College of Natural Resources and Environment

Sustainable Biomaterials

Forest Product Business

This option provides students with an industry-specific background through its combination of business and wood science coursework. There are numerous career opportunities for this option in both the private and public sectors. Employment experiences can include management of wood products manufacturing operations, marketing and sales in the wood products sector, utilization of wood to create innovative products, as well as coordination of international trade to match forest products producers to export markets.

Packaging Science

Significant opportunities exist to improve the efficiency and safety of the global unit load logistics system of product storage and distribution by understanding how critical components in the system interact during use. Graduates of this option will be unique in the industry with an understanding of transport packaging and unit load systems-based design technologies. Interdisciplinary education includes all components of the unit load logistics system.

Residential Wood Structures

This option focuses on the study and development of better ways to use wood in buildings and design residential wood structures. The principles of engineering and physics are used to help designers and builders produce economical and durable buildings and structures. New possibilities for building construction will be explored and developed. The residential wood structure industry needs people who understand the unique engineering properties of wood and wood-based composites so that new products and designs can be produced, and existing products and structures are used in the proper way.

Wood Materials Science

This option is rooted in chemistry and introductory polymer science. It prepares students for numerous career tracks, including the adhesives industry, the wood-based composites industry, and other disciplines in which the unique combination of chemistry, polymer science and wood science hold great value.

Wood Science and Forest Products minor and Packaging Science minor

Minors are offered for students interested in obtaining knowledge and skills in the wood science field to supplement their primary major field of study.

Course Descriptions (SBIO)

1234: INTRODUCTION TO WOOD, DESIGN AND CRAFTMANSHIP
Wood as a material. Introduction to laboratory techniques, wood processing, machining and woodworking, moisture interactions, species characteristics, microscopic techniques, measuring material properties, characteristics of forest products industry, career opportunities. (2H,3L,3C)

2104: PRINCIPLES OF PACKAGING
Packaging systems, materials, and forms and their relationship with the requirements of global societies for the distribution and storage of industrial and consumer products; packaging laws and regulations. I (3H,3C)

2114: PACKAGING LAW AND REGULATION
Study of the legal and regulatory issues affecting primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging and packaging systems. Labeling, food and drug, intellectual property, shipping, structural, and environmental laws and regulations affecting packaging design and use. Pre: 2104. (3H,3C)

2124: STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS
Macroscopic and microscopic structure and chemical composition of wood and other biomaterials such as grasses, bamboo, and bagasse. Relationships between anatomical structure and physical/mechanical behavior. Microscopic identification of commercially important biomaterials. Preparation and analysis of microscope slides and scanning electron micrographs. Pre: BIOL 1005, CHEM 1035. (2H,3L,3C)

2384: BEHAVIOR OF SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS
Physical properties of sustainable biomaterials and composite based on structure. Polymer science topics related to sustainable biomaterial composition. Influence of structure on transport properties, response to heat, moisture, electricity, and light. Measurement techniques and reporting for steady-state transport. Pre: CHEM 1035, PHYS 2205. (2H,3L,3C)

2614: INTRO FOREST PROD MARKETING
Study of marketing systems and methods used by North American primary and secondary forest product industries. Emphasis on wood product industries. Marketing of hardwood lumber, softwood lumber, panels, composites, furniture, and paper products. Role of North American industries and markets in world trade of forest products. (3H,3C)

2784 (FOR 2784): WORLD FORESTS AND FOREST PRODUCTS
A socio-economic approach to examining the management and use of the world's forests, enhance knowledge of global forest resources and products, and understand the roles and relationships of key stakeholders. (3H,3C)

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3004: SUST NATURE-BASED ENTERPRISE
Planning for green and sustainability values for profit and non-profit enterprises that produce and market nature-based products and services (e.g., wood products, wildlife, fish, ecotourism). Understanding current green business environments to foster natural resource-based enterprises. (3H,3C)

3124: PAPER AND PAPERBOARD PACKAGING
Paper and paperboard properties and types. Types and performance of flexible paper packaging, sacks, and wraps. Folding carton design, properties of corrugated fiberboard. Corrugated fiberboard container design and performance. Packaging regulations and hazards of the distribution environment. Printing, labeling and automatic identification methods. Pre: 2104, 2124. (2H,3L,3C)

3214: FOOD AND HEALTH CARE PACKAGING
The course covers both current and advanced food and health care packaging. The types of materials and their properties, fabrication, functions, distribution and packaging life cycle for food and health care packaging systems and design are addressed. Recent trends in food and health care packaging systems, sustainable food packaging, medical device packaging, aseptic packaging, package/product interactions, smart active packaging, handling of packages, and modified atmospheric packaging are reviewed. Global food and health care packaging standards and compliance, safety issues, and environmental considerations are also explored. Pre: 2104, 2384, 3284, 3124. (2H,2L,3C)

3224: PACKAGING AND MATERIALS HANDLING
Unit load and parcel supply chains. Principles of operation and design of warehouse distribution and fulfillment centers. Principles of operation and design of shipping and distribution systems. The relation between packaging design, pallet design, and unit load design and the operation of industrial consumer goods supply chain. Pre: 2104. (3H,3C)

3234: WOOD IDENTIFICATION PROPERTIES LABORATORY
Physical properties and characteristics of wood. Methods for determining its physical properties. Variation of the properties. Structure, properties, & processing of tropical woods. I (3L,1C)

3284: PACKAGING PRODUCTS AND PRODUCTION
Introduction to synthetic, natural and sustainable polymer science and engineering as applied to packaging systems. Morphology, rheology, physical and thermal properties, processing methods, and polymerization of traditional, natural and sustainable packaging polymers. Detailed study of relationships among materials, processing, and structural properties through hands-on experience. Both traditional and advanced industrial mass production technology, and global regulation and environmental impact of packaging articles. Pre: 2104, 2124, 2384. (2H,2L,3C)

3314: WOOD MECHANICS
Mechanical properties of wood including concepts of stress, strain, Poisson's ratio, orthotropic properties, tension, compression, bending and effects of moisture on mechanical properties. Current issues of wood mechanics in the wood product industry. Standard methods of evaluating important mechanical properties or solid wood, composites and fiber. Pre: 2554, MATH 1016. (3H,3L,4C)

3324: GREEN BUILDING SYSTEMS
Definition of green buildings with specific focus on wood frame single family housing and appropriate green building systems. Site specification, resource efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, homeowner education and global impact. Certification in various green building systems. (3H,3C)

3334: SURVEY OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS
In depth study of non-timber forest products of NTFP throughout Appalachia with overseas example – their heritage, uses and markets, economic development opportunities, and sustainable management. Emphasis will be placed on utilization and management issues. Students will gain skills necessary to assess and plan for NTFP business opportunities. (3H,3C)

3434: CHEMISTRY AND CONVERSION OF SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS
Chemical composition of plant matter. Chemistry and biosynthesis of plant components. Cellulosic biofuel technology. Industrial conversion of woody biomass: pulping, bleaching, papermaking. Industrial conversion of cellulose by chemical processes. Pre: 2124, CHEM 1036. (3H,3C)

3444: SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS & BIOENERGY
Introduction to the structure and properties of natural composites, biobased polymers, and naturally-derived chemicals for materials and energy applications. Chemistry of biomass deconstruction. Industrial applications of biobased polymers, monomers, and chemicals. Pre: (CHEM 2514 or CHEM 2535), (CHEM 3615 or CHEM 4615). (3H,3C)

3445-3446: ENTREPRENEURIAL WOOD DESIGN AND INNOVATION
Concept to market business project applied to design and innovation of wood products. Product design based on consumer need and sustainable use of natural resources. Writing a business plan including, product innovation, resource sustainability, marketing, strategic planning, production planning, technology utilized, packaging and distribution to final market. (2H,3L,3C)

3454: SOCIETY, SUSTAINABILITY, BIOMATERIALS AND ENERGY
Sustainability, raw materials and energy needs of society. Use of sustainable biomaterials to meet society's needs and reduce impact on the envrionment. Methods to evaluate and certify the sustainability of materials and consumer goods. Carbon sequestration and the use biomass for energy. (3H,3C)

3464: FOREST PRODUCTS BUSINESS SYS
Business processes of forest/wood product organizations. Business challenges and current business processes and management practices. Organizational methods to study business processes and then plan, execute, and evaluate business performance improvements. The application of techniques to strategic planning, strategy deployment, value stream management, and performance assessment. Business case studies of wood products and forest products related organizations. Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing required Pre: 2514. (2H,3L,3C)

