Forests provide us not only with lush greenery that is essential for the survival of humankind but also with indispensable necessities and resources. The Department of Forest Science offers a multifaceted study of forest ecosystems and the ideas and practices that make our lives in the city sustainable and prosperous from the perspectives of social and natural sciences. The goal is to acquire knowledge and skills to address issues that are related to the effective use of forest resources and conservation of the natural environment.
How to achieve a sustainable society
Forests are important for the realization of a sustainable society, providing incredible value as a circulating ecosystem. For example, the curriculum covers the production of clean energy and the realization of a decarbonized society through the use of forest biomass; areas of public interest such as biodiversity, environmental conservation, and disaster prevention; and eco-education, recreation, and healing services. Students learn how to identify, respond to, and solve problems toward a more sustainable society and the achievement of development goals.
What can you learn in a real forest?
The training forests located throughout the country are the primary setting for hands-on training and research. Students will learn about the names and characteristics of trees, the interactions between organisms and the environment, and the structure of ecosystems through practical training in diverse types of forests, including the Yakumo Experiment Forest in Hokkaido, the Minakami Experiment Forest in Gunma Prefecture, and the Fujisawa Experiment Forest located adjacent to the campus. By conducting experiments using materials obtained directly from forests and analyzing the data, students can learn about the characteristics and functions of forests scientifically, from the microscale to the macroscale.
Become a person who shapes the future with the "Blessings of the Forest"
Forestry science allows one to work in occupations that deal with the forest itself (e.g., nature guides, tourism, and arborists), occupations that utilize resources and materials from the forests in urban settings (e.g., housing, building materials, pulp and paper, and energy), and sectors that conserve and utilize forest services (e.g., civil service, education, and welfare). The knowledge acquired through this curriculum is also required in a wide range of non-forestry fields that wish to take advantage of the benefits of forests; this increases the need for personnel with a comprehensive knowledge of forestry.
