Executive Certificate in Plantation Silviculture
COURSE INFORMATION
DATES AVAILABLE
10th March – 30th May 2025
CONTACT HOURS
This course runs over 10 weeks, including a 5-day intensive program at Mt Gambier (28th April - 2nd May), 6 x 90-min webinars before the course and 3 x 90-min online tutorial sessions after the intensive program.
MODE
Online and On-Campus
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
There are no formal entry requirements but most participants will have a basic knowledge of the forest industry, forest science and silviculture.
FEES
$4,000.00
Fees are GST free.
This course is not government supported and must be paid in full prior to beginning the course.
Payment should be completed at least two weeks prior the beginning of the course to secure enrolment.
*Note: Full subsidy for course cost is available for many forest companies. Check with your organisation.
Course overview
This course will equip learners with practical skills to plan and implement plantation silviculture. It will encourage broad and strategic thinking about future silviculture systems and how forest industries can adapt to the changing needs of the industry, new markets and the impact of climate change.
Course Content
The course will cover a broad range of topics relevant to plantation silviculture.
These will include:
- Introduction
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- the role of silviculture and forest products
- growth and yield of forest products
- processing and log attributes to guide silviculture
- holistic management; business aspects, documentation/prescriptions, operation management,
- developing strategic and business objectives
- Site selection and preparation for planting
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- species selection focused on market needs
- site assessment and understanding site characteristics
- climate characteristics and variability
- plantation design including for harvesting
- growing stock selection
- carbon sequestration and climate
- Plantation establishment and management
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- factors limiting tree growth
- tree crop establishment
- stand management and inputs
- site treatment tools (mechanical, chemical, nutrient)
- harvesting; management interventions
- Genetics, nursery practice and propagation
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- Species selection; province and seed source
- tree breeding; motivation, systems and elements (e.g. clonal screening).
- nursery propagation systems
- Risk management
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- damage agents; fire, wind, pest and disease
- impacts of damage agents
- management to reduce the risk
- strategies to recover from an impact event
- Economic, environmental, and social aspects
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- growth and yield
- tree / log / wood characteristics
- forest valuation
- financial and economic analysis
- market access; timber legality, certification, wood quality and price.
Course structure
6 x 90 min – Webinars before on-site intensive
5 day intensive course
5 x lecture 8:30 -10:00 am
5 x workshop 10:30 -12 noon
4 x field trip 12:30 – 5:00 pm
Course Schedule
Webinars Pre-Intensive on-site course at Mt Gambier
- Tuesday March 11, 5:00- 6:30 pm
- Tuesday March 18, 5:00- 6:30 pm
- Tuesday March 25, 5:00- 6:30 pm
- Tuesday April 1, 5:00- 6:30 pm
- Tuesday April 8, 5:00- 6:30 pm
- Tuesday April 15, 5:00- 6:30 pm
Onsite Intensive Course at Mt Gambier
Monday April 28 – Friday May 2nd
Mon 8:30 – 10:00 am -Lecture
10:30 -12 noon – Workshop
12:30 – 5:00 pm Field Trip
Tues 8:30 – 10:00 am -Lecture
10:30 -12 noon – Workshop
12:30 – 5:00 pm Field Trip
Wed 8:30 10:00 am -Lecture
10:30 -12 – Workshop
12:30 – 5:00 pm Field Trip
Thurs 8:30 10:00 -Lecture
10:30 -12 noon – Workshop
12:30 – 5:00 pm Field Trip
Fri 8:30 – 10:00 am -Lecture
10:30 -12 noon – Workshop
12:30 pm – Finish
Online Sessions post Mt Gambier intensive
- Tuesday May 13, 5:00- 6:30 pm
- Tuesday May 20, 5:00- 6:30 pm
- Tuesday May 27, 5:00- 6:30 pm
Course Coordinator
Name: Di Patzel
Email: Dianne.Patzel@unisa.edu.au
Phone: 0419 433 356
How to apply
Please fill out the application form and email it to STEM-TeachingLearning@unisa.edu.au.
Additional information
Participants are responsible for the cost of their accommodation and meals at Mt Gambier.
Transport will be provided for field trips. Please bring appropriate PPE (ie. steel cap boots, hard hat and high-vis vest/jacket) and clothing for cool and wet conditions.
