Course Information
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Full Time - Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN271
CAO Points Range 2017: 292
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 15
O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject and two other recognised subjects
Why is this course for me?
Forestry is the science, art and practice of managing forests. Carbon sequestration, timber production, renewable energy resources, wildlife management, urban forestry, adaptation for climate change, and the conservation of genetic resources are all aspects of modern forestry that are covered in the course. Also covered are the protection and enhancement of biodiversity, soils and water quality, as they are highly relevant in the creation and management of forests that provide society with essential goods and services. Foresters employ the latest information and communication technology, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, forest growth modelling and decision support systems to support good management and sustainable practice, and the course provides a good introduction to this technology.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Forestry graduates find employment in all areas of the sector, including:
- State and semi-state agencies
- Forest management and consultancy
- Wood processing and renewable energy
- Environmental agencies
- Education and research
- Forestry contarctors
Many graduates set up their own forestry businesses. Other opportunities include information technology, land-use planning and financial services. Research to Master’s and PhD levels is available.
What Will I Study
First Year
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Trees & Forests in Ireland
- Elective Modules
Second Year
- Soil Science
- Plant Ecology
- Tree Structure & Function
- Principles of Forestry
- Professional Forestry Practice
- Elective Modules
Third Year
- Forest Management
- Forest Establishment
- Forest Protection
- GIS & Remote Sensing
- Wood Science
- Elective Modules
- Professional Work Experience
Fourth Year
- GIS & Forest Inventory
- Forest Management Plan
- GIS & Experimental Design
- Scientific Research Project
- Elective Modules
Students spend approximately 40 hours a week attending field work sessions and tutorials, and undertake independent study.
Assessment includes continuous assessment (e.g. class tests, essays) and end-of-semester written examinations. In your final year, assessments are largely based on the project reports.
International Study Opportunities
Students complete five months’ Professional Work Experience (PWE) and are encouraged to experience both Irish forestry and forestry in a foreign country.
In third year, a number of students have studied for a semester in:
- Michigan State University, USA
- Purdue University, USA
- Iowa State University, USA
Testimonial
“Initially, I chose Forestry because I had an interest in wildlife and the environment. However, after studying Forestry for a number of years, the complexity of the subject became more apparent. For example, with the current concern for global climate change, Forestry is now more focused on both the environmental and social aspects of forest management, as well as economics.
The Forestry course in UCD provides a deep academic understanding of the current forestry industry in Ireland, as well as internationally, and also provides practical opportunities to develop this understanding further. Forestry, as I see it, also has a bright future and will continue to expand and develop due to the multiple uses that forests provide, such as timber production, recreation, biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.”
Darragh Fadden, Student
