Forestry and Environmental Sciences

The two years MSc Forestry and Environmental Sciences (SFA-LM73) course is intended for students who have a strong interest in forest and natural resources management and who want to develop professional skills in one of the following focus areas:

• sustainable management of forest resources for the provision of multiple socio-economic goods and services (curr. F&A)
• sustainable Mediterranean forestry and natural resources management (curr. MEDfOR)

This course provides the specialised education and interdisciplinary training required for an in-depth knowledge of the relationships between functional processes of forest ecosystems and ecological networks and environmental quality. Accordingly, the course is designed around two MSc course curricula, each targeted to one of the two focus area.

General description

The MSc Forestry and Environmental Sciences course (LM-73) covers a diverse array of scientific focus areas dealing with the analysis and monitoring of forest ecosystems, from both a biological and ecological perspective (forest biotechnology, forest genetics, forest ecophysiology, vertebrates of forest ecosystems, monitoring soil quality, advanced forest pathology). On this basis, students will be taught to deepen further their knowledge on methodological and technical topics related to sustainable forest management (forest economics and policy, forest management planning, forest tree cropping, remote sensing and modelling in forestry, silviculture), and their possible connections with critical environmental challenges of large metropolitan areas (phytoremediation and air quality, soil pollution, urban forestry and urban hydrology). The training framework is complemented by the development of the necessary competencies for the design of engineering systems for soil conservation and wood valorisation processes (applied hydrology, wood products).

The preparation of the final dissertation is particularly central in the programme course. It allows the students to make the most out of the expertise acquired during the MSc, using a problem-solving approach and carrying out their own case studies.

The course consists of two curricula, completely taught in English, designed in close cooperation with other Italian and European universities. The different curricula are designed according to a common training framework, but oriented towards different professional careers.

The curriculum Forests and Environment is the main learning path to complete the formation of the forestry professional profile according to a consolidated group of competences, recognised at national and international level. All the courses will be taught in Viterbo. Field practicals and other training activities will be performed in the laboratories and facilities of DIBAF- University of Tuscia. Furthermore, the students could apply for a mobility period in Europe for study or for traineeship, thanks to a wide network of selected Universities and Research centers and the financial support of the ERASMUS+ programme.

The curriculum Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management – MEDfOR, welcomes students from all over the world (in the last five cycles thanks to the financial support of the Erasmus Mundus – EU programme), interested in expanding their knowledge and competencies in the sustainable management of Mediterranean forests. According to the course regulation, students will get the multiple degree in at least two countries, by attending all the courses of the first year at one of the three universities where these are held: University of Lisbon (Portugal), University of Lleida (Spain), University of Padova (Italy), and the second year in a different partner University and country. As to the second year, MEDfOR students which have been enrolled for the first year in Lisbon or Lleida could choose the MEDFOR curriculum offered at the University of Tuscia, Viterbo, where they will be asked to complete 30 credits (ECTS) and where they can work on their final dissertation (30 ECTS). For the admission see: http://www.medfor.eu/

Employability

Graduates from this course can progress on to relevant employment in public sector organisations, commercial companies and academic institutions both in the EU and overseas. This MSc course may provide also a solid research-based background for continuing study toward the Ph.D.

Career prospects by curriculum

Forests and Environment

Forest managers, forest surveyors, business start-up concerned with forest/natural resources mapping using state-of-the-art remote sensing methodologies, ecological consultants.

Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management – MEDfOR

Forest managers and government officials of all levels concerned with forestry, natural resources management and environmental protection throughout the Mediterranean regions and the world.

II level Master and PhD.

Admission requirements

Students should possess a University undergraduate degree with at least 5 ECTS in each of the following subject areas: Chemistry (CHIM/03/06), Plant biology/Botany (BIO/01-03), Silviculture (AGR/05). In case of foreign degrees and titles, an equivalence criterion will be adopted.

The special admission and enrolment procedures for Multi-Universities MEDfOR course are reported on the web page: http://www.medfor.eu/

English language requirements

TOEFL > 87; IELTS > 5.5; City and Guilds (PITMAN) > IESOL B2 communicator; Cambridge ESOL > FCE; Trinity College London > ISE II; British Institute > ESOL B2. Other language certificates could be assessed by the commission at the time of admission.

Lacking such certification, the student shall take an additional test as part of the Admission Interview.

Additional requirements for International students (extra-EU) – CLOSED

1. born after December 31, 1995;
2. are not current students at the University of Tuscia for First, Single or Second Cycle degree programmes or at any other Italian University;
3. have obtained in the Bachelor’s degree a Grade Point Average upper than a corresponding to 27/30 of the Italian grading system, calculated with the official formula given by the Italian Ministry of Education;
4. hold a Bachelor’s degree or post-secondary qualification issued by a foreign University or a recognized Higher Institution not early than the year 2020.

