Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SG0213 Wood Science and Technology, 15.0 Credits

Trävetenskap och träteknologi

Subjects

Forest Science Forest science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0201

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of 120 credits at basic level including:

- 60 credits Forest science, or

- 60 credits Forest management, or

- 60 credits Agricultural science, or

- 60 credits Biology, or

- 60 credits Technology

and

English 6

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of forest wood materials starting from molecules through micro- and macrostructure with respect to function and applications in end-products including bio-economy aspects.

The overall objectives of the course is to provide students an in-depth knowledge of wood and lignocellulose as raw material for conventional and modern technological processes.

After completing the course the students should:

• account for the fundamental basis of wood molecules, the nanostructure and macromolecular structure of wood cells and their importance for final products whether as solid wood, in biocomposites or as a source of chemicals or energy.

• distinguish between softwoods and hardwoods at macro- and microscopic levels and apply taxonomic keys for identification and know how to distinguish illegally imported wood species.

• summarize the mechanical and physical properties of wood materials including strength testing, grading and classification and thereby restrictions for using solid wood in different end purposes.

• contrast and criticize the use of plant fibre materials in conventional and modern biocomposites for diverse end-uses and advantages and disadvantages compared with solid wood.

• summarize primary and secondary processing of wood in mechanical and chemical pulping and concepts of modern biorefineries and their applications.

• compare concepts of the natural durability of wood and fibre materials and conventional and modern approaches for prolonging the service life of wood materials against decay in-ground and above ground contact situations including environmental restrictions and international standards of testing.

• relate to modern developments on the use of engineered wood in high rise buildings and bridge constructions.

• communicate in writing and orally as well as lead seminar discussions on current research in the area of wood science and technology.

Content

Areas discussed during the course include fundamental and advanced properties of wood, fibre materials, biocomposites, their durability and biodeterioration, protection, processing and testing. Aspects of biomaterial modification and industrial process technologies including sawmilling, pulp and paper manufacture and bio-refineries and future potential of lignocellulose in advanced materials will also be discussed.

The course will consist of traditional lectures, practical laboratory exercises (e.g. light microscopy), demonstrations (e.g. electron microscopy, wood impregnation, strength testing, and field tests), student seminars (group work) and case studies. Study visits will be made to appropriate industries (e.g. chemical and mechanical pulp mills, sawmill, industrial impregnation plant, bio-refinery plant). Invited lecturers will come from industry and other leading research organizations from outside SLU.

Guest lectures, study visits and project related tasks are compulsory

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved written assignments, approved oral seminars, approved exercises.

Active participation in compulsory parts of the course. Approved written or oral examination.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

In order to complete the course, prior knowledge on biomaterials is recommended. This knowledge could be obtained for example through a basic course in wood science/wood technology (7,5 hp), wood products or fiber materials. Even basic knowledge in organic Chemistry corresponding to Chemistry 2 in the Swedish Upper Secondary School.



SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses

cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further

strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are

welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead

to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology