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Wood Science

Course developers

Course abstract

Students learn the macro and micro structure of wood and the determination of tree species according to the macro characteristics of wood. gets acquainted with methods for determining physical and mechanical properties. Evaluate tree species according to various indicators and their suitability for certain operating conditions. Find out the influence of various factors on changes in wood properties.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After the course studies the student will have: • Knowledge of wood structure, physical and mechanical properties and methods of their determination,(test) • Skills to identify 22 industrially important tree species, describe their properties and applications, (test)• Competence to choose the most suitable tree species for a particular use. Knowledge, skills and competence are assessed on a 10-point scale.(test)

Course Content(Calendar)

1 Content of the study course, definition of wood, advantages (l.) Macroscopic features (l.d.)
2 Disadvantages of wood, directions of application (l.), Separation of groups of tree species, determination of conifers (l.d.).
3 Wooden parts, their functions and possibilities of use (p.).
4 Main wood cuts, core, bark, combi, round (l.) Determination of deciduous trees with curved trachea (l.d.)
5 Core, year, wood rays (l.). Determination of all wood samples (see).
6 Wood microstructure (l.) Colloquium tree species notation. (l.d.)
7 Chemical structure of wood. Cell beam (l.). Microstructure of wood (l.d.).
8 Decorative properties of wood. Types of water. Test 1.
9 Humidity indicators, their changes. (l.) Determination of moisture (l.d.).
10 Wood shrinkage.Negative phenomena (l.d.) Determination of physical properties (l.d.)
11 Wood density, its meaning (p.). Determination of physical properties (l.d.)
12 Combustion heat. Indicators of mechanical properties (l.). Defense of laboratory works.
13 Boundary strength. Deformation indices (l.). Determination of ultimate strength (l.d.).
14 Wood performance indicators (l.). Annual-width effect (l.d.).
15 Changes in wood quality in different parts of the trunk. Practical tasks (see).
16 Impact of forestry measures and growing region on wood quality (l.). Test 2.

Requirements for awarding credit points

In order to obtain an examination grade, laboratory work must be completed and defended and all tests must be successfully written. It is possible to improve the final assessment by rewriting one of the tests.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students must independently learn the detailed characteristics of 22 tree species and the possibilities of their use

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

A student can obtain a successful mark in a test, exam or test if at least 50% of the questions are answered correctly.
During the semester, 2 written tests must be taken, the topics of which cover the issues covered in the lectures, laboratories, practical work materials, as well as independently acquired material. All practical and laboratory work provided for in the lesson plan, successfully written tests must be completed and passed by the time of the examination. The cumulative assessment consists of the study course tests, laboratory work assessment and activities during the lessons. The examination (Test) may not be taken if the grade of each test and colloquium is 6 and higher; the arithmetic mean of the tests of the tests, practical work and colloquia is equated to the assessment of the examination. Examination, test is written, without the use of auxiliary materials. If the exam, test mark is unsuccessful (3), the overall grade of the course is also unsuccessful. Requirements and procedures for processing missed classes: Attendance of lectures and classes is mandatory. Delayed and uncredited laboratory and practical works shall be processed at the time and in accordance with the procedure specified by the department. Unsuccessful oral answer or transcription of tests is given one opportunity at the time specified by the department.

Compulsory reading

1. Koksnes paraugu noteikšana un raksturošana. Mācību palīglīdzeklis. Jelgava: LLU, 2000. 26 lpp.
2. Koksnes fizikālās un mehāniskās īpašības. Mācību palīglīdzeklis.Jelgava: LLU, 2000. 30 lpp. 3. Уголев Б. Древесиноведение с основами лесного товароведения. Москва: Московский гос.унив.леса, 2001, 340 с.

Further reading

1. Grīnberga M. Materiālmācība galdniekiem. Rīga: Jumava, 2003. 191 lpp.
2. Lohmann U. Holz-Handbuch. [S.l.]: DRW-Verlag, 1995. 311 S.
3. Hoadley R. B. Identifying wood. USA: The Taunton pres, 1990. 223 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Baltijas Koks. Rīga. "Balti" žurnāls. ISSN 1407-6667
2. Baltic Foresting. ISSN 1392-1355

Notes

The study course is included in the compulsory part of the professional higher education study program Forest Engineering end Science of Wood by Forest Faculty.