Bachelor

of Science
natural
resources
conservation

A Sustainable Environment Needs You!

Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................3
The Degree..............................................................................................................4
Co-op Education.....................................................................................................7
Careers......................................................................................................................8
Program Outlines...................................................................................................9
Student life............................................................................................................11
Admissions.............................................................................................................12
The Faculty of Forestry........................................................................................14
Scholarships & Awards........................................................................................16
Additional Information.......................................................................................17
Courses...................................................................................................................18
Contact Us..............................................................................................................24

2
introduction
Natural sciences to understand human impact
Social solutions to manage human nature
AN ECOSYSTEM IS A COMPLEX BC, Canada and the world. As a Conservation scientists help
system of unique interactions society, we choose which natural society make the best possible
between plants, animals, geological resources to use, and in what environmental choices for achieving
processes, and climatic influences. manner these uses will take place. resource sustainability .

There are few undergraduate

“I chose the NRC program for its interdisciplinary focus on environment and programs in Canada that provide a
conservation. Although it seemed like an odd arrangement, the location of the comprehensive balance of biological
NRC program within the Faculty of Forestry at UBC provided me with a valuable and social sciences, coupled with
understanding of the juxtaposition of environment and business within the technical training. In 1996, after a
resource economy of BC. I now work in environmental consulting, and the most decade of development and hard
valuable aspects of my NRC education are the applied skills I learned through work, a unique interdisciplinary
field school, labs and summer forestry work” program was established at the
Erin Embley BSc.(NRC), MSc. – Class of 1999 University of British Columbia
Environmental Planner, Pottinger Gaherty Environmental Consultants Ltd. (UBC) Faculty of Forestry to
teach conservation science; the
Our society depends on the Conservation science is concerned Bachelor of Science in Natural
maintenance and protection of with the maintenance of habitats, Resources Conservation (NRC).
ecosystems. Yet resources in many the persistence of diverse natural In 2000 it was the proud winner
ecosystems are often over-exploited resources, an understanding of of the Alfred Scow Award for
or managed in non-sustainable ways. human behaviours, and recognizes Outstanding Contributions to the
Urban development, agriculture, that a balance is needed among Student Experience and Learning
mineral/oil extraction, fisheries and environmental, social, economic, Environment at the UBC.
forestry practices, can threaten the cultural, and aesthetic values.
very existence of some ecosystems
and alter or eliminate important
habitats, key species, and people’s
way of life. Global climate change
presents the largest uncertainty
and threat to the sustainability of
our present natural resources and
ecosystems. To maintain healthy
ecosystems we have to strive to
achieve a balance between society’s
ever-increasing need for goods and
services and protection of natural
environments, and do so in an era
of changing climate - this is a huge
Photo: Katherine Bryan

challenge, and motivated, dedicated

and forward-thinking students are
needed now to make a difference.

Natural resources conservation

is an important issue throughout

3
the degree
Bachelor of Science in
Natural Resources Conservation
THE PROGRAM IS fundamentally
interdisciplinary involving
courses in biology, geography,
economics, sociology, terrestrial
and aquatic ecology, philosophy
and ethics, wildlife and fisheries
management, math and computer
science, policy and planning,
globalization and sustainability, to
name a few. The program has its
foundation in the biological and
social sciences, teaching direct
applications in the lab and in the
field of technologically advanced
tools available to resource
planners and managers, such as
Geographic Information Systems,
satellite image and aerial photo
remote sensing technologies,
computer modeling software,
and quantitative statistical
techniques. The program provides
a thorough understanding of
function, process and structure of
natural ecosystems, and provides
an appreciation for the political,
legal and socioeconomic contexts
which affect design and outcomes
of conservation and management
strategies. The program emphasizes Photo: Katherine Bryan
development of communication
and problem-solving skills,
teamwork, and leadership.

Students must select one of

two majors upon completion
of second year: (1) Major in
Science and Management, or,
(2) Major in Global Perspectives.
The Science and Management
Major focuses on the conservation
and management of renewable
natural resources, and landscape
and local level planning for both
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
A notable feature of this major
is the Integrated Conservation
Field School, a one of kind
semester-long course divided
into modules, each concentrating
on a particular component of
B.C.’s environment. Compared
to the Global Perspectives Major,
the Science and Management
major is more rigorous in terms
of the natural sciences, has more
intensive exposure to Pacific

4
Northwest planning, management a global context. Two notable to the Science and Management
and conservation issues, and is features of this major are the Major, the Global Perspectives
more in line with criteria to obtain international education that Major examines additional resource
status as a Professional Biologist or students receive through either a systems, has more emphasis
Professional Forester (see page 10 study abroad period or an intensive on international policy and
details). international field school or related planning, and requires mandatory
experience, and the global issues international experience.
The Global Perspectives Major capstone course which uses
focuses on the conservation and international case studies and Both majors have the opportunity
management of renewable and modeling approaches to explore for international educational
non-renewable resources, policy the effects of decision-making on and students in the Science
formation and planning within resource sustainability. Compared and Management Major are
encouraged to also participate
“The NRC program provided me with a broad environmental background that in international education. The
has proven ideal for my job. NRC courses provided the basics of forest, fish, Faculty of Forestry boasts links to
and wildlife ecology, all of which gave me a great environmental knowledge over 25 different universities in
base. The hands-on skills I learned in the Integrated Field School are essential 18 different countries, allowing a
for entry-level biological technician jobs. Industry presentations during my student to spend up to one year
studies also provided a real world glimpse of where the NRC program can take studying abroad. In consultation
you in industry. Resource-based companies are increasingly scrutinized for with our International Exchange
environmental practices and the NRC program is a great source for well rounded Advisor, often these placements
environmental staff.” can be credited towards your
degree program, and, best of all,
Dave Hunter, BSc.(NRC) – Class of 1998 you still only pay UBC tuition fees
Biologist, BC Hydro Generation Environmental Department while taking courses at universities
around the world!