Assessment of personal competences

The adequacy of skills is assessed through an admission interview in accordance with the current Didactic Regulation for the master’s degree courses. The interview aims to assess the students’ individual knowledge in specific areas considered preparatory to the course: forest ecology and silviculture, forest economy, zoology. Below the topics of the interview.

Forest Ecology and Silviculture

– Environmental factors affecting forest stand growth

– Role of forests in contrasting climate change

– Coppice forest silviculture

– Stand regeneration in canopy gaps

Forest economy

– methods to estimate the market value of small forest properties

– definition and calculation of the stumpage value

– forest ecosystem services

Zoology

– Definition and meaning of the term “biodiversity”

– Difference between eukaryota and prokaryota

– Consequences of the introduction of alien invasive species in native biological communities

Calendar of the interviews for the Academic Year 2024/25

-RESERVED TO EU STUDENTS–

– from July 2024: a detailed calendar will be defined soon –

Only the candidates with the entry requisites will be invited to the interview (online), by email

To register for the interview, candidates must send an email to sfa@unitus.it and Cc s.didat.dibaf@unitus.it, indicating “SFA-LM admission” in the subject and in the text the date proposed for the interview, at least 5 days before that date. Attached to the email, the candidate must send a copy of his/her degree certificate with the exams taken and a short CV in EU format.

As first step the admitted candidates must be registered on the Student platform as explained in the video here.

For the following steps, the student will be contacted by a tutor that will provide the support for the on-line procedures (deadline November 2^nd). All the procedures are on-line!!

In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation EU 2016/679, the University will treat information provided by applicants as confidential: all data provided will be processed exclusively for the purposes to establish and manage the relationship of the student within the University of Tuscia

Tuition fees

Graduation and the final examination

The preparation of the final dissertation is particularly central in the MSc (thesis credits range from 20 to 26 ECTS). Dissertation projects are designed by students, in collaboration with one academic supervisor. A suitable project thesis entails a worthwhile scientific question, of direct relevance to the MSc curriculum being undertaken, that allows the formulation and testing of one or more hypotheses. This normally involves up to 5 months full-time work, typically including: 2-3 months for data collection from the field, laboratory or computer; 1-2 months for data analysis; and 1-2 months for writing-up.

To start the thesis activities the student must present to the DIBAF – Departmental Didactic Secretary the request to work in the internal laboratories or in external research organisations (on the base of a bilateral agreement), using the form which can be downloaded here.

Thesis must be written in English or if requested by the student in Italian (only in the Forests and Environment curriculum).

The dissertation must be defended publicly in front of the Examination Board.

In order to be admitted to the final test, the student must obtain all the necessary credits of the degree programme, with the exception of the dissertation credits.

The Board assigns a grade out of 110. If a top grade is given, the Board may, if unanimous, add ‘cum laude’.

The Degree Board assesses the candidate as a whole, taking into account the student’s career; the participation in international mobility schemes; originality of the thesis and the quality of the oral dissertation, and the time occurred for the completion of the course.

Traineeship

Training apprenticeships periods are part of the learning activities of the MSc. The traineeship consists of a practical activity of 4 credits (100 hours) and it is aimed to support professional choice on the part of the students, through a direct working experience. It must take place during the course of study and shall last not more than 12 months.

Training activities takes place at research laboratories, professional enterprises, public administrations. The list of accredited entities and the forms for the presentation of the Traineeship Learning Project are available at the DIBAF – Departmental Didactic Secretary and on the website of the department.

The students can also propose the enterprise/entity where the traineeship is held, upon verification of the connection between the entity’s activities with the learning program. The agreement and the formation project must be completed before the beginning of the training activities.

Each student/trainee is supervised by an academic tutor and a company tutor who, together with the student and the coordinator of the CdS (Study Council), will sign the training project and the internship documents. The Academic tutor shall: assess the project (objectives and arrangements) and ask for all necessary modifications; maintain regular contacts with the company’s tutor, so to monitor the work; favour the contacts with other academics and/or experts; help the student draft the final report of the internship.

At the end of the training period, students shall write a final report, properly signed by all parts. Their academic tutor will therefore proceed to the final transcription in the student’s record.

The trainee student shall follow all the tutors’ directions and report to them in for all needs.

Training apprenticeships periods are part of the learning activities of the MSc. The traineeship consists of a practical activity of 4 credits (100 hours) and it is aimed to support professional choice on the part of the students, through a direct working experience. It must take place during the course of study and shall last not more than 12 months.

Training activities takes place at research laboratories, professional enterprises, public administrations. The list of accredited entities and the forms for the presentation of the Traineeship Learning Project are available at the DIBAF – Departmental Didactic Secretary and on the website of the department.

The students can also propose the enterprise/entity where the traineeship is held, upon verification of the connection between the entity’s activities with the learning program. The agreement and the formation project must be completed before the beginning of the training activities.

