Wood Science: Beyond Building from Coursera

The central question of this course: “why study wood?” If “why study wood” is the question, one answer would be that it is the only raw material available to us that is truly renewable in human life span terms. Wood is as important to society today as it ever was, despite the development of many man-made substitute materials, changing resource availability, and the changing needs of society. Some items on the list of wood products stay the same (lumber, plywood and veneer for building construction, furniture, shipping pallets & crates and other containers & packaging materials, railroad ties, utility poles, chemical feed stocks, etc), but the list also keeps changing to meet new needs and challenges as the resource changes.

In short, wood is a far more diverse, green, and renewable resource than you might have imagined. Join us to learn about the important role of wood in human history, civilization, and our future.

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

- describe wood as a raw material and its critical importance to the world economy, and the lives of the people that make that economy work.

- identify the projected trend for wood consumption to continue to grow in the coming years, despite the image of wood as a "low tech" material.

- identify the ways in which wood's properties can lead to its efficient and sustainable use.

-identify wood's positive role in boosting the world economy and ability to lead to unexpected vocations.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome and Global Use

Basic Wood Science

Wood Products

Wood and the Environment

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines how wood's positive role in the world economy can lead to unexpected vocations

Develops an understanding that wood is the only raw material available in human life span terms

Develops an understanding of wood as a critical component of world economy

Develops an understanding of the importance of wood in the construction industry

Develops an understanding of the role of wood in packaging and shipping industries

Develops an understanding of the projected trend for wood consumption to continue to grow in the coming years

Reviews summary

Wood science: delving into the world of wood

Learners say this course offers a comprehensive overview of wood science, covering its global significance, ecological implications, and industrial applications. Informative lectures delve into wood properties, sustainability, and wood-based products, providing valuable insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Engaging quizzes and discussions foster active learning, making it a well-rounded learning experience.

Explores the global wood industry, highlighting different wood species, markets, and sustainability challenges.

"It gave a chance to understand the importance of wood in different industrial process , besides I could improve my skills about kind of woods , market , moisture , properties of woods , wood products , etc.."

"Gives an interesting ground for thinking and unusial perspective of the place of wood materials and products in our lives as well as developing critical thinking on building materials' opportunities."

"Amazing course, especially for a civil engineer and someone who is interested in the structural properties of wood."

Professors are knowledgeable, passionate, and make the course enjoyable with their enthusiasm for wood science.

"The two professors really capture your attention in a way that most courses can't manage."

"Thank you so much. Excellent lectures. Clear explanations in a practical view."

"Many thanks to the professors, organisers and West Virginia University!"

Provides practical insights into wood-based products, their applications, and the impact of wood on the environment.

"This course was a wonderful experience in learning about forest - wood - timber - products. Thank you for sharing that knowledge."

"Course was really helpful, to the point and very much informative. I recommend everyone who are linked with wood directly or indirectly to go through the course, it's really great."

"As a Civil Engineering student this course gave me a lot of information about wood both as a resource and as a building material, even though a lot of it was common knowledge."

Delves into key concepts of wood science, from tree species and properties to production and uses.

"Very helpful in understanding how water and elements affects wood physiology for flooring and deck material."

"I love the explanation from the wood to the forest to the environ and the other different invasive species."

"Great course for anyone getting in touch with wood for the first time; from an academic and also a very practical view."

Some videos have poor audio quality, making it difficult to hear the instructors.

"The audio quality of voice during the presentation videos were not very clear."

"Unfortunately some of the links were dead or lead to empty pages."

"Content is common knowledge about wood. Excruciating, inaudible, incomprehensible audio."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Wood Science: Beyond Building with these activities:

Review basic Botany prior to the course

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Review the fundamentals of Botany to build a stronger foundation for your coursework.

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Review the structure and function of plant cells
Study photosynthesis and respiration
Learn about plant reproduction, including sexual and asexual reproduction
Review plant hormones and their role in plant growth and development
Understand the basics of plant ecology, including plant communities and succession

Read 'Forest Products & Wood Science' by Bodig and Jayne

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the properties, uses, and processing of wood.

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Read chapters on wood structure, composition, and properties
Study different types of wood products and their applications
Learn about wood processing techniques, including harvesting, seasoning, and preservation
Review case studies on the use of wood in construction, furniture, and other industries

Volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity Project

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Apply your woodworking skills while making a meaningful contribution to your community.

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Contact your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend an orientation session to learn about safety protocols and construction methods
Participate in building or renovating homes for families in need
Assist with framing, roofing, siding, or other construction tasks
Learn about the importance of affordable housing and community development

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Career center

Learners who complete Wood Science: Beyond Building will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns for products and services. Wood is a primary material used in a variety of industries, including construction, furniture, and paper. Taking this course can help Marketing Managers to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Marketing Managers working in the building materials industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists study materials and how they can be used to make a wide variety of products. This can include anything from wood products to electronic components. Studying wood science can help build a strong foundation for this work by providing the foundational knowledge needed to understand and test a wide variety of materials. This course may be particularly useful for Materials Scientists working on products in the construction or automotive industries.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain our physical environment, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Wood is a primary material used in construction. Taking this course can help Civil Engineers to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Civil Engineers working in structural engineering or construction management.

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Interior designer

Interior Designers create interior spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Wood is a primary material used in interior design. Taking this course can help Interior Designers to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Interior Designers working on residential or commercial projects.

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Architect

Architects design buildings and other structures. Wood is a primary material used in construction. Taking this course can help Architects to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Architects working on residential or commercial buildings.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and how it can be protected. Wood is a renewable resource that can be used to create a variety of products, including biofuels and building materials. Taking this course can help Environmental Scientists to understand how wood can be used in a sustainable way. This course may be particularly useful for Environmental Scientists working on climate change or renewable energy policies.

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Product Designer

Product Designers design and create products. Wood is a primary material used in product design. Taking this course can help Product Designers to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Product Designers working on furniture, toys, or other products made of wood.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens. Wood is a primary material used in landscaping. Taking this course can help Landscape Architects to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Landscape Architects working on sustainable or resilient landscapes.

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Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. Wood is a primary material used in construction. Taking this course can help Construction Managers to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Construction Managers working on large-scale or complex projects.

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Sales Representative

Sales Representatives sell products and services to businesses and consumers. Wood is a primary material used in a variety of industries, including construction, furniture, and paper. Taking this course can help Sales Representatives to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Sales Representatives working in the building materials industry.

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Architectural Technologist

Architectural Technologists assist Architects in the design and construction of buildings and other structures. Wood is a primary material used in construction. Taking this course can help Architectural Technologists to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Architectural Technologists working on residential or commercial projects.

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Forester

Foresters manage forests and other natural resources. Wood is a primary resource that is managed by Foresters. Taking this course can help Foresters to better understand the properties of wood and how it can be used sustainably. This course may be particularly useful for Foresters working on timber management or forest conservation.

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Carpenter

Carpenters build and repair structures made of wood. This can include anything from houses to bridges. Taking this course can help Carpenters to learn more about the properties of wood and how to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Carpenters who want to expand their skills or learn new techniques.

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Furniture Designer

Furniture Designers design and create furniture. Wood is a primary material used in furniture design. Taking this course can help Furniture Designers to broaden their understanding of this material and learn new ways to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Furniture Designers working on high-end or custom furniture.

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Woodworker

Woodworkers build and repair items made of wood. This can include anything from furniture to musical instruments. Taking this course can help Woodworkers to learn more about the properties of wood and how to use it effectively. This course may be particularly useful for Woodworkers who want to expand their skills or learn new techniques.

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