A forward-thinking program that is:

Interdisciplinary
A conservation scientist requires
an education that bridges
disciplines in the natural and social
sciences. To manage resources in a
sustainable way it is imperative to
understand natural ecosystems and
human nature and motivation, thus
conservation courses blend the
disciplines of ecology, sociology,
economics, statistics, ethics, and
policy.
Unique Emphasis is placed on learning
field research and restoration
The Science and Management
methods, interpreting research
Major includes the award-winning
results, and understanding the
Integrated Conservation Field
biological and social aspects of
School (CONS 451); there are no
conservation problems. Students
equivalent courses anywhere else
plan and execute original research,
in Canada. As the only course taken
receive instruction from industry,
in the fall semester of a student’s
government organizations, and
senior year, it is a four-month
non-government environmental
endeavour in which students
groups, and participate in work-
study in different areas of the
study with local conservation
province for weeks at a time. The
organizations.
course is divided into modules,
each concentrating on a unique The Global Perspectives Major
ecosystem (alpine, grassland and includes mandatory study abroad
aquatic) of BC’s environment. with a UBC partnered university,

5
 or participation in an international with people to resolve passionate Co-op and volunteer
field school, volunteer period, issues. There are several courses work experience, the
co-op term, or internship. It has in the program that involve NRC program is far more than just
considerable breadth in courses field work; these courses, along the average science degree.
that examine resources systems with the field schools, stress
and has a senior-level cap-stone practical skills, teach the design Flexible
The NRC program provides
“The NRC program provided me with practical skills (public speaking, presenting, opportunities for students to
report writing and IT)….it also provided me with the context of environmental, choose the courses they’re
social and economic issues to help me understand the complexities involved interested in – up to 18 elective
with forest management and conservation. I now work for a small consulting credits in the Science and
firm based in the UK, where I coordinate the UK Government’s Central Point for Management Major and up to 24
Expertise on Timber procurement. I advise government and suppliers on how elective credits (nearly one whole
to purchase timber and timber products that meet the UK’s policy for legal and year equivalent) in the Global
sustainable sources. “ Perspectives Major. Students can
create a sub-specialization, or
Kate Bottriell, BSc.(NRC), MSc – Class of 2003 explore diverse and alternative
CPET Coordinator, ProForest, Oxford, UK course options to round out their
education.
course involving student-led and implementation of research
projects, using analytical and projects, and expose students to
modelling approaches, of resource conservation professionals who
management, environmental and are at work today. With the added
social sustainability in countries in choice of up to 20 months of paid
different stages of development.

Applied
Employers are looking for
graduates with ‘real-world’ skills and
training, who can go beyond the
theoretical concepts taught in the
classroom. Unlike most other B.Sc.
programs, the Natural Resources
Conservation program is an applied
program that emphasizes practical
field skills and exposure to the
sophisticated tools needed to
manage resources and people.

Students in both majors take

courses in geomatics and computer
Photo: Katherine Bryan

modeling, using state-of-the-

art equipment available at the
Forest Sciences Centre. They learn
the skills and sociology behind
consensus building processes,
conflict resolution, and dealing

6
co-op education
What is Co-op?
Co-op is short for Cooperative
Education, and is an exciting option
for any student in the Faculty of
Forestry.

Co-op is the integration of up to

20 months of ‘real-life’ hands-on
work experience into a student’s
academic studies. A Co-op
Photo: Geoff Smart

