Grounded in the biological study of forests, Forest Sciences considers these ecosystems as intricate, living networks that sustain long-term ecological resilience and global biosphere health. This academically rigorous program investigates the ecological, physiological, and genetic interactions among trees, wildlife, microorganisms, and soils. Beyond viewing forests as sources of timber, Forest Sciences analyzes how these complex living networks respond to climate change, invasive pathogens, wildfire, and human activity.
How do tree genetics and fungal mycorrhizal networks govern forest survival? How do forest plant and wildlife communities adapt to invasive pathogens, climate disruption, and human activity? How can we conserve vulnerable forest biodiversity while responsibly meeting global resource requirements?
As a Forest Sciences student, you will work to address these central ecological questions. You will gain an advanced understanding of forest wildlife, fire ecology, insect population dynamics, pathology, soil biogeochemistry, tree genetics, and forest regeneration. If you have an inquisitive mind and want to unravel the mysteries of nature, the Forest Sciences program is designed for you.
The Forest Sciences curriculum combines immersive field exploration with extensive lab experiences and grounded classroom instruction. Over four years, you’ll develop the skills to engage in scientific inquiry, able to seamlessly transition between practical field work and experimentation in the lab.
Home of UBC FES, the Forest Sciences Centre (FSC) features over 240,000 square feet of classrooms, study spaces, and faculty research hubs inside a stunning glass-and-timber atrium.
UBC FES manages two forests, Malcolm Knapp Research Forest and Alex Fraser Research Forest, each situated in unique biomes. Together, they total more than 60,000 acres of living laboratory space dedicated to education, research, and experimentation.
The Forest Sciences program features a robust curriculum based on experiential learning through hands-on lab and field work in diverse ecosystems in British Columbia and around the world.
As a Forest Sciences student, you will participate in immersive field schools in British Columbia’s interior and coastal research forests where you’ll develop advanced scientific and analytical skills.
Pursue original research opportunities, and the option to complete an honours thesis under the mentorship of leading faculty researchers. Specialize your program by focusing on one of five concentration areas including plant genetics, international sustainability or geomatics.
Forest Sciences offers pathways to professional accreditation as a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) or a Registered Professional Forester (RPF).
Pair your degree with a Minor in Commerce from UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Master foundational topics in financial accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, and venture development to pitch, finance, and scale clean-tech ventures.
Stand out in a competitive job market with a Certificate in Geomatics for Environmental Management. Develop highly marketable GIS and spatial analysis skills to turn data into actionable insights in environmental consulting, urban planning, conservation, forestry, and natural resources management.
Earn a Master of Management from UBC Sauder and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources simultaneously in only 4.5 years with the Dual Degree Program.
As a Forest Sciences student in the FES Co-operative Education Program, you can integrate up to 5 paid work terms (20 months) into your degree, earning an average of $64,680. Receive resume, cover letter, interview preparation skills, and personalized career development and support.
Work placements span companies, provincial and federal ministries, and research institutions in industries like clean tech, corporate sustainability, and resource management.
There are many courses you can take in Forest Sciences. Here are a few you might like.
Study the structure and function of plant and animal cells. Topics include cytoplasmic organelles, biological information from gene to protein, the endomembrane system, secretion, intracellular digestion, endocytosis, cytoskeleton and cell motility.
Explore the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. Topics include soil formation, classification, use and conservation of soils.
The structure, diversity and development of trees and other plants, with emphasis on the angiosperms.
Explore disturbance ecology with special reference to insects and diseases in forests and forest health problems in the biogeoclimatic zones of BC. Study present management strategies and future potentials in a scenario of climate change.
Pursue a career as a forest geneticist, a biodiversity specialist, a fisheries and wildlife officer, a forest ecologist, a pathologist, or an entomologist. Many Forest Sciences graduates go on to graduate school (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) and careers in research and teaching. Others acquire professional certifications as Registered Professional Foresters (RPF) or Registered Professional Biologists (RPBio). You will find work in areas such as:
Job titles for Forest Sciences graduates include:
“There’s no better forestry program.”
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
IB Diploma Programme
IB Certificate Courses
Note: Grade 11 Biology, Chemistry and Physics requirements listed above are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics courses. For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in Grade 11 and Grade 12.
“
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Visit the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship website to learn more about Forest Sciences.
View full program details