UENR DEPARTMENT OF FOREST SCIENCE

The Department of Forest Science is one of the four Departments of the School of Natural Resources which, provides a strong and vibrant ‘Technologians’ leadership to steer the affairs of natural resources sectors in area of science, policy and practice. The trained leaders are equipped to address challenges and create opportunities in the natural resources arena from critical and analytical perspectives.
Our philosophy: Using a strong partnership approach, prepare future leaders and provide solutions in the conservation and sustainable management of forests and other natural resources.
The vision and mission of the Department is in line with that of the School of Natural Resources (SNR) and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), which are:
Vision: To empower human resources with requisite knowledge and skills in Wood Science, Social Forestry, Gender Responsiveness in Natural Resources, Environmental Governance and Forest Resource Management that will improve the wellbeing of Forest Users and ensure Sustainable Forest Management.
Mission: Provide science-based research, instruction, and extension that supports forest conservation and management in an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable fashion
Our Programmes
Undergraduates Programmes
Currently, the Department runs undergraduate programmes in Natural Resources earning a degree in BSc. Natural Resources with options
in Social Forestry, Forest Resource Management and Wood Science and Forest Products.
Students’ Industrial Attachment
As part of the University’s vision of training its students to be practically efficient in the various fields of studies, the Department organizes a one SEMESTER compulsory industrial attachment programme for all third year students. The students are attached to the various institutions/firms in their study areas to get hands-on training in the job market. This program together with other specially tailored field practical programs gives our students an added advantage in terms of enhancing their practical understanding with regards to the skills which are solicited for in the job market.
Some institutional collaborators for students’ attachment
Some out-station organizations which are already in collaboration with the Department include:
i. Forestry Commission Offices – Nationwide
ii. Environmental Protection Agency – Nationwide
iii. Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) – Fumesua
iv. Soil Research Institute – Kwadaso, Kumasi
v. Cocoa Research Institute – New Tafo
vi. Plant Genetic Research Centre – Bunso
vii. Samartex Timber & Plywood Company
viii. United Nations University-Institute for Natural Resources in Africa
The annual output of such collaboration is fashioned out in 4 core objectives:
1. To provide hands on experience to students
2. To research into innovative and problem areas of out-station institution
3. To enhance research/ collaboration between the Department and Other institutions.
4. To present students with potential job placement opportunities in out-station organizations.
Field training in the Forest
Undergraduate students in this Department just like other students in Natural Resources have the opportunity to undertake at least two weeks field training at Bosankro in Tinte Bepo forest reserve in the Brong Ahafo Region. During this period students are trained in forest inventory and tree identification.
Upcoming Postgraduate and Professional Programs
I. MPhil Social Forestry and Environmental Governance
II. Masters in Business Administration in Natural Resources
III. MSc. Forestry Extension and Rural Development
IV. MSc. Natural Resource, Gender and Development
V. Natural Resources Professional Development
Potential Career Opportunities
Students completing undergraduate and graduate programmes in this Department will have diverse opportunities such as:

Short, Medium and Long term plans

Developing Strategic plan for the Department
Developing Masters and PhD programmes in collaboration with other Departments and Institutions in and outside the University
Developing Professional Development Skills Training Manuals
Establishing strong partnership with organisations and firms in natural resources arena to enhance the job placement of our students.
Developing module in soft skills non-credit courses in the area of interpersonal skills, Resume/bio/CV development, public speaking and communication to enhance the marketability of our graduate in the business world.
Creating Entrepreneurial centre for students to have additional business skills to establish their own jobs and recruit others.

Academic Staff in the Department
The Forest Science Department boasts of multidisciplinary staff members with background and expertise in Governance, Ecology, Social Forestry, Agro forestry, Enterprise Development, Gender responsiveness, Wood Science, Policy and law.