12.0 Dr E Dougal. First semester 36 hours of lectures and 36 hours of practical work. Students are expected to be able to: recognise, name, draw and describe the macroscopic and microscopic features of hardwood and softwood xylem and phloem. Understand methods used to identify timbers. Explain and demonstrate proper hand lens and compound microscope procedures. Prepare clean surfaces and razor blade sections of wood for microscopic examination. Describe the process of wood formation in terms of the primary growing points and vascular cambium. Describe the steps involved in cell differentiation, the layering of the woody cell wall, characteristics of pitting in wood and the effect of wall organisation on some wood properties. Understand the possible causes, development, and effects on end use of growth stresses. Describe the basic monomer, dimer and polymer structure of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and extractives in wood and their basic properties. Describe the location and source of anatomical, chemical and physical changes that occur with heartwood formation. Characterise the anatomical, chemical and physical properties of reaction wood as compared to normal wood. Recognise and name natural characteristics found in wood and wood products. Comprehend the meaning of a number of wood physical properties. Wood and bark structure, anatomy and ultrastructure. Macroscopic and microscopic features of wood. Tree growth, woody cell development and reaction wood. Identification methods, measurement of wood properties. Wood chemistry, extractives, collapse. Natural characteristics and physical properties of wood. A 3-hour written examination at the end of the subject. Practical tests may be given throughout the semester. Marks may also be given for assignments, projects and practical work.