BSc (Hons) Woodland Ecology and Conservation (With Sandwich Year)

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Woodland Ecology and Conservation program at the University of Cumbria equips graduates with the ecological knowledge and practical skills necessary for sustainable forest management. Through a combination of coursework, fieldwork, and a sandwich placement year, students gain expertise in forest management principles, ecological processes, and the conservation of woodland resources. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in woodland ecology, conservation, and forest management, addressing the environmental challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Woodland Ecology and Conservation (With Sandwich Year) program at the University of Cumbria is designed to equip graduates with the ecological knowledge required for sustainable forest management. The program aims to address the twin environmental challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Graduates will possess the expertise to manage trees, woods, and forests to safeguard biodiversity and maximize the benefits to society, including timber production, recreation, and essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and flood control.

Outline:

The program is structured as a four-year, full-time degree, including a sandwich placement year. The course content focuses on forest management principles, ecological processes, and the sustainable management of woodland resources. It incorporates fieldwork experiences, residential study tours, and a one-year work placement to provide hands-on learning and practical experience.

Year One:

• Introduction to Managing Trees, Woods and Forests:
Students gain an understanding of forestry history, soil and plant science, and current sustainable forest management practices.
• Measuring Trees and Forests:
Students learn standard methods of tree and woodland measurement used in British forestry.
• Silviculture:
This module covers plantation, conservation, and amenity woodland establishment and maintenance.
• Woodland Ecology:
A broad introduction to ecology and ecological processes.
• Forestry Fundamentals:
Develops key writing and presentation skills.
• Biodiversity 1:
Introduces students to the range of biodiversity on the planet, including lectures and practical field and laboratory sessions.
• Biodiversity 2:
Focuses on field identification skills, using both field guides and microscopes for detailed observations.

Year Two:

• Biodiversity Monitoring:
Builds on first-year skills, applying knowledge of biological monitoring techniques in practical settings.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
Provides an understanding of GIS theory and applications relevant to the field.
• Research Methods and Data Analysis:
Introduces the scientific method, research design, data collection, and analytical skills needed for an honors dissertation.
• Forest Policy and Governance:
Develops knowledge and skills for managing sustainable forestry within national and international frameworks.
• Forest Health and Protection:
Enables students to identify, understand, and manage biotic and abiotic factors that affect trees and forests.
• Forests & People (Optional):
Explores the historical and contemporary role of forests for communities, both as a resource and for mental and physical well-being.
• Valuing the Environment (Optional):
Explores concepts related to environmental valuation, including natural capital, ecosystem services, and frameworks for valuing the environment.
• Environmental Change: Past Present Future (Optional):
Examines evidence and causes of past climate change, its impact on landscapes, and the evolution of human society.

Year Three:

• Work Placement:
Provides a year-long opportunity to gain practical experience in a relevant sector, consolidating skills and developing professional and technical abilities.

Year Four:

• Forest Plan:
Students engage in objective-led forest management planning, adhering to sustainable forest management principles and criteria.
• Dissertation:
Students develop a business plan, evaluating its impacts and resources.
• Woodland Conservation:
Compares conservation to ecology and sustainability, exploring the historical influence of British Romanticism on the conservation movement.
• Applied Field Studies (Optional):
Provides experience in collecting, analyzing, and reporting scientific data.
• Advanced Silviculture (Optional):
Develops understanding of silvicultural practices across various objectives and regions.
• Business Skills (Optional):
Focuses on business plan development, evaluation, and resource planning.
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (Optional):
Provides skills and knowledge for planning and implementing projects using GIS and remote sensing.
• Climate Smart Forestry (Optional):
Covers the causes and impacts of climate change and explores adaptation and mitigation strategies for forest managers.
• Wildlife Management (Optional):
Applies knowledge of wildlife and conservation to real-world situations, focusing on techniques for managing habitats, populations, and species.

Assessment:

Assessment methods are varied and include both practical and theoretical elements. Examples include:

• Fieldwork and laboratory reports
• Essays and reports
• Critical analysis of case studies
• Role-playing exercises

Teaching:

The program is delivered by research-active academics with recent woodland management experience. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Laboratory practicals
• Computer sessions
• Fieldwork in ancient woodlands and commercial forest plantations around Ambleside Campus.

Careers:

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in woodland ecology, conservation, and forest management. Potential career paths include:

• Woodland ecologist
• Forestry consultant
• Conservation officer
• Environmental manager
• Research scientist

Other:

• The National School of Forestry is located on the University's Ambleside campus, offering access to local woodlands and opportunities for exploring different forest types.
• The program benefits from strong links with organizations such as the Royal Forestry Society and Woodland Trust, providing opportunities for paid placements and graduate jobs.

Note:

Information about potential career paths and opportunities, as well as a detailed overview of the program's content and structure, are included in the context. This extraction has captured all available information relevant to the sections requested.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Tuition Fees
2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK £13,575 - International You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1650. The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs. Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.