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FOR30320

Academic Year 2025/2026

Wood Science (FOR30320)

Subject:
Forestry
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Aine Ni Dhubhain
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This is an undergraduate seven week module designed for stage 3 BAgrSc Forestry students. The structure of wood and identification will be dealt with. The links between the structure of wood and wood density, wood strength and the moisture content of wood will be examined and the factors influencing these properties will be outlined. The chemical structure of wood will also be described. The durability of wood is examined and the methods of preserving wood described. The drying of wood is also considered. In the module, the technology used in sawmills to process wood will be outlined. The techniques involved in producing the range of wood-based panels manufactured in Ireland will be described. In addition, the module will provide students with an overview of the timber processing industry in Ireland.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

1. List and describe the wood cell types and wood types found in softwoods and hardwoods 2. Define the main properties of wood and describe the physical and chemical factors that influence these properties.3. Describe the main processes involved in sawing timber and manufacturing wood-based panels.4. Outline the key characteristics of the wood processing industry in Ireland.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Practical

16
Specified Learning Activities

8
Autonomous Student Learning

56
Total

104

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module consists of face to face lecture and practical wood ID lab sessions.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): In-class exam Week 4 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
35
 No
Exam (In-person): In class Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
35
 No
Exam (In-person): Lab examination Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on the three components will be given to students face-to-face

Name Role
Professor Aine Ni Dhubhain Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Conor O'Reilly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Amanda Sosa Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26 Mon 10:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Tues 14:00 - 16:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
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