinning regimes, techniques), pruning, fertilising. Silvicultural systems and sustainable forest management: From single tree selection to clear-felling, description of silvicultural systems, matching silvicultural system and natural stand dynamics, advantages and disadvantages of certain systems, ecological impacts of silvicultural practices on flora, fauna, and nutrient cycling. Silvicultural systems of different native forest types. Embedding silvicultural systems in landscape management.

Proposed assessment: Subject to class discussion, assessment will consist of assignments and a mid-semester exam

Preliminary reading

Forest Products    FSTY3016

(8cp) Group C

Second semester
(Formerly FSTY2103, 2002, BO6, FOR2002; and FSTY4151, D59, FOR4151)
Four hours of lectures and four hours of practical work or field trips per week

Course Coordinator: Dr P. D. Evans
(Phil.Evans@anu.edu.au)

Prerequisites: Generally 72 credit points towards a degree including three later year Group B, C or D units

Syllabus: The sustainable use of forest resources, including wood and non-wood products, is a key element in the development of plantation forestry and the conservation of biodiversity in native forests. This unit examines the properties and processing of wood from plantations and the utilisation of non-wood products from native forests. Topics covered in lectures include the following: Wood structure and function in the living tree. The concept of wood quality and the effects of tree age and plantation management on wood quality. Changes that may occur when wood is converted into timber including drying and deterioration by fungi, insects and marine borers. Wood preservation and the processing of timber in the solid form. Manufacture of bio-based composites (ie, plywood, particleboard, fibreboards and paper) from wood, agricultural fibres (ie, hemp, flax etc) and recycled materials. Non-wood forest products including medicinal compounds, honey, oils, flowers, animal products etc. Laboratory practicals are intended to develop skills in wood identification and the assessment of wood quality in plantations. Field trips will be undertaken to familiarise students with industries in NSW that process plantation grown timber. This course is essential for all Forestry students, but should also appeal to students interested in botany, natural materials and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Proposed assessment: Open book and final semester examinations (60%); essay (20%) and practical and field trip reports (40%).

Preliminary reading

Forest Operations    FSTY3017

(8cp) Group C

Second semester
(Formerly FSTY3101, D02, FOR3022; FSTY4101, D58, FOR3058; and FSTY3103)
Four hours of lectures and four hours of practical work per week

Course Coordinator: Dr J. Tan

Prerequisites: 80 credit points towards a degree, including four later year Group B, C or D units

Syllabus: Introduction to forest hydrology, hydrological processes, erosion, sedimentation, flood, water quality in relation to forest resource management. Soil physical properties, soil classification, soil water movement, soil strength and compaction. Principles of planning forest roads: location, construction and maintenance of roads. Ground surveying; traversing; differential leveling; computations; use of surveying equipment including compass, abney, clinometer, dumpy level and theodolite. Road route survey, road geometry, earthwork and costing. Design principles of pavement, drainage structures including open channels, culverts and bridges. Logging systems analyses. Harvesting technology, felling, extraction including skidding, forwarding, cable logging and aerial logging techniques. Traction, flotation and mobility of ground vehicles. Terrain classification and trafficability. Landing operations and location. Transporting logs. Introduction to multiple function processors and harvesters, and transporting machines. Coupe design and broad-scale planning of harvesting. Harvesting work measurements, operational efficiency analysis and principles of ergonomics. Harvesting business management, equipment depreciation, acquisition and replacement. Environmental impacts of harvesting and roading; control procedures and practices.

Proposed assessment: Final examination 40%; term tests, essays, and practical reports 60%.

Preliminary reading

Wildlife Management    FSTY3051

(8cp) Group C

Second semester
(Formerly Forestry C04, FOR3004)
Unit not available in 1999
Generally, four hours lectures and up to four hours practical per week. In three of the weeks, two hour lectures and up to six hours practical.

Coordinator: Dr Tanton

Prerequisites: STAT1003 and at least 24 Group B credit points from units in the School of Resource Management and Environmental Science, or 24 Group B credit points of Biology units

Syllabus: This unit covers applied wildlife management in its broad sense, and includes assessment of populations and habitat of invertebrates and vertebrates and their interaction; interaction with domestic stock and feral animals and effects on carrying capacity and maximum sustained yield; habitat deterioration and improvement and effect of climate; management for species conservation; natural and artificial constraints on population growth; the problem of threatened, vulnerable and rare species; integrated management; environmental, ecosystem and landscape considerations in management of metapopulations; seral succession and the role of fire in Australia; computer simulation and GIS as an aid to management and conservation. Population viability analysis and minimum viable populations. Legislation.

