Course Summary
This course provides an introduction to the science of wood, including its structure, properties, and uses.Key Learning Points
- Learn about the cellular structure of wood and how it affects its properties
- Understand the different types of wood and their uses
- Explore the environmental impact of using wood as a material
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the cellular structure of wood and how it affects its properties
- Identify different types of wood and their uses
- Evaluate the environmental impact of using wood as a material
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic knowledge of chemistry and physics
- Access to a computer with internet connection
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- Introduction to Sustainable Materials
- Green Building and Sustainable Design
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Bob Smith
- Jane Doe
Related Books
Description
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.
Outline
- Welcome and Global Use
- Welcome! Why Study Wood?
- Book Recommendations
- Organization Recommendations
- Forest Cover and Harvests: Part A
- Forest Cover and Harvests: Part B
- Comparing Fuel Values
- Managing Forests
- Harvesting Wood
- About Names
- Commercial Species
- Hardwoods vs Softwoods
- Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods
- Module 1 Quiz
- Basic Wood Science
- Wood Structure & Moisture Content: Part A
- Wood Structure & Moisture Content: Part B
- Wood Structure & Moisture Content: Part C
- Wood Challenges and Solutions
- Solving the Riddle
- Stress Tests
- Anisotropic Nature of Wood
- Wood Decay and Preservation: Part A
- Wood Decay and Preservation: Part B
- Wood Decay and Preservation: Part C
- Moisture and Normal Wood Behavior
- Moisture Relations & Physical Properties of Wood
- Drying & Control of Moisture Content & Dimensional Changes
- Wood Qualities
- Stress in Wood
- Estimating Dimensional Changes
- A Rotten Shame. 1985 Phipps Conservatory Wood Repairs Need Redoing
- Module 2 Quiz
- Wood Products
- Andrew White: Guitar, Part A
- Andrew White: Guitar, Part B
- Andrew White: Guitar, Part C
- Solid Wood Flooring
- Engineered Wood Flooring: Part A
- Engineered Wood Flooring: Part B
- Modern/Engineered Wood Products: Part A
- Modern/Engineered Wood Products: Part B
- Making Engineered Wood Products
- Wood Products: Introducing Andrew White
- CITES: The Lacey Act
- Engineered Wood Composites
- Historic Glued-Laminated Arches Evaluated for Structural Quality
- Module 3 Quiz
- Wood and the Environment
- Climate Science: Part A
- Climate Science: Part B
- Life Cycle Analysis
- Life Cycle Analysis of Railroad Ties
- Invasive Species: Part A
- Invasive Species: Part B
- Land Use
- Impact of Supply and Demand
- Sustainable Management
- Bonus: Outtakes
- Understanding the Carbon Cycle; Readings from NASA.
- reThink Wood: Life Cycle Assessment
- CORRIM Fact Sheet: The Role of Forests, Management, and Forest Products on Carbon Mitigation
- Tree-of-Heaven: Ailanthus altissima
- Demand and Sustainability
- Forests and Population Growth
- Bonus: Outtakes
- Module 4 Quiz
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the science of wood in this comprehensive course on Coursera. Users have praised the course for its engaging content, hands-on approach to learning, and valuable insights into the industry. Overall, the course has received high ratings from users.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
Many users have praised the course for its practical application of wood science in real-world scenarios.Pros from User Reviews
- Engaging and comprehensive content
- Hands-on approach to learning
- Valuable insights into the industry
- Practical application of wood science in real-world scenarios
- Instructors with extensive knowledge and experience
Cons from User Reviews
- Some users have reported technical issues with the online platform
- Course may be too basic for those with advanced knowledge of wood science
- Limited opportunities for interaction with instructors and peers
- Some users have found the course to be too theoretical without enough practical application
- Course may require a significant time commitment for those with busy schedules