Master of Science in Forestry

This qualification includes the various specialisations in Forestry. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

The (first) purpose of the qualification is to equip students with a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of phenomena pertinent to their chosen field of forestry sciences*.

The second purpose is to ensure mastery of the chosen field via high level analysis of new information the ability to deal with complexity and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.

The (third ) purpose is enable students to carry out advanced and independent research through rigorous training in research methods and to introduce them to the world of scholarly communication amongst others by assisting them to start publishing on their own.

The (fourth) purpose is to prepare students who aspire to move to the highest level of academic work for doctoral study and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics and attitude in a specific field of forestry sciences* to utilise the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

The fifth purpose is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of highly trained graduates of forestry sciences to ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity.

The (sixth) purpose is to stimulate and prepare learners for further advanced study through provision of the required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as forestry researchers on the highest academic levels, and

The(seventh) purpose is to provide South Africa with forestry scientists who will have a clear and continuously growing understanding of the methods and progress of forestry sciences and of their responsibilities to provide timber , fibre and wood products in an economically viable, sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

*Forest Science< Nature Conservation, Wood Science, Community Forestry.

Candidates must obtain an average of 60% in the final year of the HonsBScFor, or equivalent, for the MScFor (post honours) or for the BScFor, or equivalent, for the MScFor (post bachelor).

Generic/Critical Cross field Outcomes

The MScFor graduate will have

a) Comprehensive knowledge of the chosen field of study.

b) Mastery of advanced theory and its application to a specialised field.

c) Familiarity with the literature and state of research on the subject.

d) An understanding of the constructed and provisional nature of knowledge.

e) Well-developed research skills

General Outcomes

The MScFor graduate will be able to

a) Perform independent analysis of new data and problems using a wide range of appropriate methods and techniques.

b) Critically evaluate relevant literature.

c) Extrapolate implications beyond given data.

d) Use higher order principles to relate data to new, broader issues.

e) Transform abstract data and concepts for a given purpose.

f) Review evidence-supporting conclusions critically.

g) Identify and define complex problems.

h) Apply appropriate knowledge and skills for their solution.

i) Manipulate abstract systems models.

j) Use well-developed research skills confidently.

k) Challenge orthodox theory and suggest new approaches.

l) Interact and engage in daebate with a learning or professional group.

m) Produce detailed and coherent reports.

The MScFor graduate will demonstrate

a) Mastery of theoretical subject matter within a comprehensive knowledge of a field of study.

b) Mastery of advanced theory and methodology and its application to a specialised field.

c) Capacity for independent study via the completion of a thesis or research project.

d) Understanding and application of appropriate academic and professional values.

e) The ability to take calculated risks.

f) Self-reflexivity and adaptability.

Specific outcomes

Graduates will be equipped with the theoretical, practical and intellectual skills needed to understand and make decisions about the growing and optimal utilisation of timber, and associated natural resources, and the integration of this into the prevailing socio-economic framework as demonstrated by the successful completion of an advanced study in a specialised field (forest science, nature conservation, wood science or community forestry) via the completion of a thesis which meets the criteria for critical evaluation and publication in scientific journals.

The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

a) A range of formative and summative assessment methods, such as field and laboratory assignments, written and oral examinations is used.

b) The required range of modalities is sued integrative to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved.

c) The assessment of samples generalising to a domain takes place in a judicious and planned way to ensure reliability.

d) The criterion used to assess outcomes is largely whether the information and conceptual content of work the student submits for evaluation or assessment is accurate and valid to demonstrate the indicated performances adequately.

e) The candidate must demonstrate integration of learning by successfully completing an advanced research report, suitable for critical review and scientific publication, in the form of a thesis or other document.

The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 8a.

The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

Integrated assessment

The candidate must demonstrate integration of learning by successfully completing an advanced research project and present it in the form of a thesis.