GRADUATE EDUCATION- the advanced training of tomorrow's scientists and leaders - is a critical part of our mandate in the Faculty of Forestry, and one in which we are particularly successful.
In addition to developing top-notch disciplinary expertise, our graduate students are exposed to issues and ideas across the spectrum of forestry, and so leave with the specialized training and broad understanding needed to develop creative solutions to the complex problems they will face in their careers.
Forestry Gradudate students are engaged in research that runs the gamut of forestry-related topics which our faculty members investigate.
We are also actively working on the development of two new course-based Masters programs: the Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) degree and the Master of International Forestry (MIF) degree.
The Faculty of Forestry offers graduate courses in which students can hone their technical writing and oral presentation skills, and a core course in which students are informed about many aspects of forestry in British Columbia. A broad suite of graduate-level courses are offered by members of the Faculty of Forestry and our colleagues across campus.
Graduate students are also encouraged to attend the many research seminars offered in the Faculty and other units on campus. Workshops specifically designed for graduate students are offered each year, including writing scholarships and grant applications, publishing, and teaching. Additional workshops on advanced writing and linking science to policy are planned for this year. The Forestry Graduate Student Association (FGSA) also organizes monthly social events and sporting activities for graduate students to make sure students enjoy their time at UBC.
One aspect of the Forestry Graduate Program of which we are particularly proud is our success in attracting graduate students from around the world. 52% of our students are from countries other than Canada, and we have students from 38 different countries, making Forestry one of the most culturally diverse graduate programs at UBC. We assist incoming international students with the transition to life in Vancouver and at UBC by matching each with a current student from the same country or region.
The FGSA runs an informal seminar series ("Global Tea House") in which graduate students discuss forests and forestry in their native country. Given the global nature of modern forestry, the experience our students gain by working with colleagues from around the world is a subtle but effective means of creating the global citizens that UBC aspires to produce.
WINNER OF THE PETER LARKIN AWARD
The Peter Larkin Award is given by the UBC Campus Advisory Board on Student Development to a graduate/post baccalaureate program that has had a significant positive impact on student life and student development at the University of British Columbia.
This award reflects the Faculty of Forestry's commitment to being a leading centre for graduate education and research in forestry in the world. The award acknowledges the outstanding support that our faculty and staff provide to our graduate students, and the rich academic experience that they receive.