Programme Structure of Forest Science

Semester I

  1. DZG101(Dzongkha)
  2. ACS101(Academic Skills): This module aims to develop the knowledge and understanding of a range of academic skills required for study at university level. The module will focus on the development of academic writing, oral presentation, as well as listening skills to enable students to communicate effectively in both spoken and written forms. The module will enhance their learning throughout their studies at university and beyond, through close reading, discussions and critiquing of academic texts. Further, it will also enhance students’ capacity to critically reflect on their own learning.
  3. BOT101(Forest Botany): The module provides knowledge on morphology, systematic classification, taxonomy, and identification characteristics of different plants and families. Use of flora for identification of plants is emphasized. Student will also be equipped with the knowledge to collect and preserve plant materials in Herbaria.
  4. SVY101(Forest Survey): This module offers students with the basic knowledge and skills on surveying, mapping and demarcation of forest areas for preparation of plan, management, protection and utilization of forests.
  5. SIL101(Fundamentals of Silviculture): The module will provide theoretical and practical knowledge on different types of forest, influence of locality factors on the growth of forest trees, dynamics of forests, regeneration and various tending operations. Students will be familiarized with different types of stand and regeneration both from seeds and vegetative parts.

Semester II

  1. EXT101(Communication & Extension): The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the importance of communication and extension in rural development. It will enable students to develop effective communication skills, besides acquainting them with the various extension tools for the dissemination of innovations.
  2. SSC101(Soil Science): The module aims to provide the students with fundamental knowledge of soil science covering the different aspects of soil pedology and edaphology. This deals with soil formation processes, soil components, soil classification, soil biology, physical and chemical properties of soil. It also covers on different soil sampling methods, types of land degradation and on soil health quality. Relevant laboratory activities will be conducted to support students’ understanding of concepts that have been introduced in the module.
  3. SIL102(Applied Silviculture): The module will provide theoretical background and practical skills on application of different silvicultural systems, it will also offer knowledge on silvicultural characteristics of important, selected species of Bhutan.This module will aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills in operation and management of forestry nursery and plantation.
  4. NRM101(Introduction to Agro – Forestry & Watershed Management)
  5. EVS101(Environmental Science): This module aims to familiarize student with major components of environment and emerging environmental issues, environmental toxicology, pollution and its impacts and controls. Additionally, students will be made aware of Environmental Impact Assessment and existing EIA guidelines in Bhutan.

Semester I

  1. ECN201: Farm Economics and Marketing
  2. PWK201: Project Work I
  3. NRM202(Forest Menstrution): The aim of the module is to make the student competent in measuring tree diameter, girth, crown, height, and volume correctly for the felled and standing trees.
  4. PRT201(Forest Protection): The module will provide the student with the knowledge about the different biotic and abiotic factors that causes damages to the forest and the measures to protect the forest from these factors through prevention or otherwise through remedial action.
  5. NRM203: Forest Resources Management

Semester II

  1. PWK202: Project Work II
  2. ATT201(Field Attachment): Students will gain practical experience in the field of their future professional career as RNR extension agent or forester in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Forestry sector through “on the job training”. Students will initiate and develop innovative ideas based on the socioeconomic and bio-physical conditions of a village as a change agent.
  3. CSC201(Wildlife Science): This module introduces students with the basic concepts of wildlife science. It provides students with knowledge on classification of different wild animals, their behaviour, habitat requirements and importance of protected areas.
  4. PRT202(Forest Law and Policy): This module provides the student with knowledge on forest policy, act and rules, on planning, management, utilization and protection of forest produce. It also updates students on notification, revision, and changes in rules.
  5. GIS201(Geographical Information System): This module provides student with concepts and hands-on practice on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). The module also provides brief concept on Remote Sensing (RS) and the applications of satellite imageries for land use and change mapping, and relate its applications in conjunction with GIS and GPS.
  6. SOF201(Social Forestry): The module will provide student with general concepts in socialforestry and knowledge on important steps involved in preparation and implementation of management plan. In addition, student will manage community and private forestry by applying appropriate silvicultural treatments to ensure sustainable community forest management. They will also be introduced to landscaping and urban forestry.

