MSc-Diploma-Certificate-Module Forest Industries Technology (Distance-Learning Programme)

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MSc-Diploma-Certificate-Module Forest Industries Technology (Distance-Learning Programme)

  • Objectives • to provide an understanding of the science of wood as a material; • to introduce the principal technologies of converting and using wood as an industrial material; and • to provide an understanding of the commercial and economic aspects of the forest industries.
  • Entry requirements Entry There are three points of entry each academic year: 1st September, 1st January and 1st May. Students start their studies with the module programmed for delivery at the desired point of entry. Generally the equivalent of an Honours Degree in a relevant science or technology subject is required for admission to an MSc level course, but in recognition of the value of work experience traditional, "academic" qualifications are not necessarily a pre-requirement for acceptance onto this programme. Please contact us for more details.
  • Academic title MSc/Diploma/Certificate/Module Forest Industries Technology
  • 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.
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