Bachelor of Science in Forestry

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop and train learners to become Scientists who will be competent in sustainable management of forest resources, be aware of environmental conservation issues and be able to address sustainable development goals. The qualification covers a broad range of modules in Forest Science, which include among other Forest Ecology, Forest Assessment, Forest Health and Protection, Forest Management, Forest Valuation and Investments, Research Methodology and Forestry Engineering. Qualifying learners will be employable in Forestry industries, Government Departments, Research Institutes, Academic Institutions, Community Forestry initiatives, as well as engage in Private Entrepreneurship in Forestry.

Rationale

The World is currently facing challenges with the issues of climate change, sustainable development and other environmentally based hazards. There is a link between sustainable development and climate change. On the one hand, climate change influences key natural and human living conditions, thereby directly affecting the basis for social and economic development. On the other hand, society's priorities on sustainable development influence both the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions that are causing climate change and vulnerability. Sustainability in the environmental sense highlights the overall variability and health of ecological systems. Also, there is the need to sustain South African domestic timber demand through the training of competent workforce that will provide the required expertise. Natural resource degradation, pollution and loss of biodiversity are detrimental because they increase vulnerability, undermine system health and reduce resilience. Forest science holds the key to providing enduring solutions to these challenges. Forestry education seeks to promote knowledge in forestry, search for new knowledge through research and promote the application of scientific forestry knowledge in dealing with sustainable development and environmental issues.

Forestry is a highly specialised discipline requiring well-trained workforce. The discipline is in dire need in South Africa. It is currently categorised as a critical skill in the nation. This is an indication that the increasing number of the workforce will be required at various levels of the nation's economy to address sustainable development issues of the nation. There is the need to offer the Bachelor of Science in Forestry qualification in other institutions to cater for ever-increasing human resources needs in forestry at the national, regional, provincial and local levels. In the course of preparation of this qualification, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), a professional body relevant to forestry discipline, was consulted for assessment of the curriculum and the letter of support from the body is available.

This qualification is at NQF Level 8. It aims to meet the growing need for human resources in forestry industries.

Renewable natural resources are critical to the wellbeing of humankind both at the rural and urban areas; hence, this qualification is dedicated to developing Scientists who will be competent in sustainable management of forest resources, be aware of environmental conservation issues and be well equipped to address the Sustainable Development Goals. This qualification aims to draw prospective learners who completed NQF Level 4 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and other African countries. Upon completion of this qualification, learners can be employed in Forestry Industries, Government Departments, Research Institutes, Academic Institutions, Community Forestry Initiatives, as well as engage in Private Entrepreneurship in Forestry Businesses, ranging from consultancy to nursery stock supplies and extension services.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who have the required Science background and have five years professional experience in forestry discipline may be admitted based on their qualification and relevant experience as per university RPL policy. The qualification allows for RPL for credits if it meets the institutions RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate (SC), NQF Level 4, with endorsement.
• National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor studies.
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 537 Credits.

NQF Level 5, 135 Credits

• Agriculture and Human Kind, 9 Credits.
• Cell Biology I, 12 Credits.
• Basic Micro Economics, 12 Credits.
• English Communication Skills, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to General Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Mathematics for Biological Sciences, 12 Credits.
• Physics for Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, 6 Credits.
• Ecology, Adaptation and Evolution, 12 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry for Applied Sciences, 6 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry for the Applied Sciences, 6 Credits.
• Basic Macro Economics, 12 Credits.
• English Communication Skills for Natural and Agricultural Sciences, 12 Credits.
• Principles of Genetics, 12 Credits.

NQF Level 6, 120 Credits

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis in Forestry, 12 Credits.
• Forest Ecology and Tree Identification, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Forest Economics, 12 Credits.
• Forest Health and Protection I, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Soil Science, 12 Credits.
• Basic Statistics for Natural and Applied Sciences, 12 Credits.
• Forest Valuation and Investments, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Forestry Engineering, 12 Credits.
• Forest Nursery Management and Propagation, 12 Credits.
• Basic Statistical Inference for Natural and Applied Sciences, 12 Credits.

NQF Level 7, 120 Credits

• Forest Management, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Mathematical Economics, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Forestry Extension, 12 Credits.
• Wood Processing and Utilisation, 12 Credits.
• Forest Resources Assessment, 12 Credits.
• Forest Policy, 12 Credits.
• Silviculture I, 12 Credits.
• Forest Health and Protection II, 12 Credits.
• Logging and Roads, 12 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 12 Credits.

NQF Level 8, 162 Credits

• Project and Seminar Presentation, 30 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 60 Credits.
• Agroforestry, 12 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship in Rural Development, 12 Credits.
• Forest Conservation, 12 Credits.
• Community Forestry, 12 Credits.
• Timber Transportation and Planning, 12 Credits.
• Silviculture II, 12 Credits.

1. Plan and execute silvicultural operations following the current industry practices.
2. Manage timber harvesting operations and working conditions.
3. Develop a forestry-based business plan.
4. Identify a research problem and undertake the research work to provide valid and reliable solution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Design and execute nursery operations and planting of nursery stocks.
• Plan and follow the timing of various tending operations.
• Identify and use constraints and opportunities of natural regenerations in decision making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Determine the best possible way of transporting logs to the sawmills.
• Develop appropriate decision-making framework for matching harvesting systems to site.
• Analyse costs and benefits of the different systems and methods of timber transportation carefully.
• Plan and observe safety rules and protocols for harvesting operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop an appropriate strategic plan for marketing, pricing and financial sourcing.
• Plan effectively for the stocks and logistics of a forestry-based business, including action plans and budget for a year.
• Develop resource acquisition and organisation for the business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop proper research background and research problem statement.
• Formulate research objectives and hypotheses adequately and correctly.
• Identify relevant data collection and analysis to the problem statement.
• Develop a satisfactory presentation of research results and project report write up.

Integrated Assessment

The institution aligned the assessment criteria of this qualification to the learning outcomes and qualification purpose according to the Institution's assessment policy. The taught modules enhance theoretical competency while the internship and the research dissertation enhance the practical competency.

The policy for summative and formative assessment will be according to Institution's rules and regulations. In the case of all taught modules, where learners must earn 50% to pass. Where learners earn less than 50%, they will be given an opportunity to rewrite the paper. The institution will conduct external examinations in the final year while those of the other years will be marked and moderated internally. The assessment will integrate a range of formative and summative addressing key issues forest science and applications to sustainable management of forest resources.