Coordinator works with employers

across Canada and around the
world to carefully select challenging,
career-related positions. A student
is then placed with an employer for
a work experience term of four to Are students paid? „„ a successful interview with the
eight months. Co-op Coordinator.
Yes! Typically Co-op students earn
Students must maintain a
Co-op students also attend a series an average of $16 to $18 per hour.
minimum average of 68% and
of Employability Skills Workshops This gives students a chance to start
complete all required courses to
that teach résumé writing, paying for their education right
qualify for advancement into the
interviewing skills, and techniques away. Students who complete all
intermediate and senior Co-op
to deal with common workplace five co-op terms can average total
placements. Students are also
issues. During the placements earnings of over $40,000 by the time
required to pay tuition for initial
students are supervised, evaluated, they graduate from the program.
pre-employment workshops and
and paid competitive wages
each four month work term.
by their employers. Each Co-op How do students qualify for
position is regarded as an important Co-op? Advantages of Co-op:
addition to a student’s career and
Students apply for the Co-op „„ Explore career options and
professional development.
option in term one of their second interests through a variety of
Employers tend to prefer graduates year in the program. To participate, work experiences
who have gained work experience a student must have completed a „„ Apply classroom material to
through the Co-op option, and all Co-op application form and have: work situations
students enrolling in the Natural „„ a 64% minimum cumulative „„ Network with employers and
Resources Conservation program average in the required first and mentors
should consider becoming a Co-op second year Forest Operations „„ Earn while learning
student. courses taken at UBC, and „„ Enhance career prospects
„„ Gain valuable career-related
“As a Co-op student in the NRC program I gained valuable experience as a experience nationally and
research assistant in both academic and industrial sectors and as an intern in internationally
the corporate sustainability division of BC Hydro. Through these positions, I A Co-op information session is
developed a strong background in research that prepared me for grad school, held in September each year, all
and established industry connections that will allow me to secure relevant interested students are welcome
employment…” to attend. Students who are
interested in pursuing the co-op
Megan Harrison BSc. (NRC - Gold Medalist) - Class of 2006
option are still eligible for exchange
M.Sc. Candidate, Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University
opportunities as well.
7
careers
Conservation scientists work with people to
address complicated issues, they are the link
between society’s needs and environmental
sustainability.
Graduates of the NRC program are able to develop
strategies for the conservation of natural resources
based on a working knowledge of biological, political,
and socio-economic factors. Diverse opportunities
exist for graduates to work locally, nationally or
internationally, and past graduates now work
in areas such as biodiversity and environmental
assessment, sustainable development, wildlife and
fisheries management, urban and regional planning,
forest and habitat management, environmental law,
environmental planning and consulting, environmental
education and teaching for:
„„ federal and provincial governments, crown
corporations, First Nations, and municipalities,
„„ non-profit environmental or community groups, and
„„ private environmental consulting or resource
companies.
With the appropriate courses, graduates can apply
to professional programs in law and education, or
continue their studies in graduate school programs
(M.Sc. or Ph.D.). The program can also provide a basis
for acquiring professional certification as a Registered
Professional Biologist or Registered Professional Forester.
8
“My degree in NRC has opened a wide array of doors for
me. Since beginning the NRC program in 1995, I have
worked in conjunction with the Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources, the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game, the US National Marine Fisheries Service, and
have volunteered in conjunction with the Canadian
International Development Agency. These jobs have
had me working with landowners to conserve wetlands;
backpacking in the Alaskan wilderness studying
coyotes, dall sheep, and small mammals; studying
commercial fisheries in the middle of the Bering Sea;and
backpacking in the rainforest in South America.”
April Hayward B.Sc. (NRC), Ph.D.– Class of 1999
“The program helped me develop a broad foundation, on
which I could acquire more specific skills for a career in
conservation biology. After the program, I completed a
Masters in wildlife management at the U of A, studying
mountain caribou habitat requirements. I was then
hired as a Species at Risk biologist with the Alberta
government. Through this position I have undertaken a
wide range of projects, such as monitoring the status of
rare butterfly populations and associated native prairie.”
Tara Szkorupa, BSc.(NRC), M.Sc. – Class of 1999
Species at Risk Biologist, Alberta Sustainable
Resource Development
program outlines
Major in Science and Management
Four Year NRC Program Map – non co-op option
(Those students not enrolled in the Co-op option may complete their academic course work in four years)
Term 1 Term 2 Summer
September – December January – April May – August

Year 1 Basic Sciences, English, Math, Introduction to Conservation, Soil Science, Summer
Economics, Sociology

Year 2 Conservation Foundations, Forest Biology and Ecology, Introduction to Biometrics Summer
and Computer Applications, Introduction to Physical Geography

Year 3 Resource Economics, Conservation Biology and Biodiversity, Geographic Information Summer
Systems, Hydrology, Wildlife and Fish Biology, Conservation Planning, Resource Sociology

Year 4 Integrated Field Course Conservation Policy, Remote Sensing, Fish

Conservation and Management

Five Year NRC Program Map – co-op option

Term 1 Term 2 Summer
September – December January – April May – August

Year 1 Basic Sciences, English, Math, Introduction to Conservation, Soil Science, Economics, Summer
Sociology

Year 2 Conservation Foundations, Forest Biology and Ecology, Introduction to Biometrics and Co-op 1
Computer Applications, Introduction to Physical Geography

Year 3 Resource Economics, Conservation Biology and Biodiversity, Geographic Information Co-op 2
Systems, Hydrology, Wildlife and Fish Biology, Conservation Planning, Resource Sociology,

Year 4 Integrated Field Course Co-op 3 Co-op 4

Year 5 Co-op 5 Conservation Policy, Remote Sensing, Fish

Conservation and Management

9
program outlines
Major in Global Perspectives
Four Year NRC Program Map – non co-op option
(Those students not enrolled in the Co-op option may complete their academic course work in four years)
Term 1 Term 2 Summer
September – December January – April May – August
Year 1 Basic Sciences, English, Math, Introduction to Conservation, Soil Science, Summer
Economics, Sociology
Year 2 Conservation Foundations, Forest Biology and Ecology, Introduction to Biometrics Summer
and Computer Applications, Introduction to Physical Geography

Years Geomatics, Conservation Biology and Biodiversity, Resources and Economics, Summer
3&4 Resources and Society, International Policy/Governance and Resources, Indigenous
Perspectives, Globalization, Aquatic Resources, Agriculture/Food Resources, Forestry
Resources, Energy Resources
Resource Systems electives, International experience*, language, general electives

Global Resources capstone course

Five Year NRC Program Map – co-op option

Term 1 Term 2 Summer
September – December January – April May – August
Year 1 Basic Sciences, English, Math, Introduction to Conservation, Soil Science, Economics, Summer
Sociology

Year 2 Conservation Foundations, Forest Biology and Ecology, Introduction to Biometrics and Co-op 1
Computer Applications, Introduction to Physical Geography

Years Geomatics, Conservation Biology and Biodiversity, Resources and Economics, Resources and Co-op 2
3, 4 & 5 Society, International Policy/Governance and Resources, Indigenous Perspectives, Globalization,
Aquatic Resources, Agriculture/Food Resources, Forestry Resources, Energy Resources

Resource Systems electives, International Co-op 3 Co-op 4

experience*, language, general electives

Co-op 5 Global Resources capstone course,

Resource Systems electives, International
experience*, language, general electives

* International experience can include: study abroad, international internship, field school or volunteer experience. Students should obtain their international
experience during their NRC degree prior to entering 4th year (or 5th year for the co-op option) though international experiences obtained within 1 year prior
to entering the NRC degree would be considered at the discretion of the program director. Experience must be gained outside of Canada, and for international
students, it must also be in different country from which they most recently lived. Some exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the program director.

