In addition to being the lungs of the Earth, forests must be effectively managed to balance the need for wood production, biodiversity conservation, water quality protection, carbon storage and many other issues. The Master of Forest Science and Management gives you the opportunity to gain expertise for an industry that is key to the economic success of many countries, but which has numerous challenges associated with climate change, the commoditisation of forest products and land management. You will study subjects aimed at problem solving and innovation for resource management, with a focus on the environmental science impacts of forestry. Strategic planning and management of forests and forest resources are both features of this course. You will also have the opportunity to focus your research on a topic that you are passionate about, with the expert guidance of researchers who are world leaders in the field. Graduates will have career opportunities in a range of fields related to plantation and natural forest management in Australia and around the world. Major areas of study The course structure is flexible to accommodate students who are interested in operational forestry or those who wish to pursue a research career. The course provides targeted forest science and management education and training. It includes studies in natural resource management, measuring trees and forests, fire ecology and management, plant physiology and ecology, wood science, forest operations, silviculture, forest health and pest management. Students undertake fieldwork in eucalypt forests, rainforests, plantation forests and on farms. Students enrolled in the Masters course can also undertake a minor thesis, research project, or pilot study, and choose from a range of elective units including financial, strategic and project management. Of 16 units required for the degree, only four are required core units. The remainder can be chosen by the student in coordination with the course coordinator. Career opportunities A postgraduate qualification in forest management may lead to career opportunities in plantation and natural forest management. Graduates typically seek career advancement within the following fields: Forest management Carbon sequestration Integrated tree cropping and farm forestry National parks and protected area management Environmental impact assessment and monitoring Environmental education and interpretation The Graduate Diploma of Forest Science and Management is also available as an entry point and is suited to graduates with a background in general or environmental sciences who wish to seek careers in government forest services, management of native forests, fire fighting, land use and parks management, mine site rehabilitation, plantation management and forestry restoration.