To introduce students to the microstructure and macrostructure of wood and wood growth. To understand the basic failure modes of wood and wood products. To develop an awareness from forests and plantations, wood components, wood-based products, non-wood products derived from forest resources, collectively described as non-timber forest products. To contribute toward students understanding of material selection, properties and manufacturing processes in an experimental and open-ended manner for the development of knowledge and skills in the area of design and realisation of products/artefacts and/or systems that require the exploration and application of knowledge of key principles appropriate to the context.

Tree growth, production of woody tissue. [Silviculture] practice establishment, management, harvesting. [Macroscopic] nature of wood. [Microscopic nature of wood], cell wall, hardwood, softwood. [Chemistry of wood], celluloses, lignin, extractions. [Factors affecting wood quality]: [Chemical: degradation [Biological]: growth, wood variants, reaction, juvenile, bark, foreign organisms, fungi, insects, marine. [Mechanica]l: processing defects. Anatomy and structure of wood and bark; the physical, mechanical and technological properties of wood, bark and non-timber forest products; wood quality; timber and biomass production and growth; non-timber forest production; wood-based products and composites; recycled wood and wood-based products; the modification, protection and conservation of wood and non-wood products; wood coating; wood adhesives; sustainability in forests production, wood harvest, forest logging, wood quality and forest management; historical wooden artefacts. Material factors influencing project design and realisation. Critical appraisal of design solutions/projects namely, structural and decorative processes (marquetry, bending, carving) in the context of material properties.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: * Describe the fundamentals and mechanism of tree growth. * Identify cell types and differentiate gross and fine anatomical features of conifers and hardwoods at the microscopic and ultrastructural level and apply same in species identification. * Explain the process of photosynthesis and outline the synthesis of carbohydrate by forest trees. * Determine tree diameters and heights and assess both total (biomass) and merchantable volume wood content. * Apply the management principles of forest regulation and sustain yield in the context of even-aged and uneven-aged stands. * Evaluate different forms of defects (both natural and induced) and make a judgement on wood quality. * Evaluate design solutions/projects structural and decorative processes (marquetry, bending, carving) in the context of material properties.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • To relate the visco-elastic behaviour to cell wall structure • To differentiate between softwoods and hardwoods • To demonstrate the significance of photosynthesis in growth and development of trees • To display how deffects affect wood quality • To appreciate project design and realisation in the context of material incorporation.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • To examine stem cross sections, measure ring width and cross date findings • To illustrate the significance of growth rings in dendrochronology • To determine stem diameters at base, DBH, and upper level and assess taper, total and merchantable volume. • To carry out a case studies critically appraising design solutions/projects namely, structural and decorative processes (marquetry, bending, carving) in the context of material properties

Lectures will provide theoretical conceptual basis using traditional lecture format supported by demonstrable integration of learning through extensive laboratory experiences. Practical laboratory sessions will initially focus on a flipped classroom approach fostering an autonomous professional to enrich the intensive instruction the theoretical aspects of content delivered through lectures. Laboratory coursework will develop understanding of, and apply, principles outlined in lectures through active experimentation, and critical appraisal.