The Master of Applied Science (MAS) in Forest Biomaterials Science and Engineering (FBMSE) at Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST) is a two-year, research-based postgraduate program focused on the scientific study, processing, and sustainable use of forest resources.
The program combines forest biomaterials science, materials engineering, natural products chemistry, wood technology, and applied research. It addresses the development of useful products from timber, non-timber forest products, and biomass, with particular attention to Nepal's forest-based industries.
Students undertake scientific coursework, technical electives, laboratory activities, and supervised thesis research. The academic structure connects material properties, processing methods, forest resource management, and product development.
The program is offered at MBUST's campus in Chitlang, Thaha Municipality, Makawanpur District, Bagmati Province, Nepal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Master of Applied Science in Forest Biomaterials Science and Engineering |
| Abbreviation | MAS in FBMSE |
| University | Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST) |
| Academic Level | Master's |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Academic Structure | 4 semesters |
| Curriculum Credits | 52 |
| Study Mode | Full-time, research-based |
| Major Areas | Forest Biomaterials, Wood Science, Natural Products, Materials Engineering, Biomass Utilization |
| Research Component | Laboratory research and supervised thesis |
| Eligibility | Four-year Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology with minimum CGPA 2.75/4.0 or international equivalent |
| Location | Chitlang, Makawanpur, Bagmati Province, Nepal |
The MAS in Forest Biomaterials Science and Engineering examines how forest resources can be studied, processed, and developed into materials and products through scientific and engineering methods.
The program covers timber and non-timber forest resources, including wood-based materials, medicinal and aromatic plants, biological materials, natural compounds, and biomass.
Its academic focus extends from the identification and characterization of raw materials to their processing, modification, testing, and potential applications.
Research also considers the relationship between forest resource use, industrial applications, material performance, and conservation.
The program connects biological resources with materials science, chemical engineering, computational methods, and wood technology. Students investigate properties and processing techniques relevant to forest-derived materials rather than concentrating exclusively on conventional forestry management.
The MAS in FBMSE aims to develop scientific knowledge and independent research competencies in forest biomaterials and related engineering subjects.
Its principal objectives include:
Developing knowledge of forest biomaterials science, materials engineering, and forest resource utilization.
Applying scientific methods to timber, non-timber forest products, and biomass.
Studying processing technologies and methods for improving forest-derived materials.
Conducting laboratory experiments and evaluating research findings.
Examining product development and industrial applications of forest resources.
Applying research methods to problems associated with sustainable resource use.
Developing scientific communication and thesis-writing competencies.
The program also incorporates field visits, collaborative projects, and practical research activities into its academic approach.
The MAS follows a four-semester structure consisting of core coursework, a technical elective, compulsory non-credit subjects, and thesis research.
The first semester provides the principal scientific and research foundation. The second introduces advanced biomaterials study, elective coursework, and thesis research.
The third and fourth semesters concentrate on supervised thesis work.
| Course Code | Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FB-CR-501 | Fundamentals of Forest Biomaterials | 4 |
| FB-CR-502 | Foundational Forest Biomaterials Study | 4 |
| GC-CR-502 | Research Methodology and Data Mining | 3 |
| GC-CR-501 | Development Policy | 3 |
| Total | 14 |
The first semester develops foundational knowledge of forest biomaterials alongside research methods and development policy.
Students examine scientific principles relevant to forest-derived materials and acquire preparation for later laboratory and thesis research.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FB-CR-550 | Advanced Topics in Sustainable Bioproducts | 4 |
| FB-EL-XXX | Technical Elective I | 4 |
| FB-TH-999 | Thesis | 4 |
| FB-NC-551 | Forest Conservation and Management | 0 |
| GC-NC-551 | Entrepreneurship, Scientific Communication and Leadership | 0 |
| Total | 12 |
The second semester includes advanced scientific study and an elective related to the student's research interests.
Thesis work also begins during this semester, connecting specialized coursework with supervised investigation.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FB-TH-999 | Thesis | 13 |
| Total | 13 |
The third semester focuses on research related to the student's selected thesis topic.
Students investigate the research problem through appropriate scientific methods, laboratory activities, analysis, and interpretation of findings.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FB-TH-999 | Thesis | 13 |
| Total | 13 |
The final semester continues the thesis research component and supports completion of the student's independent research work.
The FBMSE curriculum includes technical electives addressing specialized aspects of forest materials, processing, conservation, and engineering.
