Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0046 Wood Science and Technology, 15.0 Credits

Trävetenskap och träteknologi

Subjects

Forestry Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0101

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

15 ECTS credits within one of the following subjects/fields of study:

• Forestry science

• Forest management

• Forest materials

• Agricultural Science

• Biology

• Technology

English 6

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of wood structure and properties, from molecules to micro- and macrostructure, with regard to function and applications in end products, including bio-economic aspects. The overall aim of the course is to give students in-depth knowledge of wood and lignocellulose as raw materials for both conventional and modern technological processes.

Upon completing the course, the student should be able to:

Explain the basics of wood molecules, nanostructure, and the macromolecular structure of wood cells and their significance for end products, either as solid wood, in bio-composites, or as a source of chemicals or energy.
• Analyze softwood and hardwood at macro- and microscopic levels, apply taxonomic keys for identification, and know how to discern illegally imported wood species.
• Analyze and discuss the mechanical and physical properties of wood materials, including strength testing, sorting, and grading, and thereby understand the limitations of using solid wood for different end purposes.
• Contrast and critically evaluate the use of plant fibre materials in conventional and modern bio-composites for different end uses, summarizing the advantages and disadvantages compared to solid wood.
• Discuss the primary and secondary processing of wood in mechanical and chemical pulping, and argue the concept of modern bio-refineries and their applications.
• Compare and critically evaluate the concepts of natural durability of wood and fibre materials with conventional and modern methods for extending the lifespan of wood materials against degradation in ground and above-ground situations, including environmental restrictions and international testing standards.
• Relate to modern developments and the use of solid wood in tall buildings and bridge constructions.
• Communicate both in writing and orally, and lead seminar discussions on current research within the field of wood science and technology.

Content

Course Content

The course covers fundamental and advanced properties of wood, fibre materials, bio-composites, their durability and degradation, protection, treatment, and testing. Aspects of biomaterial modification and industrial process technology will also be discussed, such as sawmills, pulp and paper production, bio-refineries, and the future potential of lignocellulose in advanced materials.

Course Execution

The course includes traditional lectures, practiacal laboratory sessions (e.g., light microscopy), demonstrations (e.g., electron microscopy, wood impregnation, strength testing, and durability testing), student seminars (group work), and field studies. The course also includes study visits to relevant industries (e.g., chemical and mechanical pulp mills, sawmills, impregnation plants, biorefinery facilities). Guest lecturers from the industry and other leading research organizations outside SLU will be invited.

The course focuses on the following general skills:

Oral and written communication, collaboration, time management/timeframe handling.

The following components are mandatory:
• Submission of assignments
• Study visits
• Project-related tasks.

Interaction with the surrounding society occurs through professional connections in program/course development together with a program council that includes employer representatives, as well as through study visits and guest lectures.

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

• Passed exam

• Approved oral and written presentations

• Completion of mandatory components

• 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 assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a 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

To successfully benefit from the course, it is recommended to have basic prior knowledge of biomaterials, for example, through a course in wood science (7.5 ECTS credits) or an equivalent course on other biomaterials besides wood. Knowledge of organic chemistry equivalent to Chemistry 2 in upper secondary school is also recommended. SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. Many of our courses cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for education. Students are welcome to suggest measures in the course structure and implementation that lead to environmental improvements. For more information, visit SLU’s website: [www.slu.se]().

Responsible department

Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology