Overview

An introduction to the wide range of timber and wood-based products, considering the full process from production, through processing, treatment and waste.

Indicative module content list

Basic introduction to wood growth, cell structure, moisture and properties.

The main commercial species of timber, their properties and uses.

Sawlogs, roundwood and timber at forest gate or delivered.

Sawn timber, appearance grades (joinery), visual grades and stress grading (structural).

Overview of wood-based products and descriptions.

Wood-based panel production (particleboard and MDF).

Simple guide to paper manufacture.

Timber treatment technologies and fungal decay.

Market sectors for forest products.

Environmental impact and benefits of timber.

Assessment Strategy

Grading Criteria

Threshold - A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. Written work should demonstrate a basic ability to synthesise and interpret data from lectures and readings in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge. (Grade D or C; mark range 40-59%)

Good - A good student should have thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to cite examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and some information from background reading into coherent arguments. (Grade B; mark range 60-69%)

Excellent - An excellent student should have a high level of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading in support of detailed, developed arguments. (Grade A; mark range 70-100%)

Learning Outcomes

• Synthesise the many perspectives on environmental impacts and benefits of using timber, timber products and wood residues; and appraise strategies for improving the circular economy and recycling at end of life and within processes.

• Understand key traits of timber, the different markets into which timber can be sold and the desired size or quality of timber for different uses; and critically review the role of silviculture and forest management in determining properties, likely income from timber sales and intended market.

• Understand sawmilling, treatment and the typical range of products from sawmills, including strength graded construction timber, kiln dried timber, fencing, pallets and joinery or decorative grades; critically examine the role of moisture in these products and the impact on economics and product performance in service.

• Understand the key manufacturing processes for pulp, paper, and wood-based panels, and critically evaluate the options for size reduction for combination into engineered products with tailored properties. This will include engineered wood products based on sawn wood such as CLT and glulam or based on veneers, such as plywood and LVL - e.g. to extend engineering properties .