Identified elective subjects include:
Mechanics of Biomaterials and Bio-Composites
Bonding and Adhesion Sciences and Technology
Wood Drying, Grading, Finishing, Treatment, Seasoning and Protection
Non-Timber Forest Products Processing and Value Addition
Extraction and Characterization of Essential Oils and Secondary Metabolites
Bioenergy, Bio-Carbon, and Biorefinery
Biological Treatment and Conversion of Biomass
Utilization of Forest Products such as Bamboo
Engineered Design and Construction
Conservation of Landscape and Biodiversity
Advanced Biomaterial Development and Protection
Elective selection supports the student's academic specialization and thesis research.
Research in timber products examines the physical characteristics, processing, preservation, and potential applications of wood.
The subject includes timber preservation, treatment technologies, wood product development, material assessment, and grading methods.
Research also addresses engineered wood products and the behavior of wood materials under different conditions.
Non-timber research examines forest resources other than conventional timber.
Areas include medicinal and aromatic plants, natural colorants, natural compounds, biological materials, and products derived from plant resources.
This research connects forest resource identification with extraction, characterization, processing, and product development.
Biomaterials research investigates materials derived from biological resources and their potential engineering applications.
The program includes work related to biomaterials chemistry, composite materials, biomass utilization, material modification, and nanotechnology.
Research in these areas may involve studying material characteristics and assessing methods for improving performance or developing alternative products.
Computational chemistry provides methods for investigating chemical properties and interactions through computational techniques.
Within forest biomaterials research, this area contributes to the scientific study of materials, natural compounds, and related chemical systems.
MBUST's Forest Biomaterials research facilities include four specialized laboratories:
Natural Products Laboratory
Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory
Wood Science Laboratory
Computational Chemistry Laboratory
These laboratories correspond with the program's major research areas.
The Natural Products Laboratory supports work associated with forest-derived compounds and biological products.
The Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory is connected with materials development and investigation of biological and composite materials.
The Wood Science Laboratory supports timber-related research, while the Computational Chemistry Laboratory provides a research area for computational investigation of chemical and material properties.
The laboratory structure allows the program to connect scientific coursework with specialized experimental and analytical research.
Research is a principal component of the MAS degree.
Students develop competencies in identifying scientific problems, reviewing relevant literature, designing experiments, conducting investigations, interpreting results, and communicating findings.
The program combines laboratory activities with research concerning forest materials and their applications.
Research topics may involve timber processing, natural product chemistry, biomass utilization, engineered wood, biomaterials development, or related subjects.
Students develop their academic specialization through the selected thesis topic and supporting technical coursework.
Applicants must have completed a four-year Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology from a recognized university.
The minimum academic requirement is a CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.0 or an internationally equivalent qualification.
The program requires postgraduate engagement with scientific and engineering subjects, laboratory research, and technical analysis.
Graduates are expected to develop the ability to conduct independent research or experiments involving forest biomaterials.
The intended learning outcomes include:
Applying appropriate scientific methods to forest biomaterials research.
Critically evaluating scientific literature and experimental findings.
Examining methods for processing and improving forest-derived products.
Assessing the relationship between forest resources, materials engineering, and industrial applications.
Communicating technical findings through scientific writing and presentations.
Preparing a research thesis using appropriate scientific methods.
Developing knowledge relevant to timber and non-timber forest resource utilization.
Research training also supports scientific communication and the preparation of work for academic publication.
The MAS provides postgraduate preparation relevant to forest biomaterials research, wood science, natural products chemistry, materials engineering, and forest-based product development.
Its academic subjects are applicable to research institutions, forest-based industries, materials laboratories, natural product development, and related technical activities.
The degree also provides preparation for further research and doctoral study. MBUST separately offers a PhD in Forest Biomaterials Science and Engineering.
Professional opportunities depend on a graduate's prior academic background, technical specialization, research experience, and the requirements of relevant organizations.
It is a two-year, research-based master's degree focused on forest-derived materials, wood science, natural products, materials engineering, and sustainable forest resource utilization.
The program lasts two years and consists of four semesters.
Applicants must hold a four-year Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology from a recognized university, with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.0 or international equivalent.
The program covers timber products, non-timber forest products, natural products chemistry, biomaterials, wood science, biomass utilization, and computational chemistry.
Yes. MBUST has specialized laboratories in natural products, biomaterials and nanotechnology, wood science, and computational chemistry.
Students can develop their research specialization through technical elective selection and the choice of thesis topic.
Yes. MBUST offers a separate PhD in Forest Biomaterials Science and Engineering.
