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A key management objective of forestry is the production of wood. The course provides the student with an understanding of the chemical and biological basis of the material properties of wood, how forestry can control these and the concept of wood quality. This course will have a focus on fast-growing short-rotation plantation species and tropical timber.
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 behaviour and diversity 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. Students are introduced to a wide range of different timbers.
The student will:1. Know the biological and chemical processes giving rise to the physical properties of wood.2. Understand the key factors influencing wood properties.3. Be aware of the challenges and opportunities caused by the enormous variability of wood properties.4. Be familiar with plantation timbers.5. Have practical experience in assessing wood properties.6. 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.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval by the Head of School.
FORE327, ENFO327
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Clemens Altaner
Domestic fee $1,344.00
International Postgraduate fees
* 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 .