Area
natural Sciences
Sub-Discipline
Earth sciences and environment
Austral University of Chile
- City: Valdivia,
- Commune: Valdivia,
- Region: Los Ríos Region
goals
The program aims to perfect professionals with an interdisciplinary training in the sciences associated with the management and conservation of natural resources, with a solid scientific and technical foundation in the area of forests and the environment; who will be trained to develop scientific studies and propose innovative approaches and solutions in the use, management and conservation of natural resources, and in the sustainable production of forests and associated industries, with a clear understanding of the changing socio-economic and climatic context.
Applicant Profile
In accordance with Article 19 of the General Regulations for Master's Programs at UACh (Annex No. 3.1), the MBMA Program requires applicants to hold the following academic degree for admission: a Bachelor's degree or Professional Title in Natural Resource Conservation Engineering, Renewable Natural Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Forestry Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related degree, the level and content of which are equivalent to those required for a Bachelor's degree (e.g., in areas related to forestry, natural resources, environmental management, biology and botany, and agricultural sciences, among others). The relevance of the academic degree to the Master's program is approved by the Program Committee.
Starting in June 2017, applications to postgraduate programs at the Universidad Austral de Chile are submitted directly through an online application platform (https://secure12.uach.cl/Postgrado/PostulacionAdmision/), maintaining the same admission requirements. The application period is as follows: the closing date for applications is May 30th for programs starting in the second semester and October 30th for programs starting in the first semester.
The program is geared towards outstanding students of any nationality. The application and selection period takes place in the second semester of each year, with students entering the program in March of the following year. Based on faculty availability, a maximum of 20 students will be admitted each year. The admission requirements for academic excellence are: having obtained a final undergraduate GPA of 5.0 or higher, out of a maximum of seven 7.0s or its equivalent; or being within the top 30% of their undergraduate ranking.
Graduate profile
Graduates of the program will possess the generic and specific skills, scientific and technical tools to analyze, synthesize and evaluate the different factors, components and processes associated with the management and conservation of natural resources, with special attention to sustainable forest production and the conservation and restoration of ecosystems where forests are an important part of the territory.
Lines of investigation
The Master of Science in Forests and Environment comprises two main lines of research:
•Management of Natural Forests and Plantations
Under this line is included the management of native forests and plantations and associated production processes, the quantification, monitoring and projection of forest resources, at multiple scales, and the application of methodologies to quantify the cost-benefit of the management of forest resources at the operational and strategic level, and thus support decision-making while meeting the requirements of economic, financial, social and environmental sustainability.
•Conservation and Territorial Management, which includes research areas related to:
This area encompasses biodiversity conservation, including the study of ecosystem dynamics, structure, and function; the dynamics of species and ecosystems associated with anthropogenic and natural disturbances; ecosystem services; and the design of biodiversity conservation and forest restoration plans. This line of research also includes the study of water resource availability and dynamics at different spatial and temporal scales, as well as the effects of human activities and climate change on water quality and quantity.
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