Mar 29, 2024  
2003-2004 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2003-2004 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Wood Science and Technology


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Wood Science and technology is a professional, accredited program with an emphasis on a career in the Forest Products industry. As greater demands are made on the world’s forest resources by a growing and consuming population, the development of new technology is essential to meet these demands in an environmentally acceptable and sustainable manner. Wood scientists and forest products technologists are vital links to meeting consumer and environmental demands on our forests. The wood science curriculum prepares students for a dynamic career in the forest products industry by immersing students in a comprehensive study of wood material science fundamentals (anatomy, chemistry, mechanics and physics), and primary and secondary wood products manufacturing processes. Many of the wood science courses have laboratory components to reinforce lecture material and as such typically attract students with an interest in hands-on learning and careers. Well-equipped laboratories and numerous field trips to industrial facilities ensure exposure to modern and relevant industrial practices. A capstone course allows students to apply learned wood science principles to case studies of wood product manufacturing problem solving. The curriculum also exposes the students to a sound grounding in the sciences, including mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The combination of theory and practice is intended to develop good problem solving and communication skills which are essential for career advancement. The forest products industry is one of the largest industries in the US, with 1.4 million employees nationwide. Currently there are fewer than 300 graduates annually with training in forest products in the whole country. As such there is great demand for wood science graduates and numerous career opportunities in this field of study.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible and allows students to complement their training with electives in specific areas of interest. Many students with an interest in management successfully combine their program with business courses. A strong graduate research program (MS and Ph.D.) results in many opportunities for undergraduates to become involved in research and development projects associated with the New England Wood Utilization Research Program and the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center.

An off-campus-training phase of this program provides summer employment experience in the field of forest products, including a comprehensive report.

Suggested curriculum for the BS in Wood Science and Technology


First Year - Second Semester


Second Year - Second Semester


Third Year - First Semester


Third Year - Second Semester


Summer Session


Fourth Year - First Semester


Fourth Year - Second Semester


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