Wood Science Advanced Course

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures8

Number of hours for laboratory classes16

Independent study hours57

Date of course confirmation30.03.2021

Responsible UnitInstitute of Forest Management

Course developers

Leonards Līpiņš

Dr. sc. ing.

lect.

Jānis Magaznieks

Mg. sc. ing.

Course abstract

Students acquire skills to prepare wood micro sections and apply microscope for the investigation of wood structure and cell dimensions. Knowledge on such physical indices as optical features, thermal capacity, fire resistance and bio deterioration is obtained. The study course clarifies the characteristics of wood fibers, and wood usage for pulp production. The newest methods of round timber volume quantifying and quality scaling are acquired.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

During studies the Master student will acquire:
• Knowledge of wood micro structure, wood thermal separation processes, bio and fire protection (laboratory works, exam);

• Skills in identifying the wood micro structure indicators, chopped deciduous and coniferous wood sorting by the indications of chemical techniques, wood bio and fire resistance testing (laboratory works, exam);
• Competence to investigate wood structure and properties, choosing the most appropriate methods (laboratory works, exam).

Course Content(Calendar)

1 Determination of wood moisture content, density and ultimate strength (3 h) - l.w. *
2 Structure of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry and the topics of scientific works to be solved (1 h) - lect.
3 Preparation of wood micro-sections, determination of cell size, electron microscopy (2 h) - l.w.
4 Indication of deciduous and coniferous wood by chemical staining method (3 h) - l.w.
5 Effects of different types of radiation on wood (1 h) lect.
6 Thermal decomposition of wood, biofuels and energy problems (2 h) lect.
7 Evaluation of wood heat and ash content in pellets and energy chips (4 h) - l.w.
8 Wood fire resistance and fire protection (1 h) lect.
9 Wood biodegradation and biosecurity (2 h) lect.
10 Optical properties of wood (1 h) lect.
11 Properties of wood fibers and factors influencing them. Use of wood in pulp and paper production (2 h) lect.
12 Changes in the volume determination of round timber. Methods for automated timber measurement and determination of the volume. (8 h) - l.w.
13 Changes in the quality assessment of round timber. Determination of the amount of rejected wood (2 h) - lect.
* For master students who have not completed the study course Wood Studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

To obtain a test grade, at least 90% of the classes must be attended. Final exam.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Applied studies on course topics.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Criteria for evaluation of study results developed and successfully passed laboratory works and passed the exam.

Compulsory reading

1. Līpiņš L., Liepa I. Apaļo kokmateriālu uzmērīšana. LLU. Meža fakultāte. Jelgava, 2007. 104 lpp.
2. Matthew A. Fonseca. 2005. The Measurement of Roundwood: Methodologies and Conversion Ratios. ISBN: 1845931033, 9781845931032
3. Roger M. Rowell. 2005. Handbook Of Wood Chemistry And Wood Composites. ISBN: 9780849315886 6. R. Shmulsky, P. D. Jones. Forest Products and Wood Science An Introduction, Sixth Edition. ISBN:9780470960035
4. Lohmann U. Holz-Handbuch. DRW-Verlag, 1995. 311 s.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Latvijas Kokmateriālu uzmērīšanas un uzskaites vadības mājaslapa - www.lkuuv.lv
2. Žurnāls "Baltijas Koks" ISSN 1407-6667
3. Standarts LVS 82 "Apaļo kokmateriālu uzmērīšana"

Notes

The study course is included in the compulsory part of the study program Wood Materials and Technology of the Forest Faculty.

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