Each student/trainee is supervised by an academic tutor and a company tutor who, together with the student and the coordinator of the CdS (Study Council), will sign the training project and the internship documents. The Academic tutor shall: assess the project (objectives and arrangements) and ask for all necessary modifications; maintain regular contacts with the company’s tutor, so to monitor the work; favour the contacts with other academics and/or experts; help the student draft the final report of the internship.

At the end of the training period, students shall write a final report, properly signed by all parts. Their academic tutor will therefore proceed to the final transcription in the student’s record.

The trainee student shall follow all the tutors’ directions and report to them in for all needs.

Administrative procedures

Click here to download.

The degree Regulations determine the organization and the implementation of the teaching activities of the degree, coherently with the guidelines of the Academic Senate and the DIBAF Council, and in line with the contents of the Statute, the University Regulations and the Department Regulations.

Download the degree regulations in pdf format

Prof. Anna Barbati (MSc Programme Coordinator)
E-mail: barbati.sisfor@unitus.it

Academic Office
E-mail: s.didat.dibaf@unitus.it

The educational activities of the Study Program take place in Viterbo, at the Didactic Center for Agriculture (via San Camillo de Lellis, snc) and the Didactic Center for Sciences (Piazzale dell’Università) of the ‘Riello’ Campus of the University of Tuscia.

Classroom map

Didactic Laboratory – Interdepartmental

Library

The thesis is a write original documents prepared by the MSc student as final exam of his career. The format must be agreed with the supervisor, following the general standard used for scientific publications. The general introduction should include a detailed analysis of the international scientific literature and a clear definition of the objectives of the work. A methodological description, including the statistical analyses of the data, must be included in the core text of the thesis, while detailed data-set or other source of information – methodologies can be included as Annex section.

The results must be presented according to the international standard commonly used in the specific sector of science, as well the discussion should analyse the results in comparison with other relevant studies published in qualified journal/database peer review approach.

Before the intensive experimental activities, normally during the second year (but if related to field activities and seasonal dynamics could start during the second semester of the first year), the student should start to analyse the literature and to define the objectives and the experimental layout. After the end of data collection, the student should reserve at least one month to finalise the thesis writing.

The thesis will be evaluated by a department commission (five members), during the public session for the final discussion. Different sessions are normally available for each academic year, from July to December (plus extra in January and February). The autumn-winter sessions are particularly relevant for the students working in the field or related to seasonal processes.

At least one month before the selected date for the final discussion, the candidate sends a complete draft of the thesis to a reviewer nominated by the Director of the Department. The reviewer could suggest changes and corrections, to be considered in the final version. The reviewer will send his evaluation to the commission.

The final grade of the career is based on 110 points system. A first component is calculated from the two-years weighted average score (eg. 28/30*110 = 102.6 = 103); the second component is assigned by the commission over a maximum of 10 points, on the base of the duration of the study, thesis quality and presentation. If the final result will be over 110 points, the student will obtain an extra: “cum laude”

Administrative Procedures

The catalogue of Master Thesis offer is provided at this link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQHFcuPiV4gnyx3WF-KzxGWZwHz-r0GPpBNYpGJyET0fMQnzKTQMpFVWDvNLOlYiy-MoZjS_1OVttjd/pub

The students of the double degree MDUGI-UGI shared their experience in this video, realised by RUDN University.

Course intro

Management of forests and agroforest soils

Prof. Tommaso Chiti

Video (ENG): https://youtu.be/h9d6sfng_3E

Final exam 28.05.2021 – MSc Thesis presentations

DANIELE VELA

MSc Thesis: Popolazione fungina associata agli ‘ambrosia beetles’ Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky, 1866) e Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford, 1894)

Video (IT): https://youtu.be/QkLlgQ4WLWg

Seduta di laurea del 28.05.2021 – Presentazione elaborato finale

DIEGO PIRAZZI

Laurea: Costi espliciti ed occulti di un intervento selvicolturale in un sito della Rete Natura 2000

Video (IT): https://youtu.be/y0s_PDpCHY8

Final exam 26.03.2021 – MSc Thesis presentations

FRANCESCA ADDUCCI

MSc Thesis: Veteran trees at risk of extinction- genetic characterization of oriental plane trees, within the historical villas of Lazio

Video (ENG): https://youtu.be/gkuQDM6VAbw

MARGHERITA BISCONTRI

MSc Thesis: Isolation and characterization of diterpene synthase genes from Pinus nigra subsp. laricio in Calabria

Video (ENG): https://youtu.be/waRjKfCiY8s

TOMMASO CONSOLANI

MSc Thesis: Caratterizzazione dei grandi incendi nella Penisola Italiana avvenuti nel 2017, tramite analisi dei fattori statici in QGIS

Video (IT): https://youtu.be/WUGsWEwqetY

Seduta di laurea del 26.03.2021 – Presentazione elaborato finale

FEDERICO GENTILI

Laurea: Tecnologie innovative di pre – coltivazione di specie forestali dalla vivaistica alla coltura indoor

Video (IT): https://youtu.be/lAYoutNKYfM