10
student life
Academic Resources
There are many resources available for students at UBC. UBC
LEAP is your online gateway to academic resources. Online
tutoring, peer academic coaching, first-year blogs, and an
exam database are just some of the resources available to
students; for more information please visit www.leap.ubc.
ca. The Alma Master Society of UBC (AMS) also provides
a range of services from a thorough exam database to
tutoring services to volunteering and job postings. You can
also find details on their ‘safewalk’ and ‘speakeasy’ programs
on the AMS website at www.ams.ubc.ca.
Forestry Undergraduate Society (FUS)
The Forestry Undergraduate Society (FUS) is the student
government of the Faculty of Forestry. As a part of the UBC
student government, known as the Alma Mater Society
(AMS), the FUS is made up of over twenty student-elected
members from all year levels and degree programs across
the Faculty. The FUS is responsible for all official student
social and recreational activities within the Faculty, as well
as liaising between the Faculty and the undergraduate
student population. The society organizes two large social
events each year; “Undercut” in the fall and “Coconut” in
the spring. It runs a variety of events during Forestry Week
(usually the third week of September), organizes numerous
intramural sports teams, and hosts monthly social
functions for the students and staff.
Associated
Organizations
Students are encouraged to get involved with provincial
and national organizations.
The Association of Professional Biologists of
British Columbia (APBBC)
The College of Applied Biology Act grants applied
biologists full professional status. Registered
Professional Biologists (RPBio) are charged with
preserving the scientific methods and principles that
are the foundation of the applied biological sciences
and upholding the principles of stewardship of aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems and biological resources. The
Association of Professional Biologists is a community of
11
professionals dedicated to supporting the College of
Applied Biology and its members. Membership in the
Association of Professional Biologists of B.C. requires
that you first be a member in good standing of the
College of Applied Biology. Please visit: www.cab-bc.
org for more information. (See page 19 for additional
information on courses needed to fulfill RPBio
educational requirements).
The Association of British Columbia Forest
Professionals (ABCFP)
The Foresters Act defines the roles and responsibilities
of Professional Foresters in the management of our
publicly owned forest land. It is the responsibility of
the ABCFP to ensure that foresters are educated and
qualified to manage forest resources, that they remain
up-to-date on changes in their field and make decisions
based on a strict code of ethics. The ABCFP takes great
care to make certain that professional foresters act in
the best interests of the people of British Columbia.
Students in the Faculty of Forestry can get directly
involved in the Association by joining through the
START (STudent ARTiculation) program. START does not
give a student full member status, but rather aims to
raise awareness of the profession and helps students
to enter the profession once they have completed
their studies. With a low annual fee, students receive
a subscription to ‘BC Forest Professional’ (the ABCFP
magazine), links to the professional forester network,
networking opportunities with potential employers and
future colleagues, reduced rates at association events,
and access to ABCFP membership benefit services.
Please visit www.abcfp.bc.ca for more information.
The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF)
The mandate of the CIF, a National organization, is to
advance the stewardship of Canada’s forest resources,
provide national leadership in forestry, promote
competence among forestry professionals, and foster
public awareness of Canadian and international forestry
issues. Students in the Faculty of Forestry are eligible to
join the CIF for a very low yearly fee. This allows students
access to newsletters, electronic networks and the latest
forestry and policy news. Students also receive the
Forestry Chronicle, Canada’s foremost journal of forestry
science, which is published 6 times per year. Please visit
www.cif-ifc.org for more information.
admissions
The Faculty of Forestry welcomes applications from First-year Credit for Advanced Placement (AP)
strong students interested in the B.Sc. natural Reources Courses
Conservation. Students may apply: UBC credit will be awarded to students who achieve a
grade of 4 or better on appropriate AP courses. Students
„„ Directly from high school; can choose to apply first-year credit to the B.Sc. Natural
„„ As a transfer student from college or university; or Resources Conservation program (reducing the number
„„ After completion of a two-year diploma of courses and amount of tuition payable); can take the
course again; or use the extra space in their timetable
Students Applying Directly From Secondary to take other courses of interest. More information is
School available online: www.you.ubc.ca, under ‘Admission
Students who apply to the program directly from high Requirements’.
school must meet specific entrance requirements. They
First-year Credit for International Baccalaureate
must complete the following high school courses and
satisfy the minimum average for admission to the B.Sc. (IB) Courses
Natural Resources Conservation program (Meeting UBC is a leader in recognizing IB credentials and one
the minimum average does not guarantee admission. of the most generous universities worldwide when
Students should attempt to achieve the highest average granting first-year credit for IB courses. Students
possible.) also have the option of either accepting the credit or
repeating the credited course. More information is
Your average is calculated using the following available online: www.you.ubc.ca, under ‘Admission
Grade 12 courses or IB/AP equivalents1 : Requirements’.
„„ English 12
Students Applying After Completion of a Two Year
„„ Principles of Math 122
Forest Technician Diploma
„„ One of Biology 12, Chemistry 12 or Physics 124
Students applying from a technical institute must have
„„ One other approved Grade 12 course a conferred two-year diploma with a minimum GPA
of 2.2. These students must also meet the secondary
These additional courses are required but are not school requirements as outlined above. Such students
used to calculate your average1: will be considered for admission and possible advanced
„„ English 11 standing on an individual basis. Transfer of credit
„„ a language 113 or exemptions for specific courses may be given on
an individual basis or based on existing agreements
„„ Principles of Math 11
between the technical institution and UBC.
„„ Two of Chemistry 11, Physics 11 and Biology 11
„„ A grade 11 social studies course

