Course code MatZ5033

Credit points 3

Newest Trends in Industry

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures6

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes18

Independent study hours57

Date of course confirmation05.01.2016

Responsible UnitInstitute of Civil Engineering and Wood Processing

Course developer

author Būvniecības un kokapstrādes institūts

Andis Ābele

Dr. sc. ing.

Prior knowledge

MežZ5004, Forest Policy

MežZ6012, Forest Value

MatZ5022, Wood Science Advanced Course

Course abstract

The course covers the knowledge of the latest trends in the wood sector. Experience in recent years shows that companies are investing time and resources in the development of products they produce. Innovative wood materials development creates opportunities for these materials production technologies, it covers a wide range of wood processing, starting with the pre-processing of wood and ending with the finished wood products annually at each stage of processing adding value - ecologically and economically and also in the social field

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of wood as a construction material from the point of view of fire reaction and fire resistance. Knowledge of timber-bearing and self-supporting structures, their uses (independent work and oral test). Skills to select appropriate materials and technology for creating a wood solution from a structural and fire protection point of view. (independent work and oral test). Competence to find the best, ecological and economically advantageous, as well as the most suitable wood design solution in terms of compliance (independent work and oral test).

Course Content(Calendar)

1 Characteristics of the wood industry sector and development trends in the world and in Latvia (2 lectures)
2 Possibilities of using financial support instruments in the wood industry sector (2 lectures)
3 Opportunities to increase added value in the production of wood products (2 seminars and practical lessons)
4 Possibilities of material density reduction in wood products production (3 seminars and practical lessons)
5 Green technologies in the wood industry (2 lectures)
6 Prospects for innovation in the wood industry sector (3 seminars and practical lessons)
7 Design samples, prototypes and patenting opportunities in the world and in Latvia (3 seminars and practical lessons)
8 Use of information technology solutions in the wood industry sector (2 seminars and practical lessons)
9 Certification and product development in the wood industry sector (2 seminars and practical lessons)
10 Current research of wood industry companies (3 seminars and practical lessons)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Independent work must be successfully defended and a positive assessment must be obtained in the oral exam

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Independent work on the topic chosen by the student in connection with the study course plan.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final evaluation of the study course (in 10 point system) consists of:
1) attendance of lectures, which is 10% of the final grade mark;
2) practical works - 30%; 3) report and presentation - 60%.

Compulsory reading

1. Bukšāns E., Būmanis K., Domkins A., Dekšnis A., Beķeris P. Koksne šodien un nākotnē. Studentu biedrība "Šalkone", Jelgava, 2019., 138 lpp. ISBN 9789934873553.
2. Domkins A. Koks tavās mājās. Rīga: Jumava, 2012. 224 lpp.
3. Wood Material Science & Engineering ISSN 1748-0280
4. DREWNO. Prace naukowe. Doniesienia. Komunikaty ISSN 1644-3985

Further reading

1. Hoadley R.B. Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology. The Taunton Press, 2000. 288 p.
2. Baltic Forestry (SSN: 1392-1355
3. Kokrūpniecības nozares apraksts, pieejams: http://www.lbas.lv/upload/stuff/201206/kokrupnieciba_2012_pet.pdf

Periodicals and other sources

1. Baltijas Koks ISSN: 1407-6667
2. Dienas Bizness ISSN: 1407-2041

Notes

The study course is included in the general study course part (A) of the MF master's study program Wood Materials and Technology.