• Arxada
  • Bell
  • FSC
  • Geospatial Forestry Platform
  • Hin-Tech Manufacturing
  • John Deere
  • Khulani Timber Industries
  • LESH
  • Loadtech Load Cells
  • Ponsse
  • Rance Timbers
  • Sappi
  • SAWPA
  • SSA
  • UCL Sawmill
  • Wood-Mizer
  • Wuhlf

University of Mpumalanga (UMP)

University of Mpumalanag

Bachelor of Science in Forestry

Programme Description

The Bachelor of Science in Forestry programme seeks to develop professionals and specialists with sound knowledge and technical skills required to work in the Forestry sector. The curriculum is structured across five learning areas: foundational science, forestry production science, forest economics and entrepreneurship, natural resource management, and forest extension (with an emphasis on innovation). Each of these provides grounding in areas critical to sustainable forest production within a forestry systems framework. Hence, it focuses on such key areas as Forest Biometrics and Remote Sensing; Forest Soils; Forest Biology; Silviculture; Forestry Ecology and Conservation, Wood Science and Forest Economics/Entrepreneurship and Management. The programme also includes the development of broader competencies such as leadership, writing and communication, the use of technology innovation as part of their learning tools, problem solving, honesty and integrity. It will contribute towards increasing the qualification and skill-base of graduates from which lecturers, trainers, researchers and other forestry related professionals can be selected.

Prof Funso Kutu

Admission Requirements:

The minimum entrance requirements are:

NSC or IEB with admission for Bachelor pass.

  • Admission Point Score of at least 30
  • English (Home language or First Additional Language) at least level 4,
  • Mathematics level 4,
  • Physical Science level 4, and
  • Two subjects from Life Science, Agricultural Science or Geography at level 4.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Module Code
Moduel Description
Credits
Pre-Co Requisite
Semester
NQL Level
Core/Elective
MLS101
Mathematics 101
15
None
1
5
Core
BIO101
Biology 101
15
None
1
5
Core
CHEM101
Chemistry 101
15
None
1
5
Core
ECON101
Micro Economics 101
12
None
1
5
Core
PHY102
Introductory Physics for Biological Sciences
15
None
2
5
Core
CHM102
Chemistry 102
15
None
2
5
Core
BIO102
Biology 102
15
None
2
5
Core
CSC102
End user computing
6
None
2
5
Core
ECON102
Macro Economics 102
12
None
2
5
Core
120

Year 2

Module Code
Moduel Description
Credits
Pre-Co Requisite
Semester
NQL Level
Core/Elective
FOR210
Introduction to Forestry Science
12
None
1
6
Core
FOR211
Introduction to Genetics
12
None
1
6
Core
FOR212
Introductory Soil Science and Soil Health
12
None
2
6
Core
FOR213
Anatomy and Physiology of trees
12
BIO101 & 102
1
6
Core
FOR214
Introduction to Forestry Operations and Engineering
12
None
2
6
Core
STAT101
Basic Statistics
12
MLS101
1
6
Core
FOR220
Introduction to Entrepreneurship skills in Forestry
8
None
2
6
Core
FOR221
Agroforestry Systems and Practices
12
None
1
6
Core
FOR222
Wood Technology
12
None
2
6
Core
FOR223
The management of Planted Forests
12
None
1
6
Core
FOR224
Wood Chemistry and physics
12
CHEM101, CHEM102 & PHY102
2
6
Core
128

Year 3

Module Code
Moduel Description
Credits
Pre-Co Requisite
Semester
NQL Level
Core/Elective
FOR310
Forest Health and Protection
12
None
1
7
Core
FOR311
Nursery Production and Management
12
None
1
7
Core
FOR312
Wood and Timber Science
12
None
2
7
Core
FOR313
Saw Milling and Forest Product Development & Utilization
12
FOR214 & FOR222
1
7
Core
FOR314
Silviculture: Principles, Theory & Practices
12
FOR221 & FOR223
2
7
Core
FOR321
Soil Conservation and Land use Planning
12
FOR212
1
7
Core
FOR322
Forest Economics
12
None
2
7
Core
FOR323
Forest Policy, Law, Planning and Administration
6
None
1
7
Core
FOR324
Forestry Extension Methods: Principles and Theory
6
None
2
7
Core
FOR325
Applied GIS and Remote Sensing in Forestry
12
FOR221
1
7
Core
FOR326
Biometry and Research Methodology
12
None
2
7
Core
120

Year 4

Module Code
Moduel Description
Credits
Pre-Co Requisite
Semester
NQL Level
Core/Elective
FOR470
Forestry Research Report
30
FOR326
1 & 2
8
Core
FOR400
Work Integrated Learning, WIL
50
None
1
8
Core
FOR411
Advanced Methods for Forest Assessment
10
None
1
8
Core
FOR412
Advanced Studies in Timber harvesting and Marketing
10
FOR322
2
8
Core
FOR421
Forestry Engineering and Infographics
10
FOR214
2
8
Core
FOR422
Advanced Studies in Forest Ecology, Management, Restoration and Rehabilitation
10
None
2
8
Core
FOR423
Advanced Studies in Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement
10
FOR312
2
8
Core
130
498

Career Opportunities:

Graduates from the programme will be able to register and continue Postgraduate studies at UMP or another university or enter the workplace. Career opportunities for graduates from the programme will include the forestry industry, government Departments (National and Provincial), non-governmental or non-profit organizations, and training institutions as lecturer. Graduates may also continue to undertake research-based Master and doctorate degrees in the areas relevant to their field of specialization.

  • Afrequip
  • Alternative Structures Logo
  • Ezigro Seedlings
  • Husqvarna
  • Kwamahlati Training Services
  • Logmech
  • Merensky
  • Mondi
  • Those who grow alone, die alone: why transformation is strategic for the MTO Group
  • NCT
  • Novelquip Forestry
  • Pangolin
  • Patula Risk
  • SAFCOL
  • Saw Specialists
  • Stihl
  • Sunshine Seedling Services
  • TWK
  • WoodBiz Africa
  • Afrequip
  • Alternative Structures Logo
  • Arxada
  • Bell
  • Ezigro Seedlings
  • FSC
  • Geospatial Forestry Platform
  • Hin-Tech Manufacturing
  • Husqvarna
  • John Deere
  • Khulani Timber Industries
  • Kwamahlati Training Services
  • LESH
  • Loadtech Load Cells
  • Logmech
  • Merensky
  • Mondi
  • Those who grow alone, die alone: why transformation is strategic for the MTO Group
  • NCT
  • Novelquip Forestry
  • Pangolin
  • Patula Risk
  • Ponsse
  • Rance Timbers
  • SAFCOL
  • Sappi
  • Saw Specialists
  • SAWPA
  • SSA
  • Stihl
  • Sunshine Seedling Services
  • TWK
  • UCL Sawmill
  • Wood-Mizer
  • WoodBiz Africa
  • Wuhlf