LEARNING OUTCOMES
After the course the student:
- knows how to identify wood species from their macroscopic (visible with 'naked eye' or hand lens) and microscopic structures (optical microscope using biological slides), and infer properties from these characteristics
- is able to determine the density of wood
- is able to determine the moisture content of wood and the assess the accuracy of different methods of measurement
- is familiar with measuring short-term mechanical properties of wood and wood-based composites and assess the effects of anisotropy and moisture content on these.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 25.02.2025 - 04.04.2025
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Mark Hughes
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
The course complements the theoretical understanding about wood gained in CHEM-E2235: Wood Materials Science, by introducing students to practical experimental work related to wood and wood products. The course is primarily laboratory-based, with some lectures. The content covers:
- Mascroscopic and microscopic examination of wood's anatomical features
- Determination of selected physical properties, including moisture content and density
- Measurement of the mechanical properteis of wood and wood-based composites
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
Report
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
- Lectures
- Laboratory exercises
- Independent study
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
Lecture slides
Exercise handouts
Recommended book to accompany the course: J.M. Dinwoodie, Timber Its Nature and Behaviour
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
13 Climate Action
15 Life on Land
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring IV
2025-2026 Spring IVRegistration:
A maximum of 20 students can be accepted onto the course. Students of the Bioproducts Engineering programme will be prioritized. If there is space, other Aalto degree students having completed the pre-requisites, and exchange students with sufficient background in wood science can be accepted onto the course.