211-261 Wood Science

Availability

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

202-101 Chemistry for Land and Food Resources, 202-103 Biology for Land and Food Resources and 202-201 Plant Function.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

On completion of this subject students should:

• understand methods used to identify timbers;

• describe the processes of wood and bark formation including cell differentiation, cell wall layering and modifications; understand the effects of cell wall organization on some wood properties;

• have a basic understanding of the chemical composition and properties of wood;

• understand anatomical, chemical and physical characteristics associated with heartwood formation, growth stresses, reaction wood and natural features in wood;

• and comprehend the meaning of a number of wood physical properties and basic wood-moisture relationships.

Content

The content includes:

• wood and bark structure, anatomy and ultrastructure;

• macroscopic and microscopic features of wood;

• tree growth and wood quality, woody cell development, reaction wood, and variability of wood;

• identification methods, growth rings and measurement of wood properties;

• wood chemistry, extractives, collapse;

• chemical utilization of wood;

• engineering properties of wood;

• and natural characteristics, and physical properties of wood.

Assessment

One three-hour written examination (50%). a practical test (10%) and two assignments equivalent to 2500 words (each worth 20%).

Prescribed Texts

• Haygreen, J.G., & Bowyer, J.L., Forest Products and Wood Science: an Introduction. 2nd ed. Iowa State University Press.