Forest Operations

at UBC's

Vancouver Campus

If you seek the challenge of applying technology and science to create environmentally and economically sound harvesting plans, then the Forest Operations program, a major in the Bachelor of Science in Nature Resources degree, may be for you.

Why this program?

  • Earn academic credits toward a Registered Professional Forester designation
  • Study a range of topics that integrate disciplines including biology, ecology, mechanical engineering, physics, and economics
  • Use the Forest Operations major to pursue a career as a professional engineer
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Program information

  • Campus: Vancouver
  • Faculty: Faculty of Forestry
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources
  • Length 4 yrs
  • Co-op Yes
    You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
  • Honours No
    You can study intense specialization in a single field.

Gain practical expertise in Forest Operations, as you delve into the planning and execution of intricate harvesting operations. This program emphasizes the integration of biological, physical, and social sciences, supplemented by advanced courses in geotechnical engineering, forest road design, slope stability analysis, and efficient harvesting system evaluation.

With a focus on optimizing economic returns while minimizing environmental impact, you will develop proficiency in harvest and transportation system planning and scheduling. By immersing yourself in this rigorous curriculum, you will be equipped to navigate the complexities of forest operations, promoting sustainable practices that harmonize economic efficiency and ecological conservation.

Experiential learning and research

As a Forest Operations student, you’ll:

  • Take part in week-long field schools at two UBC Research Forests in BC: the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge and the Alex Fraser Research Forest in Williams Lake.

Campus features

The award-winning Forest Sciences Centre on UBC’s Vancouver campus offers wireless study space, high-tech classrooms, and labs equipped with the latest technology.

The Faculty of Forestry also has two major research forests in British Columbia, and jointly manages a third, altogether totalling 25,000 hectares or more than 60,000 acres.

Life at UBC's Vancouver campus

Surrounded by 750 hectares of forest, UBC offers the chance to study in a forested environment. Learn from award-winning faculty members in the nature-inspired Forest Sciences Centre, whose main atrium and study area feature giant live plants and a large skylight supported by massive wood beams. As a Faculty of Forestry student, you'll also have access to two research forests for field schools and other learning opportunities.

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Your future

Forest Operations graduates embark on a world of diverse and evolving career opportunities within the forest industry. With additional courses, graduates can also work towards becoming a Professional Engineer (P.Eng), opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities in forestry and related fields. Apply your technical knowledge to address the operational challenges of the industry, contributing to sustainable forest management and maximizing productivity.

Program graduates

  • General Manager, DWB Consulting
  • Vice-President of Sustainability and Chief Forester, TimberWest Forest Corp.
  • Natural Resources Referrals, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
  • Planning Forester, Gorman Bros
  • Project Manager of Haida Gwaii Operations, Chartwell Consultants
  • Principal, B.A. Blackwell & Associates

Program requirements

English-language requirements

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.

General admission requirements

IB Diploma Programme

  • Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.

IB Certificate Courses

  • IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
  • IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.

Degree-specific requirements: Natural Resources

  • IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL. (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable.)
  • One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics (see Related courses below)
  • Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry
  • Grade 11 Biology (see Related courses below)
  • If you intend to major in Wood Products or specialize in Harvest Planning and Engineering (Forest Operations), Physics 11 is strongly recommended.

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.

Related courses

The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in Grade 11 and Grade 12.

  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics and Computation: Calculus is recommended for the Harvest Planning and Engineering specialization.
  • Sciences: Biology 11 or IB Biology HL or SL is strongly recommended for all majors and specializations. IB Physics SL or HL is also recommended for the Wood Products major and the Harvest Planning and Engineering specialization.

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