Course content

The course provides a basic understanding of the properties of the wood material and how its natural properties can be modified in industrial processes before it is suitable for construction. The main parts of the course cover, e.g.

• The Scandinavian forest industry and its value chains

• The wood's structure and general properties

• Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) - "engineered wood products" and their manufacture

• Basic woodworking processes

• The properties of wood materials when affected by fire, modification of wood, wood and sound

• Timber utilisation and environmental impacts

The course provides the necessary foundational knowledge for the student's choice of further specialisation in the subsequent programme courses.

Learning outcome

The candidate

• have the necessary knowledge of the properties of wood materials in use based on their biological conditions and processing. Make appropriate choices of wood materials for a construction based on form, strength, manufacturing process, environment, and lifecycle.
• have sufficient knowledge of various types of engineered wood products (EWPs), their production, properties, and main uses, as well as different modification methods to improve the natural properties of wood materials. Choose a sensible manufacturing method for wood components and other wood-based products depending on the type of wood material.
• can apply theory to estimate the lifespan of wooden structures for various wood materials under the influence of biological activity, fire, moisture, UV light, and chemicals.
• have sufficient knowledge of the environmental impact of wood and wood-based materials and connect it to the UN’s sustainability goals.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching is based on lectures, exercises, laboratory work, and literature studies as well as active supervision with the latter aimed at ensuring the student's knowledge development. Detailed information about the implementation of the individual components will be provided at the start of the course.

Communication between tutor and student may be organized through a digital learning platform.

If less than 6 students take the course, it will mainly be conducted as guided self-study.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory assignments - See course description

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

No prior knowledge is recommended

Required previous knowledge

No prerequisites

Course materials

Course literature and other study materials are provided at the start of the course