Proposed assessment: By arrangement with class, based on a final examination, practical report, seminar and assignments. A minimum mark of 45% in the examination will be required to pass the unit.

Forest Conservation and Production Genetics    FSTY3052

(8cp), Group C

Second semester
(Formerly Forestry C06, FOR3006, FSTY3052 Forest Genetics)
Ninety-six hours of lectures, seminars, field classes and individual research.

Course Coordinator: Professor P.J Kanowski

Prerequisites: 92 credit points towards a degree including  24 credit points of Group B, C, or later-year D units

Syllabus: Biological diversity and genetic variation in forests and forest species, with the focus on trees. Basic concepts in population and quantitative genetics. Levels, patterns and dynamics of genetic diversity in trees; implications for conservation and production. Genetic conservation strategies: principles, practice and examples. Tree breeding strategies: principles and practice, including the breeding cycle and experimental design and assessment, and examples. Biotechnologies and their application in forest conservation and production genetics. The programme includes substantial contributions from forest geneticists and tree breeders in CSIRO and forestry agencies.

Proposed assessment: Subject to class discussion, assessment will consist of assignments and exams

Preliminary reading

Special Topics    FSTY3054

(8cp) Group C

Either semester, Year 3 or 4
(Formerly Forestry C08, FOR3008)
Students are expected to devote at least eight hours a week to lectures, seminars, discussions and laboratory and other work as required.

Prerequisite:  92 credit points towards a degree. Admission to this unit is at the discretion of the Head of Department and normally will be open only to students who have obtained a Credit or better in relevant areas of study. Taught individually or in small groups by members of the academic staff.

Syllabus: Special programs of study designed to enable students to gain knowledge of a special topic in forestry or resource management not otherwise covered in the BSc(Forestry) or BSc(Res&EnvMan) curriculum.

Proposed assessment: To be arranged

Farm Forestry    FSTY3056

(8cp) Group C

Second Semester
(Formerly Forestry C13 & FOR3013 [Agroforestry])
Ninety-six hours of lectures, seminars, workshops and field classes

Course Coordinators: Dr J Field, Professor P.J Kanowski

Prerequisites: At least 80 credit points towards a degree, including 32 Group B credit points

Syllabus: Forestry as part of the farm enterprise; economic and social dimensions of farm forestry. Trees in farming systems; ecological and environmental dimensions of farm forestry. The integration of forestry and farming; diagnosis and design as an assessment and planning tool; agroforestry and farm forestry systems and practices for production, conservation and rehabilitation. Products from farm forestry management, processing and markets.

Proposed assessment: Subject to class discussion (will consist of a mix of assignments and exams).

Preliminary reading

Participatory Resource Management    FSTY3059

(8cp) Group C

First semester
Two to three hours of lectures, group-based case studies and hands-on use of participatory methods in 4-5 hours of practical per week

Course Coordinator: Dr M. Buchy

Prerequisites: 92 credit points towards a degree including 24 credit points of Group B, C, or later-year D units.

Syllabus: Natural resource management involves complex social processes. These processes revolve around the use of resources by individuals and social groups, each with different priorities, opportunities, values, and social power. Such differences may lead to complementary or conflicting use of a range of natural resources. However, the decreasing quality and quantity of essential and valuable resources tends to exacerbate situations of unequal access to and benefit from their exploitation. Thus, conflicts over natural resources are increasingly common. Participatory processes that allow negotiations among all the stakeholders affected by, and affecting, resource use are essential to address these problems effectively. This unit is based on students use of a range of participatory methods to: clarify the concepts that underpin successful participatory processes; identify appropriate methodologies for research and planning; and understand the role of institutional linkages and organisational procedures in making or breaking participatory resource management.

Proposed assessment: Students will be able to choose from a range of participatory assessment approaches that combine team and individual efforts. Options are likely to include: learning diary, oral/poster-based presentations of group work, social commentary on technical course units, and preparation of audio-visual material (slide or video show, web resources, etc).

