Course code MatZ1004

Credit points 3

Metrology and Standardisation

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes8

Number of hours for laboratory classes8

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation17.02.2015

Responsible UnitInstitute of Civil Engineering and Wood Processing

Course developer

author lect.

Kārlis Būmanis

Mg. sc. ing.

Replaced course

MatZ2005 [GMTR2005] Technical Measurements in Wood Processing

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide knowledge about the importance of metrology, standardization and conformity assessment in providing quality and safe products, services and processes. The study course provides knowledge about current trends in metrology, conformity assessment and standardization, international, regional and national metrology and standardization systems and organizations, provides insight into testing laboratories, measurement and product certification processes, introduces metrology, standardization, certification and accreditation systems and their regulatory framework in Latvia, Europe, the world.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Upon successful completion of this course, students gain knowledge about measurements, measurement methods and tools, certification and standardization systems, organizations, conformity assessment procedures, standard development processes.
Students acquire skills in the application of measurement methods and tools in practical measurements, in the use of Latvian certification, standardization and accreditation institutions.
Students acquire competencies in the choice of measurement tools and methods, processing and analysis of measurement results, the role of standards and certificates in the free movement of goods in the EEA.
Acquired knowledge, skills and competencies are assessed for each student individually during practical and laboratory work, discussions on individually prepared presentations and tests.

Course Content(Calendar)

There are 2 classes for each topic: lecture and practical work in the standardization section, lecture and laboratory work in the metrology section.
1. Definition of a standard, introduction to standardization, standardization organizations in Latvia, Europe, the world.
2. Principles of standardization. Types of standards.
3. Standardization process, institutional framework.
4. Content of standards, classification. Standard searching tools.
5. The need for and importance of standardization and conformity assessment in ensuring quality and free movement of goods.
6. Conformity assessment of products, services and processes. Testing, calibration, certification, inspection.
7. Conformity assessment system and organization in Latvia. Accreditation system.
8. Standard role in economic activity. Regulatory environment in Latvia, Europe and standardization. Harmonized standards.
9. Definition of metrology, measurement of physical quantities, branches of metrology.
10. Metrology regulatory environment and institutional framework.
11. Units of measurement, their historical development, systems of units of measurement.
12. Measurement methods and tools.
13. Metrological characteristics of measuring instruments.
14. Measurement errors and measurement uncertainty.
15. Examples of practical application of measurement methods and equipment in the woodworking industry.
16. Examples of practical application of measurement methods and equipment in the woodworking industry.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Attended lessons (or remote classes) of the study course, completed and presented the individual study assignments assigned during the semester, positive evaluation in the final test of the study course

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Individual and independent tasks within the study course topics in the form of searching for relevant information, analysis and public presentation. Concluding questions and discussion.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Independent study tasks - the assigned tasks must be fulfilled (summary of information in the presentation, analysis of information or confirmation of successful completion of the task, evaluation - yes / no)
Final test of the study course (20 questions, 10 of each of the topics of metrology and standardization), the minimum threshold result for the test - 60%. Number of attempts - 3. Overall rating - average of all attempts.
Possible valuation adjustments: one point higher if regular and high-quality individual work is done, one point lower if irregular and low-quality individual assignments.

Compulsory reading

1. Standartizācija. Sadarbībā ar BO VSIA "Latvijas standarts". Aut. Jānis Strīpnieks. Rīga : SIA "Personāla sertifikācijas institūts", 2004. 58 lpp.
2. A World Built on Standards - A Textbook for Higher Education. Danish Standards Foundation, 2015. 114 p.
3. Rokasgrāmata testēšanas un analītiskajām laboratorijām / Imants Matīss, Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmija. Sertifikācijas centrs. Rīga : RTU Izdevniecība, 2020. 637 lpp.
4. Metrology in industry: the key for quality. Edited by French College of Metrology. London: ISTE, 2006. 270 p.
5. Šīrons E. Vispārīgās metroloģijas pamatkurss. Rīga: RTU, 2008. 242 lpp. 4. Metrology in short. 3rd edition. EURAMET, 2008. 84 p.

Further reading

1. Metrology in short, 3rd edition. EURAMET, 2008. 84 p.
2. BIPM: The International System of Units, 8th edition 2006.
3. International Vocabulary of Metrology — Basic and General Concepts and Associated Terms, VIM, 3rd edition, 2008.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Baltijas Koks. Rīga: Meža Mediju centrs. ISSN 1407-6667
2. Metrologia. ISSN 0026-1394
3. ISO focus. ISSN 2226-1095

Notes

The study course is included in the compulsory part of the professional higher education study program Wood Processing realized by Forest Faculty