The last years the Faculty of Forestry- and Wildlife Management at Hedmark University

College has received an increased attention from international students. In addition to students

from the Nordic countries that follow our bachelor-programs, we host international students

doing a practical stay in research programs, or that follow our courses taught in English

during the spring. The last years we have hosted students from Germany, USA, Spain and

Slovakia from 3 weeks up to 1 year.

Here we describe an international study program consisting of 30 ECTS credits in Nordic

Forestry- and Wildlife Management taught in English during spring. The present spring

(2005) we taught 7 students (Slovakia, USA and Germany) 4-5 courses in English yielding a

total of 20-25 ECTS credits.

There is a strategy at the faculty to increase study programs taught in English, and to increase

internationalisation in the student environment. The courses in the present study program will

thus be given partly as separate courses taught in English for international students, and partly

in combination with our national students in courses given in the bachelor programs (topics

given both with international and national students will be presented in English).

An international environment improves the quality of our studies, and the English competence

among students and lecturers significantly, which is desirable as English is the scientific

language in our disciplines. It also increases the social environment at the faculty substantially

as international students always are present at the faculty and take part in various

arrangements.

The Faculty of Forestry and Wildlife Management aims at offering studies related to the

sustainable utilisation of forest and outland areas in interior ecosystems with an institutional

area of commitment called ‘Green values’. With Green values we highlight the significance of

nature not only as an economic resource, but also for the wellbeing of humans and the

inherent values of biodiversity. Within our area of commitment we sharpen the research at the

faculty within the area of applied ecology. It is the faculty’s objective to be actively involved

in research programs addressing the applicability of ecological science. It is also the faculty’s

strategy to increase internationalisation through student exchange programs, increased and

improved level of courses taught in English and cooperative research programs with

international institutions.

The study program in Nordic Forestry- and Wildlife Management aims at introducing

students to:

· The Nordic view in management of forests and wildlife;

· Existing conflicts between man and the environment in the interior landscapes of the

Nordic countries, with regard to environmental issues, husbandry, economics and rural

development.

· Current issues and scientific methods in forestry- and wildlife management.

We primarily target international students and professionals that have a dedicated interest in

wildlife and the interaction between man and the environment. Herein we target international

professionals that will extend their competence to Nordic environments.

The study is a full time basic study at the bachelor level extending 5 months and consisting of

30 ECTS credits. The study is given each spring (from mid-January to mid-June).

The study may be used as part of a bachelor degree.

In combination with other studies that complete a bachelor degree, Nordic Forestry- and

Wildlife Management will improve the students’ ability to apply occupations within forestryand

wildlife management, and in particular such occupations with an international

perspective.

We offer various courses that can be combined to complete the present study program of 30

ECTS (see below). However, except Practice in Applied Ecology, and Introduction to GIS we

require at least 6 applying students before be offer the individual courses.

Students may choose from the following courses (5 ECTS each):

· Wildlife Management

· Carnivore ecology and management

· Nordic ecosystems and nature guiding

· Silviculture

· Freshwater fishery ecology

· Forest engineering

· Practice in applied ecology

The librarian will at the start of the study introduce the students to the library, and to various

databases that can supplement the student with scientific information.

This competence will follow throughout the study in all courses as the students are themselves

supposed to acquire information in connection to seminars they will give in oral, and

exercises they will report in writing.

The present study is part of the faculty’s international programme. Students may participate in

the course International Nature Management which organises study trips abroad. No further

international stay will be arranged.

Teaching will be in the form of lectures, practice in the field and seminars. Students are

expected to take part in the organisation of seminars and collaborative work in study groups.

See description of courses below.