Preliminary reading

Field Studies 2a    FSTY3112

(4cp) Group D

(Formerly part of Forestry D54 Part 2, FOR3049, and FSTY3102)

Course Coordinator: Dr Brack

Prerequisite: Enrolment for the BSc(Forestry) degree, completion of FSTY2101 or FSTY2009

Syllabus: Field experience in technical operations relating to resource inventory, silviculture, harvesting and wood transport. Study of an ecological transect from Alpine forests to the coast. (Approximately 12 days in February, Year 3).

Proposed assessment: On a pass/fail basis, through satisfactory attendance at, and contribution to, the unit and completion of reports

Field Studies 2b    FSTY3122

(4cp) Group D

(Formerly part of Forestry D54 Part 2, FOR3049, and FSTY3102)

Course Coordinator: Dr J Bauhus

Prerequisite: Enrolment for the BSc(Forestry) degree, completion of FSTY2101 or FSTY2009

Corequisite: FSTY3015

Syllabus: Studies in the structure and dynamics of native forest stands as a basis for silvicultural practice; an introduction to harvesting operations in native forests. (Approximately 7 days during the April/May vacations, Year 3).

Proposed assessment: On a pass/fail basis, through satisfactory attendance at, and contribution to, the unit and completion of reports

Production Economics    FSTY3151

(8cp) Group D

Second semester
(Formerly Forestry D32, FOR3032)
Ninety-six hours of lectures, practical work and assignments

Course Coordinator: Dr S. Mahendrarajah

Prerequisite: 92 credit points towards a degree including a credit or above in FSTY2102 or ECON1001.

Syllabus: Debates about resources, environment, industrialisation, trade and development. Introduction to macroeconomics and national accounts, and environmental accounting. Microeconomic theory of production and distribution with particular reference to forestry. Forestry and the wood industries in the Australian economy. Structural change in wood industries. Time preference and resource allocation through time. Evaluation of forestry crops and enterprises by alternative criteria. Stumpage appraisal and pricing policy in Australia. Joint production and multiple use. Environmental values and valuation of non-traded goods and services. Optimal forest rotation. Benefit-cost analysis of forestry projects. Practical work is directed to the quantitative analysis of forestry problems and institutions.

Proposed assessment: Two research essays and final examination.

Preliminary reading

Resource Management    FSTY4001

(8cp) Group C

First semester
(Formerly part of Forestry D60, FOR3060, FSTY4103)
Three hours of lectures and three hours of practicals weekly

Coordinator: Dr Turner

Prerequisite: FSTY2102 or GEOG2003 and at least 32 Group B or C credit points from Forestry or Geography. BSc (Forestry) students must take this unit concurrently with FSTY4002.

Syllabus: The process of managing a resource such as a forest, farm or national park for its sustainable production of appropriate goods and services. The approach used is to examine the steps of a rational planning process beginning with problem analysis. Objectives of management are linked to decision criteria, data needs, construction of optional solutions, evaluation of their environmental and socioeconomic effects, and the decision-making process. Techniques explored in practicals may include geographic information systems, predictive modelling, environmental impact analysis, land suitability analysis and linear programming. Implementation actions, including personnel management principles, are considered, together with monitoring and documentation.

Student groups select a resource or environmental problem as a project and work through the semester to develop a practical plan to manage the resource or solve the problem. For forestry students the project is a management plan for a small plantation estate.

Preliminary reading

Proposed assessment: Final examination 30%, project 40%, assignments 30%

Plantation Management    FSTY4002

(8cp) Group C

First semester
(Formerly part of Forestry D60, FOR 3060, FSTY4103, FSTY4105 [Plantation Management])
Three lectures and one practical class per week, one three day field trip.

Course Coordinators: Dr R. James and Dr J. Tan

Prerequisites: FSTY2009 and FSTY3015. BSc(For) students must take this unit concurrently with FSTY4001, Resource Management.

Syllabus: The management of plantation forests with the emphasis on timber production. The course includes: (1) the background to Australian plantation forestry (2) planning concepts at organisational level (3) the concept of managing plantations to produce wood and other products (4) methods of calculating yield (5) the manipulation of both stands and forest estates to satisfy volume and quality objectives (6) the planning of harvesting operations in plantations and (7) the evaluation of alternatives using management models and financial criteria. A major part of the course involves a management exercise, set and evaluated jointly with FSTY4001.