1. These are only the courses required for applicants following the BC/Yukon secondary school curriculum. High school students following other curricula should
refer to the course requirements online at www.you.ubc.ca, and contact us for more details.
2. A score of 67% or higher in Principles of Math 12 is required to register in first year math at UBC, otherwise UBC MATH 002 or MATH 003 will also be required.
3. Information on approved language courses is available online at www.you.ubc.ca. Please note that students who entered the BC secondary system after Grade
9 are eligible for a second-language waiver. A written statement from the school principal or counsellor indicating the student’s date and grade of entry into
the BC school system, and UBC reference number, is required for verification purposes. Students from outside British Columbia do not require a language 11.
4. You can be admitted without Chemistry 12 but its equivalent CHEM 111 must be completed during the first year of your program.

12
Students Applying from a College Admission to major in Global Perspectives
or University All students are by default in the Science and Management Major of
Students transferring from a post- the NRC program. Students apply at end of 2nd year NRC to enter
secondary institution are expected to the Global Perspective Major. Because space is limted in the Global
have successfully completed a minimum Perspectives Major, the best 27 credits from the year of application will
of 24 credits before applying to UBC. be used to assess academic standing and to rank applicants.
Students with 24 credits or more will have
their admission average based on their
post-secondary studies. Students must
have achieved a minimum average GPA
of 2.2 in their most recent 30 credits of
post-secondary courses attempted prior
to applying to UBC. If a student has not
achieved this minimum GPA, they are
Apply to UBC online at:
encouraged to continue their studies at
a post-secondary institution to improve
their average. Students applying with
www.you.ubc.ca
more than 30 credits of completed course
work will be evaluated based on the most
recently completed 30 credits. Students
must still have successfully completed
the high school prerequisites set out
in the table above, although the marks
for these courses will not be taken into
consideration.

Students with 6 to 23 credits will be

evaluated based on their final secondary
school grades as well as their post-
secondary grades and must satisfy the
secondary school entrance requirements
listed above.

UBC normally grants transfer credit for

all courses successfully completed at
an accredited college and/or university,
provided a satisfactory grade has been
achieved. Where appropriate, UBC will
credit such courses towards the course
requirements of the conservation degree.
Course exemptions may also be granted
on a course by course basis. For more
Photo: Tanya Shadbolt

information on course transfers between

BC post-secondary institutions, please
see the online BC Transfer Guide (www.
bctransferguide.ca) or contact the Faculty
of Forestry by email at:
advising@forestry.ubc.ca.

13
the faculty of forestry
Educating professionals and scientists since 1924
The Faculty of Forestry has a long and
rich history at UBC. Originally housed
as a department within the Faculty of
Applied Science, the first undergraduate
degrees in Forest Engineering were
awarded in 1923 and the first Masters
of Forestry and PhD degrees in 1933. In
1951 the department officially became
the Faculty of Forestry. In 1956, after the
Soviet invasion of Hungary, the Faculty
was joined by 196 students and 24
faculty members of the Sopron Forestry
School. In a recent review of the Faculty,
it was stated in the final report that “[the
review committee] rank the UBC group
among the premier forestry schools in
the world…”

The Faculty boasts more than fifty

full-time professors, who, in addition
to their commitment to teaching, are
extensively involved in research projects
designed to further the understanding
of forests, natural resources, and wood
products. Additional teaching expertise
is brought to students through guest
lecturers and seminars. The Faculty also
offers graduate programs leading to
M.Sc., M.A.Sc., M.F. and Ph.D. degrees.

The Faculty of Forestry is organized into

the Departments of Forest Resources
Management, Forest Sciences, and
Wood Science, as well as supporting
the Centre for Applied Conservation
Research and the Forest Economics
and Policy Analysis Research Unit.
There are Resource Systems electives,
International experience, language,
general electives four distinct
undergraduate Bachelor of Science
degrees offered by the Faculty of
Forestry:

