Natural and Forest Resources and Biodiversity (MSC) at Ilia State University, Tbilisi
Organization Ilia State University
Country: Georgia
Participants Alexander Gavashelishvili Natia Kopaliani Zurab Gurielidze , Otar Abdaladze ,
Summary
Our international and interdisciplinary Master Studies in Natural and Forest Resources and Biodiversity (MSC) aim at developing advanced academic and professional knowledge and skills in nature-, forest- and biodiversity related subject matters, acquiring systematic knowledge of land-, forest, and rangeland ecosystems, nature and renewable biological resources. The studies are strongly cooperating in the international context, offering interesting perspectives for the proactive student. Theory and practice will be conveyed in the relevant international, regional and local contexts. The highly diverse mountain and lowland ecosystems context of Georgia and the Caucasus will serve as a wonderful ground for further education and research.
The studies offer, from the second semester onwards, the two different directions of forests and land ecosystems, which will involve slightly different baskets of subjects: they cover general disciplines such as ‘History, Science and Management of Natural and Forest Resources’, ‘Landscape Physiogeography’, Ecological Site and Soil Assessment’, ‘Ecosystem Biomass and Carbon Assessment and Planning’, and ‘Spatial Analysis and GIS’, but also subjects such as ‘Forest Ecology and Protection’, ‘Dendrology’, ‘Bioenergy, Wood and Non-Wood Products and Goods’, ‘Nature Products Ecology and Management’ or ‘Ecosystems Ecology’, ‘Plant Functional Ecology’ and ‘Behavioural Ecology of Animals’, as components of either direction. Courses such as ‘Forest Management and Operations’, ‘Rangeland Ecology, Assessment and Management’, ‘Plant Diversity of Georgia’, ‘Biodiversity Field Assessment Methods’, ‘Science Communication’, ‘Ecological Modeling’, among others, are offered to students of both directions.
From the end of the 1st semester, students will be getting prepared to develop their Master thesis, for which they are expected to carry out field or laboratory studies from after the 2nd semester onwards.
Master of Science graduates will be prepared to successfully work and contribute to university and research institutions, ministries and governmental agencies, local authorities, consultant enterprises, NGO, national and international organizations related to the environment and the natural resources.
Applicants for MSc studies will have to prove B1 proficiency in English language, as these courses of study involve a high portion of subjects offered in English teaching and/or by foreign Professors.