Proposed assessment: Assignments 30%, management exercise 30%, examination 40%

Preliminary reading

Forest Planning    FSTY4003

(8cp) Group C

Second semester, (Weeks 7-13)
(Formerly part of Forestry D61, FOR3061, FSTY4104)
Ninety-six hours of lectures, tutorials, practical work and assignments

Course Coordinator: Dr B.J. Turner

Prerequisite: FSTY4001

Syllabus: Application of GIS and modelling to the management of a public native forest for multiple benefits. Construction of a conservation strategy and a production strategy for such a forest. Use of resource inventories (wildlife, timber, landscape quality, recreation), codes of forest practice, fire management principles, environmental statements, and local government, state and Commonwealth policies in drawing up a management plan that balances ecological and socioeconomic concerns. Developing harvesting plans using GIS for a native forest. Accounting methods used in managing natural forests.

Proposed assessment: Small groups of students will develop a multiple-use management plan for a native forest area and a harvesting plan for a coupe and be expected to defend these proposals orally and in writing. Assessment will be based principally on this project.

Preliminary reading

Final Year Honours Project    FSTY4055

(16cp)

Full year
First semester ¾ start

Course Coordinator: Dr J.C.G.Banks

Prerequisites: Entry by invitation normally after completion of 155 credit points. Candidates must normally have maintained a credit average over duration of degree with evidence of good performance (D/ HD) in subjects relevant to project.

Syllabus: Self contained forestry or forest science research project encompassing, but not necessarily including all of the following; project design, planning and management; integration and critical analysis of existing knowledge; data collection through experimental, computer or field based studies; data analysis and evaluation; oral and written communication. Project work is assessed by seminar presentations and written reports including a end of project thesis.

Final Year Honours Project    FSTY4056

(8cp)

First and Second semester
Second semester ¾ start, re-enrol for first semester following year

Coordinator: Dr J.C.G. Banks

Prerequisites: Entry by invitation normally after completion of 155 credit points. Candidates must normally have maintained a credit average over duration of degree with evidence of good performance (D/ HD) in subjects relevant to project.

Syllabus: Self contained forestry or forest science research project encompassing, but not necessarily including all of the following; project design, planning and management; integration and critical analysis of existing knowledge; data collection through experimental, computer or field based studies; data analysis and evaluation; oral and written communication. Project work is assessed by seminar presentations and written reports including a end of project thesis.

Field Studies 3    FSTY4102

(4cp) Group D

(Formerly Forestry D54, FOR3043)

Coordinator: Dr Turner

Prerequisite: Enrolment for the BSc(Forestry) degree

Syllabus: Land use and forest management; a case study to focus on all aspects of land use, forest management and park administration for a selected region. (Approximately 8 days during the May or June or September vacation, Year 4).

Proposed assessment: On a pass/fail basis, through satisfactory attendance at, and contribution to, the unit and completion of reports.

Forest Policy and Politics    FSTY4106

(8cp) Group D

Second semester
(Formerly part of Forestry D61, FOR3061, FSTY4104)
Ninety-six hours of lectures, seminars, tutorials & workshops

Course Coordinator: Professor P.J. Kanowski

Prerequisites: At least 92 credit points towards a degree including 24 credit points of Group B, C, or later-year D units

Syllabus: Forestry in context — its history and purpose; economic, environmental and social dimensions; international, national, regional and local contexts. Current forest policy issues in these terms. The policy process — policy analysis; the roles of interested parties, including professionals; common elements of policies about forests. Current forest policy processes in these terms. Forest policy instruments and implementation — decision-making criteria; tenure, access and management regimes. Each of the themes includes lecture and seminar presentations, including contributions from outside speakers active in policy issues and processes, tutorial discussion, and individual research work.

Proposed assessment: Subject to class discussion, assessment will consist of a number of assignments.

Preliminary reading

The degree with honours

Students may be admitted to the honours course in one of two ways

(1) Students who have attained sufficient standard in the first three years of the course may be admitted to the course for the degree with honours at the beginning of the 4th year. Students attaining the requisite standard are required to enrol in the two 4th-year Honours units, and undertake research on an agreed topic.

(2) Students who attain an adequate standard in the course for the pass degree may be admitted at any time up to 3 years after taking out their pass degree to an honours year of 10 months duration commencing at the beginning of the year or may commence mid-year and continue for 11 months. It is possible to take honours part-time.

All candidates must submit a thesis comprising a concise report of the method and results of their investigation, and present a seminar. For further information on entry levels, aims of the honours course, methods of assessment and study programs, students are advised to consult the booklet Information for Honours Students available from the Department.