Course description
Since 2000 the School of the Environment and Natural Resources has been developing an integrated suite of postgraduate distance-learning courses to allow students in full-time employment or with other commitments, and for whom a full-time University course is not a realistic possibility, to study for a high-quality, internationally recognised postgraduate qualification in a forestry-related subject area. We are unique in the UK in offering forestry-related distance-learning courses at this level. All the modules comprising our postgraduate distance-learning programmes are designed to be stand-alone and students can therefore join their chosen course at the start of the next available opportunity (1st September, 1st January or 1st May annually). It is possible to study any number of individual modules, dependent on your requirements, although we would encourage you to work towards a Postgraduate Certificate (3 taught modules), a Postgraduate Diploma (6 taught modules), or a full MSc (6 taught modules plus a research dissertation).
Description
The distance-learning programme in Forest Industries Technology started in September 2002 and was the first course of its kind in the UK. It is designed to provide students with detailed knowledge of: the fundamental aspects of wood science; the current use of forest resources; and the technologies associated with timber processing and utilisation. Key course modules cover the anatomy and ultrastructure of wood, wood decay and preservation and timber engineering. Modules in woodland management and the economics of forest products set these in a commercial context. The course includes regular practical classes as well as visits to forests and timber processors. Students undertake these during a one-week Summer School held in Bangor.
In common with our forestry-related distance-learning programmes the Forest Industries Technology wood science course is specifically designed to allow qualifying individuals to undertake a programme of postgraduate study – ranging from a single module to a full Master of Science qualification – without needing to leave home to attend University or to give up full-time employment.
Please note that, in addition to the limited information available on this page, further details are available for download for the Forest Industries Technology programme and for the full suite of forestry-related distance-learning opportunities. More information is also accessible on-line at our distance-learning mini-site.
Part One Modules
Forest Products and their
Utilisation details the processes used
to convert round timber into various
products. Areas covered include
sawmilling and drying, paper-making,
the production of wood-based
composites, and the production of
chemicals.
Wood Anatomy and Ultrastructure
deals with the structure of wood,
from a molecular to macroscopic
level, and covers the essential
biological and chemical principles
needed to understand cell structure
and formation in wood. The various
cell types and how they are linked
together is covered in detail, along
with the effect that ultrastructure has
upon physical properties such as flow
penetration, strength etc. The module
also considers the various
instrumental techniques that can be
brought to bear in order to study
wood structure.
Commercial Aspects of the Timber
Trade covers all aspects of the global
forest resource, what timbers come
from where, how much resource is
left, future trends in timber stocks,
and what new timbers are likely to
come onto the market. Particular
reference is made to economic
aspects. The module also covers the
wood properties considered desirable
from a commercial aspect, and the
markets currently available for various
timbers, including an analysis of
future trends.
Wood Decay and Preservation
covers all aspects of the decay and
preservation of wood. After an
introduction to the basic biological
principles of wood decay, the module
goes on to consider the decay of
wood by fungi, moulds, bacteria,
insects and marine organisms. The
various methods used to preserve
wood are considered, and the future
potential of new methods discussed.
The environmental aspects of wood
preservation are also discussed with
particular reference to current and
future legislation.
Woodland Management and
Mensuration gives an overview of
all aspects of forest planning, and
management, and of the methods
used to model and predict yield.
Some mathematical knowledge is
required for this course. The module
considers the various methods used
to measure the forest during
inventory, and the relative merits
of each. Areas covered include:
inventory planning; sampling theory;
sampling practice, with case studies;
forest planning; management
systems; and yield prediction.
Timber Engineering provides a
broad introduction to the use of
timber as an engineering material
including an overview of the
properties of timber and the
consequence of these when it is used
in load bearing situations. The way
that timber resists forces and how it
responds to various loading situations
is discussed. The course also covers
analyses of simple structural elements
such as beams and columns, along
with some more complex structures.
Various jointing methods are
discussed and their relative merits
assessed. Environmental factors affecting
timber performance are also dealt with.
Practical classes are difficult to arrange
on a distance-learning programme.
We therefore run a five-day summer
school in the first full week of August
each year where you will participate
in practical exercises in addition to
interacting with fellow students and staff
during a full and varied programme of
direct relevance to your studies.
Attendance at the summer school is
compulsory for UK-based students and
is strongly recommended for students
based in Europe. Registered students
from outside the EU are more than
welcome to attend. We are not able to
reimburse travel or subsistence costs
associated with the Forest Industries
Technology summer school.