14
Bachelor of Science in Natural
Resources Conservation
Major in Science and Management
Major in Global Perspectives
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Major in Forest Operations
Major in Forest Resources
Management
Bachelor of Science in Forest
Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Wood
Products Processing and software. Recently completed is
Forest Sciences Centre
The Forest Sciences Centre is
home to the Faculty of Forestry.
This award-winning building,
showcasing engineered wood
products, offers over 15,000 square
metres of teaching, laboratory and
office space. A stunning four story
atrium provides a central study area
with wireless internet access. High-
tech classrooms wired with Ethernet
connections and large computer
teaching labs, ensure that students
learn with the latest technologies
our brand new student lounge: The
Treehouse.
15
Centre for Advanced Wood
Processing
Connected to the Forest Sciences
Centre is the Centre for Advanced
Wood Processing (CAWP).
CAWP is an advanced wood
processing laboratory, containing
a simulation lab, a computer
lab and several classrooms for
teaching practical and applied
components of the Wood
Products Processing degree.
CAWP also offers extension
programs, continuing education,
and applied research facilities for
industry.
University Research Forests
The Faculty of Forestry operates
three Research Forests across
British Columbia: the Malcolm
Knapp Research Forest near Maple
Ridge on the coast, the Alex Fraser
Research Forest near Williams
Lake in the central interior of
BC, and the Aleza Lake Research
Forest near Prince George in the
northern interior (jointly operated
with the University of Northern
British Columbia). These forests
host three field schools for UBC
Forestry students: a fall field
course at Alex Fraser Research
Forest, a spring field course at
Malcolm Knapp Research Forest,
and sections of the conservation
field course which is held in both
of these forests. The variety of
ongoing research projects in
these forests make them ideal
places for teaching students
from UBC, other post-secondary
institutions, and continuing
education programs.
scholarships & awards
A number of awards and
scholarships are available to
students entering or registered in
the Natural Resources Conservation
program. The Faculty of Forestry
plays an active role in raising
funds for scholarships and awards
as part of their commitment to
making education accessible to
everyone. Students enrolled in the
Co-op option are also eligible for
scholarships and awards.
Entrance Scholarships are based
on students’ entrance admission
average and based on the four
Grade 12 courses outlined in
the previous table. A student
must attain a minimum average
of 75% to be considered for
a scholarship. Students are
automatically considered for
a number of scholarships and
awards, both general to UBC and
those specific to the Faculty of
Forestry. Scholarships are also
available for university and college
transfer students, the application
can be found online at you.ubc.
ca/ubc/vaouncer/finances. Other
scholarships may be available, and
students are encouraged to contact
the Awards and Financial Aid Office.
Bursaries are non-repayable awards Awards & Financial Aid Office
which are allocated primarily on the
Phone: (604) 822-5111
basis of financial need. Any student
Fax: (604) 822-6929
with assessed financial need
E-mail: awards.enquiry@ubc.ca
can apply for a bursary, but first
consideration is given to those who UBC – Brock Hall
have also applied for government 1036 – 1874 East Mall
assistance. Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
The University offers a wide range http://students.ubc.ca/finance/
of other programs to recognize
students with high academic
achievement and provide
financial assistance to those who
cannot meet basic educational
costs. Academic awards for
undergraduate study as well as
financial need-based awards are
administered by the Office of
Awards and Financial Aid Office. For
more information please contact
the Awards Office:

Scholarships, prizes and awards are

awarded throughout all years of the
program to top ranking students
for academic achievement. To be
eligible, a student must be standing
in the top 10% of his/her year, or
have an average of 75% or higher
(with no failed courses). Prizes or
other academic awards which are
Photo: Tanya Shadbolt

based on performance in a specific

course, require that the student
stand in the top 10% of students
registered in the course, or obtain
an average of 75% or higher for the
course in question.

16
additional information
Fees For more information on housing, and to download an
application form, contact the Housing Office directly or
Detailed information on fees and other costs are available
visit their web site:
online at www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/.

Students in their first four years of undergraduate study

UBC Housing Office
are eligible for the British Columbia Student Assistance Phone: (604) 822-2811
Program (BCSAP), open to BC residents who cannot Fax: (604) 822-6935
finance their education without assistance. The amount E-mail:
of assistance provided is determined by the federal and information@housing .ubc.ca
provincial governments. In most cases assistance is in the
form of a federal Canada Student Loan combined with a BC UBC – Brock Hall
Grant or BC Student Loan. Students must be a resident of 1874 East Mall
BC and be registered in 60% of the full-time course load of Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
their program. For more information and to apply on line,
go to www.bcsap.bc.ca. Students from provinces outside www.housing.ubc.ca/
of BC may qualify for assistance through programs in their
home province. Student Services Centre
Once you have applied, received acknowledgement of
Student Housing at UBC your application and a UBC reference/student number,
At the end of the UBC online application process there is you may obtain information on the current status of
the option to apply for housing. Applicants who choose your application online by going to the Student Service
to apply on-line for housing must apply first for admission Centre (SSC) at www.students.ubc.ca/ssc. Once you
to UBC because you will need your UBC reference number have logged into the SSC you can also apply for Student
(ID) and PIN (personal identity number) which is set to Housing, check to see if transcripts and payments have
your birthdate (yymmdd). You do not have to be admitted been received, register for courses, and manage your
to UBC before you apply for residence. Do not wait until contact information. Prospective students are strongly
you are admitted to your academic program before urged to ensure that their contact information is correct
applying for housing. For your best chance at receiving and up-to-date.
an assignment, make sure your application arrives at their
office on or before February 1st of the year you intend to
start your studies. Applicants who choose to apply on-line
for housing must print out the application if not admitted
yet to UBC and mail or fax their application directly to UBC
Housing Office. To apply online visit: www.housing.ubc.ca.

The University offers winter session single student

housing in furnished residences from August 31 to May
1 on a room-and-board basis in Place Vanier and Totem
Park residences, or on a room-only basis in the Walter
Gage and Ritsumeikan-UBC House residences. Senior
students have the option of choosing furnished, room-
only accommodation in a Fairview Crescent townhouse
for winter session and summer or placing themselves on
the waiting list for the Thunderbird apartments. Some
residences include cafeteria services and a meal plan;
others are equipped with kitchens and cooking facilities.

