These processes often lead to ecological degradation by genetic loss, disturbance of biotic and abiotic cycles, soil deterioration, erosion and flooding. MSc graduates in Tropical Forestry have to be able to counter these degradational processes where possible, and to reverse degradation, even when it is already at an advanced stage. The MSc students will have to rethink, enrich or discard many concepts and techniques from traditional forestry. Depending on their viewpoint and the nature of the problems encountered, foresters can choose to specialise in aspects of ecology and forest management, or to put more emphasis on the requirements and needs of local people at the level of family or household, village, district, or region. The Silviculture and Forest Ecology specialisation focuses on tropical forests and trees as living systems and on methods to use them sustainably to the benefit of specific user groups.
Silviculture is viewed as applied ecology.
In addition to forest ecology, attention is paid to the protection and management of natural and semi-natural forests and to agroforestry. The Social Forestry specialisation prepares the student for involving local people more closely in forestry and tree growing. The corollary is that multiple forest use and multiple user groups are linked, so various kinds of knowledge systems relating to forest management are studied. Students may specialise in social, economic, extension or policy aspects. Educated as an agronomist she knew little about forestry.