Forestry and Environmental Sciences

What is the objective of the course? What is it?
What does it train you for?

The Forestry and Environmental Sciences Bachelor's Degree programme prepares graduates who are competent and able to work in the field of forest, land and environmental management, using modern, advanced and sustainable approaches, methods and techniques.

Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to manage the forest and rural area, to guarantee and enhance the various ecosystem services it provides, to combat hydrogeological instability, to combat climate change, to prevent and fight forest fires, to manage the wood supply chain, tourism and recreation and, last but not least, to protect and defend natural resources and biodiversity.

The graduate has a multidisciplinary vision of the forest and rural environment, with a distinct and unique ability to read, interpret and develop the needs and resources of the territories in which he/she works.

To obtain the final qualification, the student must have acquired 180 CFU, divided into 19 compulsory examinations, a foreign language test, activities chosen by the student (12 CFU), an internship carried out in companies in the sector, 3 CFU for professional activities.

In addition to classroom lectures, there are numerous practical, laboratory and field activities.

The degree entitles the student to register in Section B of the Professional Register of the Order of Agronomists and Foresters, after passing the State Examination.

What do you learn?

In addition to basic knowledge in mathematics, chemistry and plant biology, the Forestry and Environmental Sciences graduate will acquire knowledge and skills in plant morphology, anatomy and physiology, taxonomy, diagnosis of the main plant diseases and their possible prevention, economic aspects of forestry and the environment, mechanisation and forest operations (including the design and management of construction sites and safety), prevention of hydrogeological instability and therefore hydraulic-forestry systems for soil protection and conservation, surveying and cartographic representation of the territory.

In addition, forest ecology, dendrometry, silviculture and forest management, subjects that characterise the competences of the Forestry Doctor, are studied in detail. 25% of the teaching time is devoted to exercises, workshops and study visits organised in the regional and national territory.

The graduate learns to plan and design interventions in the following areas:

• Sustainable management and enhancement of the forest and environmental heritage;
• Defence of forests and the environment against biotic and abiotic adversities;
• Protection against hydrogeological instability;
• Advice to companies (public and private), also with a view to obtaining European funding;
• Timber and forest products industry;
• Forest fire prevention and control.

What can you do with it?

The course council accompanies the graduates' entry into the world of work with placement actions such as curricular and extra-curricular placements, the organisation of events dedicated to work — Green Job Day —, the organisation of seminars and meetings with the world of work and the establishment of agreements with public and private organisations.

Main professional opportunities (but not limited to)

• Freelance work: independent, but also in multidisciplinary teams;
• Start-up: a way to conquer the market;
• Self-employment: creation and management of businesses operating in mountain, forestry and rural areas;
• Consulting and planning activities: for public and private companies, also in the development of green business;
• Public and private institutions: to take care of the health and protection of the territory and to enhance natural resources;
• Implementation of EU programmes to improve the quality of the environment in rural and forest areas;
• Public administrations;
• NGOs: at the service of the environment.

Registration in the Professional Register of Agronomists and Foresters, Section B (Junior Graduates) is possible after passing the State Examination.

Continuation of studies is guaranteed in the Master's Degree in “Agroengineering and Forestry Science and Technology”.

Further information can be found on the Facebook and Instagram pages 'Scienze Forestali — Unipa'.