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Bachelor in Sustainable Tropical Forestry

Prepare for leadership in forestry, conservation, resource management, and sustainable development through science, field learning, and community-focused forestry practice.

Program Overview

The Department of Sustainable Tropical Forestry (DSTF) is one of four departments within the School of Natural Resources. It offers a four-year degree in Sustainable Tropical Forestry and is committed to excellence in teaching, research, technology transfer, and service.

Committed to Sustainable Forest Management

The department is committed to the sustainable use, management, and wise utilization of forest resources as renewable assets for current and future generations.

Entry Requirements

About the Department

DSTF provides teaching, research, community training, and technical expertise in tropical forestry across Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific region.

Our Department Team

  • Four qualified academic staff.
  • Three technical personnel.
  • One administrative staff member.
  • Strong academic, sectoral, and industry experience.

Our Objectives

  • Train forestry experts to meet industry expectations.
  • Support the transition away from all-round log exports.
  • Increase downstream processing and processed timber output in PNG.
  • Strengthen sustainable land use and forest resource management.

Program Structure and Majors

Students complete common foundation courses in Years 1 and 2, then specialize from Year 3 through Year 4 in one of five strands.

Major 1

Forestry Sciences and Technology

Develop technical and scientific capability for sustainable forestry systems and utilization.

Major 2

Forestry Management and Nature Conservation

Focus on forest stewardship, conservation practice, and ecosystem protection.

Major 3

Forest Carbon Science and Policy Management

Study forest carbon systems, climate policy, and environmental governance.

Major 4

Regional Development and Sustainability

Explore forestry in relation to communities, development planning, and sustainability.

Major 5

Forest Engineering and Harvesting

Build capability in timber operations, harvesting systems, and forest engineering methods.

Course Structure

Selected courses from Year 1 to Year 4.

  • Semester 1: SFS 111 Introduction to Forestry
  • Semester 1: STA 112 Applied Biology
  • Semester 1: STA 113 Applied Chemistry
  • Semester 1: STA 114 Communication Skills
  • Semester 1: SIT 114 Introduction to ICT
  • Semester 2: STA 121 Applied Physics
  • Semester 2: STA 122 Applied Math’s
  • Semester 2: STA 123 Forest Ecology
  • Semester 2: SLP 121 NRC and Utilization
  • Semester 1: SFS 212 Forest Product & Utilization
  • Semester 1: SFS 213 Forest Botany & Dendrology
  • Semester 1: STA 211 Principles of Soil Science
  • Semester 1: STA 212 Introduction to Statistics
  • Semester 2: SFS 224 Natural & Plantation Forest Silviculture
  • Semester 2: SFS 225 GIS for Natural Resources Management
  • Semester 2: SFS 226 Catchment Management
  • Semester 2: SFS 227 Forest Management & Environment Ecosystem Service
  • Semester 1: SFS 111 Forest Resource Inventory & Assessment
  • Semester 1: STA 311 Statistics
  • Semester 1: STA 313 Extension Methods
  • Semester 1: M 314 Small Business Planning
  • Semester 2: A322 Research Methods
  • Semester 2: SFS 323 Sustainable Use of NTFP & Wood Science
  • Semester 2: F 324 Sustainable Palm Oil Production
  • Semester 2: SFS 325 Civics & Ethics
  • Semester 1: F413 Forests Policy, Law and Administration
  • Semester 1: F414 Forests Economics
  • Semester 1: F411 Agroforestry Systems & Community Forestry
  • Semester 1: A 412 Industry Project
  • Semester 1: A413 Entrepreneurship & Leadership
  • Semester 2: A 421 Plant/Tree Breeding and Biotechnology
  • Semester 2: A 427D Special Research Project 2
  • Semester 2: F 422 Certification and Legality in Forestry
  • Semester 2: F 425 REDD+ & Global Carbon Marketing
  • Semester 2: F426 Forest Management & Environmental Planning

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for admission.

  • Grade 12 Higher School Certificate or equivalent.
  • Grade B or better in Language and Literature.
  • Maths A or Maths B.
  • At least two of the three science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
  • One additional subject.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Career Pathways

Graduates are prepared for diverse careers across natural resource management, environmental conservation, sustainable development, and forestry industries.

Forestry

Forestry Management & Conservation

Career options include Forest Manager, Conservationist, Agroforestry Specialist, and Wildlife Biologist.

Policy

Climate & Environmental Policy

Graduates may work as Climate Analysts and Policy Advisors to shape environmental and conservation strategies.

Industry & Research

Resource Management and Development

Pathways include Operations Manager, Renewable Energy Specialist, Researcher, Professor, and International Advisor.

Department Contact

Contact the Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, for admissions and program enquiries.

Mailing Address

Department of Forestry
School of Natural Resources
Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment
Private Mail Bag, Kokopo
East New Britain Province

Phone & Email

Main Switchboard: 987 1200
Admissions: studentadmin@unre.ac.pg
General Enquiries: publicrelations@unre.ac.pg

Apply Today

Join UNRE’s commitment to the sustainable and responsible use of forest resources for current and future generations.

Apply Now

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