Forest Sciences

Forests play an important role in sustaining human and other biological communities. The MSc course Forest Sciences focuses on the sustainable use of forested landscapes. On the one hand, forests provide wood and need to be managed economically, whereas on the other hand, wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation and other ecosystem services must also be considered. Drawing on the strength and international experience of the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, students will acquire the knowledge, methods and skills that are essential for understanding and managing forested landscapes in order to balance these different and sometimes opposing values.
Students can choose between two English-taught elective tracks:

• International Forestry
• Wildlife Vegetation and Biodiversity

The elective track "International Forestry" focuses on the international dimensions of forestry and offers competencies for graduates aiming to work in a range of fields in whatever part of the world. Students learn about and analyse institutions and processes that influence forestry at a global, regional, national, and project level. They learn to understand ecosystems and ecosystem management systems and discuss concepts how to achieve goals such as climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and poverty reduction. In addition, the management of trees outside forests, for example, in an agroforestry context and the role of agents in this context will be studied. It is best suited to previous graduates of BSc programmes in forest sciences and closely related fields, who wish to work in an international context and also for international students from abroad who seek to expand their competencies and horizons for work in their home country. Given the large proportion of electives and options for MSc thesis and internships, students can tailor this course to their individual qualification and career goals.

The elective track "Wildlife, Vegetation and Biodiversity" covers the ecology and conservation biology of animals and plants. Anthropogenic loss, fragmentation, and deterioration of habitats are the major causes of species extinctions. Direct human exploitation and invasive exotic species add to the current loss of biodiversity, and climate change is posing a new, accelerating threat. Biodiversity conservation is on the political agenda worldwide; conservation biologists provide the scientific basis for this global endeavour. The elective track will focus on forest ecosystems. Forests are the main retreats for many threatened animals and plants; this holds around the globe, from the boreal forests of the North to the rainforests of the Tropics. Therefore, biodiversity conservation is strongly linked to forestry - and no forest manager can avoid biodiversity issues. WVB's focus is on ecological research in an applied conservation context. Module contents range from theory and research methods to field work. The first semester provides a conceptual basis, introducing the concept of biodiversity, methods in wildlife research, and conservation biology. In the following summer, after an introduction to population and community ecology, students will spend a lot of time in the field, practising vegetation studies and restoration ecology. In the third semester, students can further develop their individual profiles by choosing from various modules, project studies, and special topics.

Educational organisation

All teaching modules are divided into blocks of three weeks to facilitate in-depth coverage and exploration of the topics. The modules are classified as either core or elective. A module usually comprises lectures, practicals, tutorials, preparation, reading, independent learning and assessment.
Students earn 5 ECTS credits upon successful completion of each module. In total, 120 credits are required. Included in this is an internship of at least seven weeks (10 ECTS) and a Master's thesis of six months (30 ECTS).
An important feature of the modularised course system is that it facilitates the active involvement of students in the learning process. The structure and contents of each module are flexible. In most cases courses are taught by more than one lecturer.
Students also have the opportunity to conduct guided research on selected topics instead of some elective modules, which provides them with the opportunity to further train their scientific writing skills.
In addition to conveying specialist knowledge, students are trained to handle scientific methods and solve management problems with confidence. The acquisition of key qualifications is supported through a wide range of teaching and learning techniques.
In view of the requirements of the career market, particular emphasis is placed on the acquisition of:

• Key competences including strong analytical and monitoring skills
• A sound understanding of ecological systems at multiple scales and their response to environmental changes and management
• In-depth knowledge of sustainable management systems and the competence to develop and implement them

Students of the MSc Forest Sciences can choose between two English-taught elective tracks:

• International Forestry
• Wildlife, Vegetation and Biodiversity

Modules of the track International Forestry
First semester:

• Global Environmental Changes
• Research Skills
• Managing Human Environment Interactions
• Forest Resources & Wood Production
• International Forest Governance
• Tropical Forest Ecology

Second semester:

• Spatial Information Systems
• Ecosystem Management
• Plantation Forestry
• Integrated Land Use Systems
• Close-to-Nature Forestry

Semester break: Internship (minimum of seven weeks)
Third semester: five elective modules
Fourth semester: Master's thesis

Modules of the track Wildlife, Vegetation and Biodiversity
First semester:

• Global Environmental Changes
• Research Skills
• Managing Human Environment Interactions
• Biodiversity
• Conservation Ecology
• Research in Wildlife Ecology

Second semester:

• Spatial Information Systems
• Ecosystem Management
• Population and Community Ecology
• Restoration Ecology
• Wildlife and Landscape Ecology

Semester break: Internship (minimum of seven weeks)
Third semester: five elective modules
Fourth semester: Master's thesis

Study abroad unit(s)

None, but most of the students go abroad for their internships.

Internships

A seven-week internship is an obligatory part of the programme (10 ECTS).

Forms of assessment

Written exams at the end of each module and/or papers and oral presentations
Students earn 5 ECTS credits upon successful completion of each module. In total, 120 credits are required. Included in this is an internship of at least seven weeks (10 ECTS) and a Master's thesis of six months (30 ECTS).

Course objectives

The competencies students acquire equip them for positions in forest and ecosystem research and management, environmental planning and analysis, as well as for sustainable development at national and international level.
The study programme aims to convey:

• an understanding and analysis of the direct and indirect effects of humans on forested landscapes
• an in-depth understanding of ecological and environmental processes at various levels: cells, individuals, populations, ecosystems, landscapes and global systems
• methodological knowledge and competence to design and evaluate management plans and accompanying research

To achieve this, the MSc course features a wide range of learning environments to impart the theoretical knowledge and the resources to apply this in practical situations through excursions, case studies and internships.
The MSc Forest Sciences prepares students for management positions within the forest, wildlife and conservation management sectors, and at the same time provides the starting point for a scientific career, continuing with a PhD thesis.
Graduates can find employment in public and private organisations or in companies dealing with:

• forest and environmental management
• wood production, timber management and processing
• research
• wildlife and biodiversity conservation
• development aid

Language requirements

English language skills: English language on the level C1 according to the European Frameworks. You must prove your English proficiency by submitting either TOEFL internet-based 100, IELTS band 7, Cambridge Advanced Certificate of English or equivalent tests. Language course certificates from language schools are not accepted.

Academic requirements

BSc degree or equivalent, above-average, in forestry, ecology, natural resources management, environmental sciences, agriculture, biology, botany, or a related field

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Job opportunities

As a student, you are allowed to work up to 120 days per year and 85 hours per month. A limited number of positions as student research assistants or tutors are available in the department.

Arrival support

Pre-departure information available on the programme's website
Support in finding accommodation and with administrative procedures
Orientation days prior to the start of the programme (introduction into the programme, administrative issues, workshop on intercultural communication and German culture)

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library), and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club", coordinated by the Studentenwerk (students' social services), offers a great variety of events, trips, and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at Freiburg University for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small number of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (students' social services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de).