17
courses
All courses are subject to change. Please consult the online UBC calendar for the most current info.
http://students.ubc.ca/courses/.
Year 1
Common Year 1 for Science and Management major and
Global Perspectives major.
CONS 101 (1) Introduction to Conservation and
Forest Sciences
BIOL 121 (3) Ecology, Genetics, and Evolution
If you did not complete BIOL 12 you are required to take
BIOL 111 in Term 1. Students with BIOL 12 should take
3 credits of electives. Students without CHEM 12 need
to take CHEM 111 in year 1; Students with CHEM 12 do
NOT need to replace it with 3 credits of electives.
ECON 101 (3) Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 102 (3) Principles of Macroeconomics
Two ENGL 100-level:
ENGL 110 (3) Approaches to Literature
and/or
ENGL 111 (3) Approaches to Non-fictional Prose
and/or
ENGL 112 (3) Strategies for University Writing
and/or
ENGL 120 (3) Literature and Criticism (Term 1)
and/or
ENGL 121 (3) Introduction to Literary Theory
MATH 100 (3) Differential Calculus with
Applications to Physical Sciences
and Engineering
or
MATH 102 (3) Differential Calculus with
applications to Life Sciences
or
18
MATH 184 (4) Differential Calculus for Social
Science and Commerce
or
MATH 190 (4) Calculus Survey
If you did not complete Calculus 12, it is strongly
recommended that you choose Math 190 (or 184)
SOCI 100* (6) Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 100 can be taken in year 1 or 2. Will also accept
SOCI 200-level (3) and one general elective (3) in place
of SOCI 100.
APBI 200 (3) Introduction to Soil Science
Year 2
Common Year 2 for Science and management major and
Global Perspectives major.
CONS 200 (3) Foundations of Conservation
FRST 200 (3) Forest Plant Biology
FRST 210 (3) Forest Plant Biology II
FRST 211 (3) Forest Classification and Silvics
FRST 201 (3) Forest Ecology and Silvics
FRST 231 (3) Introduction to Biometrics
FRST 232 (3) Computer Applications in Forestry
GEOB 102 (3) Introduction to Physical
Geography: Climate and
Vegetation
GEOB 103(3) Introduction to Physical
Geography: Water and Landscapes
GEOB 102 & 103 can be taken in year 1 or 2
General Elective (3)
Major in Science and Management
Year 3 Year 4
SOCI 360 (3) Sociology and Natural Resources CONS 451 (15) Integrated Conservation Field
School
CONS 330 (3) Conservation Biology
Field methods, research and analysis, community
CONS 340 (3) Introduction to Geographic oriented projects, and the interactions between
Information Systems for Forestry biological and social aspects of conservation research.
and Conservation Students may not take any other courses in conjunction
with CONS 451. Restricted to students registered in
FRST 318 (3) Conservation and Forestry fourth year of the B.Sc. (NRC), major in Science and
Economics Management.

or CONS 440 (3) Conservation Policy

ECON 371 (3) Economics of the Environment
FRST 443 (3) Remote Sensing in Forestry and
or Agriculture
ECON 374 (3) Land Economics
CONS 486 (3) Fish Conservation and
FRST 385 (3) Watershed Hydrology Management

FRST 386 (3) Aquatic Ecosystems and Fish in 2 Electives (300/400-level) (6)
Forested Watersheds

FRST 395 (3) Forest Wildlife Ecology and

Management

CONS 481 (3) Conservation Planning

FRST 495 (3) Biological Diversity and Forest

Management

General Elective (3)

RPBio and RPF requirements

Students who are interested in pursuing the Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) or Registered Professional
Forester (RPF) designations are encouraged to select elective courses to reflect this. The Science and Management
Major of NRC is closely aligned with course requirements for RPBio and the only additional courses that you should
require would be a course in first year chemistry and a course in cellular biology (e.g. FRST 302). If you are interested
in RPBio, we encourage you to join the College of Applied Biology as a Student Biologist. You can also contact the
College of Applied Biology for the most current information (www.cab-bc.org), and the Association of BC Forest
Professionals (www.abcfp.ca). Please visit our website (www.forestry.ubc.ca) or talk to an advisor for more details.

19
Major in Global Perspectives
Years 3 and 4
Core courses (21 credits) Language courses (6)
see below
Electives (15)
Resource systems course (12 credits) (6) From resources systems (see below)
see below
(6) General electives
International Experience (0)
Minimum of 1 term study abroad program, or (3) 300/400 level
international co-op work term*, or 2-4 week
international field school*, or international internship*. *Students who choose international experience other
*on consultation with program director. than a study abroad program may do so on consultation
with the program director.
CONS 452 (6) GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES CAPSTONE
Examination of global resources and sustainability
via scenario evaluation, modelling and prescription.
Students will apply their knowledge of resource systems
and assessment tools, and develop and compare
alternative resource management/policy scenarios that
satisfy criteria of environmental, economic and social
sustainability. [3-0-6]. Prerequisite: Fourth year standing
in the Global Perspectives major and a GIS course
(eg CONS 340 or GEOG 270).