Semester I

  1. MGT301(Organizational Management & Leadership): This module provides the basis for understanding leadership and management how it influences organizational management and performance. It explains the importance of first creating selfawareness to develop interpersonal effectiveness in managing the tasks. The module will equip the students with the knowledge and skills to develop into effective and successful leaders and to manage their personal and organizational situations.
  2. EDP101(Entrepreneurship Development): The module will enable students to kindle the spirit of enterprise in themselves, evaluate and develop their skills, and motivate them to consider entrepreneurship as a career option. The module intends to enable students to assess the Bhutanese labour market, economy, and equip them with ability to identify business ideas, spot business opportunities, develop business model and business plan/proposal.
  3. GES301: Geological Formation and Vegetation
  4. ECL301(Forest Ecology): This module will introduce the students to various ecological zones of Bhutan, identify and describe the role and importance of forest structure and how it influences biodiversity. The course emphasizes on dynamic nature of forest, role of natural and human disturbances and their effects on biodiversity conservation and ecological stability. Students will be also introduced to successions types, ecological principles and different biomes of the world.
  5. NRM304: CBNRM & Non Timber Forest Products

Semester II

  1. STS301(Statistics): This module aims at providing basic knowledge and skills in compiling and coding of data, analyses of data, interpreting results of analyses and presentation of results in the form of tables, figures short writings. The students will be introduced with the knowledge and skills of using R and SPSS software besides the use of Excel spreadsheet.
  2. RES301(Research Methods): This module equips students with necessary knowledge and skills of research methods needed in carrying out case studies, experiments and social surveys and write technical reports. It includes the concepts of research, data collection procedures, case studies and survey methods, research designs, experimental research designs, and scientific writing.
  3. BOT302: Systematiic Botany and Ethnobotany
  4. NRM305(Forest Management and Planning): This module provides basic knowledge and skills on sustainable forest management and forest management planning. This will also allow the students to discuss and review the theoretical principles, practices and policies related to sustainable forest management.
  5. NRM306(Integrated Watershed Management): This module introduces students to concept of Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) and skills required to write IWM plan. This will help students understand water resources management. It covers the basic concepts of watershed and springshed management.

Semester I

  1. GIS402(GIS & Remote Sensing): This module provides student with concepts and hands-on practice on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). The module also provides brief concept on Remote Sensing (RS) and the applications of satellite imageries for land use and change mapping, and relate its applications in conjunction with GIS and GPS.
  2. DEN401(Wood Anatomy & Dendrochronology): To provide knowledge and skills upon academic and practical uses of tree growth limiting factors, structural organization, wood anatomical formation, annual tree-ring features of both conifer and broad-leaved tree species and their relation to dendrochronology, forests and climate. To provide skills in applications of dendrochronology for dating tree-rings, reconstructing past climate, reconstructing fire history, building tree growth-climate relationship, establishing geomorphological and hydrological events for the use in forestry research, ecology, silviculture and management.
  3. CSC402(Applied Conservation Science): This module introduces students with basic concepts and skills in applied conservation science. It provides knowledge and skills in assessment and conservation of biodiversity. Students will be able to use some of the most popular conservation techniques used in biodiversity conservation.
  4. NRM407(Natural Resources Economics & Ecotourism): This module provides theoretical knowledge and skills needed to understand the supply, demand and allocation of natural resources, and cost benefit analysis of forests. Students will understand the values of ecosystem services to rural communities and nature conservation. The module will equip students to evaluate environmental projects using policy instruments.
  5. ECL402(Wetland & Freshwater Ecology): This module introduces students with the basic principles of wetlands and freshwater ecology. Students will also appreciate the value of the freshwater and wetland ecosystems and the threats. The module will provide knowledge on how to assess the health of wetlands and freshwater ecosystems, either through the use of biological components as indicators, environmental parameters or analysis of water quality.

Semester II

  1. RES402(Research Project): This module is designed to provide students with the understanding and first-hand experience of carrying out a research project by applying concepts/theories and practice by integrating multiple sources of information and testing their analytical skills. It will allow the students to specialize to some extent in a given field of study.