Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology (B.Sc.)
Features
Are you passionate about forests, nature and environmental protection? In our degree programme, you will learn about forests from different perspectives. In addition to natural sciences, engineering, computer science, economics, law and politics, modern methods of sustainability are also on the agenda. You will learn how digital technologies are making forestry sustainable, how climate and species protection are currently being implemented, and how our forests can be managed responsibly. Through exercises and excursions in the forest, as well as exchanges with experts, you will be prepared for future-oriented tasks. After graduation, career paths in forest and environmental management as well as nature conservation will be open to you. Alternatively, you can deepen your knowledge in a master's programme.
- Name:
- Forestry and Forest Ecology
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Teaching language:
- German
- Standard period of study:
- 6 semesters
- Start of studies:
- Every winter semester
- Admission:
- restricted admission (application to the University)
- Orientation events:
- Orientation events are offered
- Pre-course:
- Pre-courses are offered
Get to know us
Pre-courses
Mathematics, physics and chemistry
Mar
Information days
for prospective students
Details
Would you like to get involved in the protection and sustainable use of our forests? During your studies, you will learn how forests can be preserved as habitats and used responsibly – for the benefit of both humans and nature. You will learn about the influence forests have on the climate, how sustainable management supports nature conservation, and how rare species such as wolves and lynxes can be reintroduced. You will also discover the potential of wood as a raw material and learn how modern digital tools are changing forestry practices.
With this degree, you will be optimally prepared to tackle ecological, economic and social challenges relating to forests and the environment and to play an active role in shaping the future.
The programme covers a wide range of topics: you will study natural sciences such as botany, bioclimatology and wildlife biology, but you will also acquire knowledge in the fields of economics, law, politics and important forestry subjects such as silviculture, forest inventory and wood technology. Methodological principles and key skills such as forest education and public relations are also part of the programme.
You can tailor your study plan to suit your individual needs and benefit from excursions and practical exercises in the forest. This ensures that your learning remains varied and practical. In the fifth semester, you will complete a professional internship, which will give you valuable insights into the practical side of the profession.
After six semesters, you will complete your studies with a bachelor's thesis. This will provide you with the ideal foundation for starting your career directly or continuing on to a master's programme.
Career prospects in forestry science are very diverse today and extend far beyond the traditional role of a forester in a forestry operation or forestry administration. With your degree, you can work in the following areas, for example:
- in nature conservation
- at environmental agencies
- in consultancy and planning offices (e.g., forest planning, nature conservation, GIS and IT services)
- in the wood industry.
- at universities/research institutes.
Furthermore, the following professional fields are open to you:
- in local and state administrations
- in the field of sustainable biomass and energy production
- with environmental associations
- in environmental education and public relations
- in the management of protected areas and nature parks.
- in landscape planning
- in project management
- in the development of new concepts for sustainable resource use
With your knowledge in the areas of ecology, management, and digital applications, future-oriented and versatile career paths are open to you.
Related and graduate programmes
Related programmes
Structure
Semester 1
- Introduction to Forestry
- Basics of forest botany
- Morphology and systematics of forest plants
- Scientific basics (physics, chemistry)
- Forest Zoology, Wildlife Biology and Hunting
- Applied Computer Science (incl. GIS)
Semester 2
- Bioclimatology
- Tree physiology
- Morphology and systematics of forest plants
- Soil science
- Forest protection
- Elective
Semester 3
- Silviculture
- Fundamentals of economics / timber market theory
- Mass balance of forest ecosystems
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Forest genetics
Semester 4
- Silviculture (exercises)
- Timber harvesting and logistics
- Forestry Business Administration
- Forest inventory (surveying, forest analysis, remote surveying)
- Wood Biology / Wood Technology
- Scientific work
Semester 5
- Internship
- Forest growth and forest management
- Laws
- Nature Conservation / Landscape Conservation
- Public Relations / Forest Education
Semester 6
Regulations and module directory
Admission
- Start:
- Winter semester only
- 1st subject semester:
- restricted admission (application to the University)
- 2nd to 6th subject semester:
- open admission (enrolment without previous application)
Impressions
Your studies
Perspectives
How to become a forester?
Three forestry students from Göttingen report on topics related to forests and trees in their project Forest Explained. Included: a video with forest inspector trainee Leonie. She talks about her path to her dream job as a forester.
Contact
Academic Advising
Jutta Hohlstamm
Academic Advising
Büsgenweg 5
DE-37073 Göttingen
Phone: + 49 (0)551 39 29999
Email:
Jutta.Hohlstamm@forst.uni-goettingen.de