Core Courses
Select one 3-credit course from each of the following topics:
„„ Geomatics „„ International policy/governance and resources
„„ Conservation biology and biodiversity „„ Indigenous perspectives
„„ Resources and economics „„ Globalization
„„ Resources and society

GEOMATICS (select 3 credits)

FRST 443 (3) Remote Sensing in Forestry and GEOB 270 (3) Introduction to Geographic
Agriculture Information Systems

FRST 491 (3) Visualization and Forest Design GEOB 373 (3) Introductory Remote Sensing

CONS 340 (3) Introduction to Geographic

Information Systems for Forestry
and Conservation

20
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY (select 3 credits)
CONS 330 (3) Conservation Biology BIOL 445 (3) Darwin’s Fishes

BIOL 408 (6) Principles of Applied Ecology GEOB 307 (3) Biogeography and Global Change

BIOL 416 (3) Principles of Conservation Biology CONS 495 (3) Principles of Managing Problem
Wildlife
FRST 495 (3) Biological Diversity and Forest
Management

FRST 395 (3) Forest Wildlife Ecology and

Management

RESOURCES AND ECONOMICS (select 3 credits)

FRST 318 (3) Forest and Conservation ECON 374 (3) Land Economics
Economics
ECON 472 (3) Economics of Renewable Resources
ECON 234 (3) Wealth and Poverty of Nations
GEOG 361 (3) Introduction to Economic
ECON 335 (3) Fertility, Families and Human Geography
Migration

ECON 371 (3) Economics of the Environment

RESOURCES AND SOCIETY (select 3 credits)

SOCI 360B (3) Sociology and Natural Resources GEOG 411 (3) Environment and Empire

FRST 470 (3) Forests and Society
SOCI 420A (3) Sociology of the Environment
GEOG 310 (3) Environment and Resources
ANTH 330 (3) Anthropology of Rural Peoples and
the Global Economy
ANTH 360 (3) Introduction to Ecological
Anthropology (Term 1)

GEOG 410 (3) Environment and Society

INTERNATIONAL POLICY/GOVERNANCE AND RESOURCES (select 3 credits)

CONS 440 (3) Conservation Policy POLI 351 (3) Environmental Politics and
Policy
FRST 415 (3) Forest Policy

21
INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES (select 3 credits)
CONS 370 (3) Perspectives on First Nations and
Forest Lands
ANTH 220 (3) First Nations of British Columbia
FNSP 200C (6) First Nations of North America
HIST 302 (6) History of the Native Peoples of
Canada

ANTH 304A (3) Ethnography of the Northwest IHHS 301 (3) Working in International Health
Coast
FRST 270 (3) Community Forests and
ANTH 401A (3) First Peoples of North America Community Forestry

GLOBALIZATION (select 3 credits)

WOOD 461 (3) Globalization and Sustainability GEOG 121 (3) Geography, Modernity and
Globalization I
ECON 255 (3) Understanding Globalization
GEOG 122 (3) Geography, Modernity and
Globalization II

Resource System Courses

Select one 3-credit course from each of the following systems:

„„ Oceanography/Fisheries/Water systems „„ Forestry Systems

„„ Agriculture/Food/Range Systems „„ Energy/Mineral Systems

OCEANOGRAPHY/FISHERIES/WATER SYSTEMS (select 3 credits)

FRST 385 (3) Watershed Hydrology EOSC 371 (3) Introduction to Biological and
Geological Oceanography
FRST 386 (3) Aquatic Ecosystems and Fish in
Forested Watersheds EOSC 314 (3) The Ocean Environment

CONS 486 (3) Fish Conservation and EOSC 478 (3) Introduction to Fisheries Science
Management
BIOL 402 (3) Aquatic Ecology
EOSC 270 (3) Marine Biodiversity
BIOL 465 (3) Diversity and Evolution of Fishes
EOSC 370 (3) Introduction to Physical and
Chemical Oceanography BIOL 466 (3) Applied Biology of Fishes

22
AGRICULTURE/FOOD/RANGE SYSTEMS
APBI 260 (6) Agroecology I FRE 306 (3) Introduction to Global Food
Markets
APBI 360 (3) Agroecology II
FRE 340 (3) International Agricultural
APBI 401 (3) Soil Processes Development

APBI 402 (3) Sustainable Soil Management BIOL 343 (3) Plants and Peoples

FNH 200 (3) Exploring Our Food FRST 444 (3) Agroforestry

FNH 355 (3) World Problems in Nutrition

FORESTRY SYSTEMS (select 2-3 credits)

FRST 305 (3) Silviculture I FRST 439 (3) International Forestry

FRST 351 (2) Interior Field School

ENERGY/MINERAL SYSTEMS (select 3 credits)

CONS 425 (3) Sustainable Energy: Policy and EOSC 312 (3) The Earth System and
Governance Environmental Evolution

EOSC 210 (3) Earth Science for Engineers MINE 290 (3) Introduction to Mining and Mineral
Processing
EOSC 311 (3) The Earth and its Resources
MINE 391(3) Mining and the Environment

23
contact us
For more information on admissions to the Natural
Resources Conservation program please contact:
Prospective Students
Phone: 604-827-5195
or toll-free 1-888-933-9663
Email: advising@forestry.ubc.ca

Co-op
Geoff Anderson
Co-op Coordinator
Phone: 604-827-5196
Email: geoff.anderson@ubc.ca

Academic Advising
Dr. Scott Hinch
Program Director, Natural Resources Conservation
Phone: 604-822-9377
Email: scott.hinch@ubc.ca

www.forestry.ubc.ca
24