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Wood Science

Course developers

Replaced course

MatZ2036 [GMTR2037] Wood Science

Course abstract

The goal is to gain basic knowledge about the structure and properties of wood. The students study macro and micro structure of wood and identification of wood species according to macro characteristics of wood. They get acquainted with the methods of determining physical and mechanical properties. The students evaluate the tree species according to the different properties and their suitability to certain conditions of use. They also clarify the impact of different factors on the changes of wood properties.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After completing the course student will have:
• Knowledge of the structure of wood, its physical and mechanical properties and the methods of determining them,(laboratoooory work)
• Skills are able to determine 22 commercially significant tree species, characterize their properties and usage, (practical work)
• Competence of selecting the most appropriate tree species according to the purpose of their usage.(laboratory work)

Course Content(Calendar)

In full-time studies:
1. Content of the study course, definition of wood, advantages (1 L.) Macroscopic characteristics (1 L.d.)
2. Disadvantages of wood, application directions (2 L.). Separation of groups of tree species, identification of conifers (2 L.d.).
3. Wood parts, their functions and possibilities of use (1 L.). Determination of deciduous trees with tracheae grouped in rings (1 L.d.)
4. Main wood cuts, core, bark, comb, sapwood (1 L.) Determination of deciduous trees with scattered tracheae (3 L.d.).
5. Core, year ring, wood beams (1.L.). Determination of all wood samples. (1 L.d.).
6. Wood microstructure (l. L.). Colloquium for characterizing tree species (3 Sem.)

1st test.

7. Chemical structure of wood. Cell envelope (2.L.). Wood microstructure (1 L.d.).
8. Decorative properties of wood. Types of water (2 L.). Valuation of raw materials in lumber production. (5 practical days)
9. Humidity indicators, their changes. (l L.). Determination of humidity (1 L.d.).
10. Digging wood. Negative phenomena when wood dries (1 L.). Determination of shrinkage indicators (1 L.d.)
11. Wood density, its meaning (1 L.). Determination of wood density (1 L.d.)
12. Changes in wood quality in different parts of the trunk (1 L.). Evaluation of quality change recommendations (2 L.d.).
13. Impact of forestry measures and growth region on wood quality (1 L.). Defense of laboratory works. (2 Sem.)

2nd test.

In part-time studies: All topics indicated for full-time attendance are implemented, but the number of contact hours is 1/2 of the indicated hours

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.
3. Līpiņš L. Koksnes mācība. ISBN 978-9934-8576-9-0

Further reading

1. Grīnberga M. Materiālmācība galdniekiem. Rīga: Jumava, 2003. 191 lpp.
2. Lohmann U. Holz - Handbuch. 4. Aufl. voelling neuberarb . [S.l.] : DRW - Verlag, 1995. 311 S.
3. Bruce Hoadley R. Identifying wood. USA: The Taunton pres, 1990. 223 p.

Periodicals and other sources

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

Notes

The study course is included in the MVZF professional higher education bachelor study program “Wood processing”