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Wood science Chemical composition and ultrastructure of the woody cell wall; biological processes of wood formation; anatomy of wood; physical behaviour of wood; the interaction of wood with water; the variability of wood properties; factors influencing wood properties; wood quality based on wood properties and product requirements; the implication of silviculture and forest management practices on wood properties.
Wood is unique in its material properties when compared to competing materials like steel, plastics or concrete. The difference is caused by its highly complex molecular and supra-molecular structure.The course focuses on the chemical, biological and physical phenomena encountered when trying to understand the behavior of wood as a material. Starting on the molecular scale, the chemical composition and ultrastructure of the woody cell wall will be explored followed by the biological processes responsible for the unique anatomy of wood from individual species. The chemical and biological aspects are essential to understanding the physical properties of wood such as strength and stiffness, as well as the interaction of wood with water. Finally, wood quality under the above-mentioned premises is considered and implications for silviculture and forest management are discussed.Learning Outcomes:Students will:• Know the biological and chemical processes giving rise to the properties of wood• Understand the key factors determining wood properties• Be aware of the challenges and opportunities caused by the enormous variability of wood properties• Relate wood properties to the wood quality required by the wood processing industry• Have practical experience in assessing wood properties• Be able to present scientific and technical topics in seminar and written formats
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Subject to approval of the Director of Studies, Forest Engineering
FORE327
Clemens Altaner
Assessment comprises:Specialist Report (20%)Laboratory Assignments (10%)Oral Presentation (20%)Term Test (50%)
Walker, J. C. F. , SpringerLink (Online service); Primary wood processing : principles and practice ; 2nd ed; Springer, 2006.
Additional reference material will be available on the course Learn page.
Stout footwear is essential for industrial visits and work in laboratories.
Domestic fee $937.00
International fee $5,125.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Forestry .