Overview of teaching practices
The Forestry Department at Nelson Mandela University pairs a century of expertise with a progressive vision, equipping students to thrive in an ever-evolving global forestry landscape. Situated in the biodiverse Southern Cape, the department offers career-driven qualifications from the Diploma to PhD level that are tailored to industry needs while addressing critical global sustainability priorities within the forestry sector and beyond.
Our programmes stand out for their technical excellence, integrating traditional forestry principles with advancements in areas such as modern forest operations, geo-spatial analysis, data-driven management systems and entrepreneurship. Through innovative educational approaches, such as challenge-based, project-oriented, and problem-focused learning, students actively tackle real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and cultivating industry readiness with an innovation-driven mindset.
Forestry education at Nelson Mandela University extends beyond conventional practices, shaping professionals who are technical experts that have essential leadership, negotiation, and socio-economic skills. Strategic collaborations with industry, government, and communities provide invaluable work-integrated learning experiences, bridging the divide between theoretical knowledge and its application. Initiatives like
Forest21 exemplify our commitment to fostering collaborative and transformative education, equipping graduates to make a meaningful impact immediately upon entering the workforce.
This comprehensive foundation ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address socio-ecological complexities, spearhead sustainable initiatives and contribute to regenerative economies and advance sustainability objectives on multiple scales.
Join the Forestry Department at Nelson Mandela University and become part of a tradition that seamlessly merges academic excellence with innovation. Empower yourself to lead in forestry and natural resource management, making a lasting contribution to green economies and sustainable practices worldwide.
Excursions and structured practical
Forest Engineering Excursion
Objectives of excursion: The excursion exposes students to various harvesting methods and harvesting systems used to produce timber to the require market requirements. Furthermore, students are taught about terrain conditions and the impacts of harvesting equipment on the site.
Fire Excursion
Objectives of excursion: The excursion exposes students to planning, various fire fighting resources, and practical firefighting tactics
Silviculture excursion
Objectives of excursion: The excursion exposes students to basic tree breeding and seedling production and various nursery practices
Forest Management excursion (final year tour)
Objectives of excursion: The excursion exposes 3rd year forestry students to the forestry value chain activities such as silviculture, environmental practices, fire protection, harvesting and timber processing
Guest Lectures
Module/Specialization: Forest Engineering Guest lectures are delivered annually by companies such as John Deere and Tigercat
Guest lecture field: Forest Engineering and technology
Teaching matrial Books, Manuals, Popular articles
Teaching materials
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South African Ground based Harvesting Handbook
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South African Forestry handbook
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South Africa Forest Road Handbook
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Fire Managers Handbook on Veld and Forest Fires
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Soil classification – A taxonomic System for South Africa