3534: LUMBER MANUFACTURING AND DRYING
The processing of logs into dry lumber. Principles of log and lumber grading. Design and operation of log sawing and lumber drying systems. Techniques for measuring lumber manufacturing and lumber drying efficiency. The relationship between log quality, sawing, and drying and the quality of the product produced. Pre: 3114. (2H,3L,3C)

3544: SECONDARY WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING
Secondary wood products manufacturing, including raw materials, rough mill, finish mill, assembly, and finishing. Also covers machinery, wood machining, plant layout, production methods, modern industrial engineering concepts in secondary manufacturing, and wood treating. Visits to local secondary wood products manufacturing industry. Pre: 3114, 3534. (2H,3L,3C)

3554: SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS ENTERPRISES
Processes and techniques in manufacturing sustainable biomaterial-based products. Contemporary manufacturing, industrial engineering, and business practices in enterprises. Problem solving, operations management, and effective leadship in discrete products manufacturing and sustainable biomaterials production practices. Pre: 1234. (3H,3C)

3634: WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING
The study of manufacturing processes used in the primary and secondary wood products industry including; lumber; wood moisture relations, drying, durability and the processing of lumber into secondary wood products such as flooring, furniture, and cabinets. Description, selection, and use of the manufacturing equipment used in wood processing. The selection and use of current industrial engineering and business practices applied in wood products manufacturing. How managers solve production and raw material issues. Pre: 2124. (2H,3L,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

3964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

4004: SENIOR SEMINAR IN FOREST PRODUCTS BUSINESS
Integrated application of principles of management, manufacturing, and marketing as applied to wood-based and related industries. Case analysis, business planning and strategic decision making. Senior standing required. Pre: 3634. (2H,2C)

4024: PACKAGING DESIGN FOR GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION
Understanding, identification, and measurement of hazards in physical distribution including sea, air, and various land transportation, storage methods, and use of sanitation methods. Knowledge, analysis, and selection of sustainable protective packaging materials. Design and analysis of packaging protection against such hazards as shock, vibration compression, and climate. Laboratory testing of shock, vibration and compression, and performance testing of packaging and components. Packaging design in global context. Pre: 3224. (2H,3L,3C)

4054: PACKAGING SYSTEMS DESIGN PRAC
Integrated application of principles of packaging design and manufacturing. Design briefs, package development process, structural requirements, manufacturing and distribution plans, target markets and positioning. Senior Standing required. Pre: 4024. (2H,3L,3C)

4154: COMPUTER APPLICATION SYSTEMS IN FOREST PRODUCTS
Computer control systems with applications in the forest products industry. Survey of systems for gathering, inputting, conditioning, and managing information. Hardware and software systems for computer control applications. Use of information technologies to integrate control subject to raw material, quality, and market fluctuations. Forest products case studies in data acquisition, data analysis, database management production planning, process control, inventory control, and systems specification. Junior standing is required. (2H,3L,3C)

4224: WOOD PALLET, CONTAINER, AND UNIT LOAD DESIGN
Wood pallet design and performance. The design of wood containers and crates. Design and performance of unit loads. Design and performance of unit load equipment, i.e., conveyors, racking systems, automatic guided vehicles, fork trucks. Principles of unit load design. Mechanical interactions between pallets, packaging, and unit load handling equipment. Unit load stabilization techniques, i.e., strapping, stretch wrapping. International phytosanitation regulations of solid wood packaging; principles of dunnage, blocking and bracing. Pre: 3534, 4124, 4315. (2H,3L,3C)

4384: BIOREFINERY SCIENCE
Biomass utilization as an industrial resource. Biorefinery processes such as cultivation, harvesting, separation, and biomass processing into industrial products compared to the petroleum refinery. Routes to the production of bioenergy, biochemicals, and biofuels. Resource availability and energy consumption, environmental implications of a biorefinery system, public policy influence on development of biorefineries. Pre: 3434. (3H,3C)

4444: SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIAL COMPOSITES
Introductory polymer, adhesion, and materials science of composites made from plant materials including wood, bamboo, and straw. Composite manufacture and performance. Contemporary wood adhesives and binders. Pre: 2124, 2384, 3434. (3H,3L,4C)

4514: WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRY STUDIES
Field studies of the processing systems and product manufacturing procedures of various wood products industries. I Pre: 3114. (3L,1C)

4624: WOOD INDUSTRY PRODUCTION OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Study of the operation of wood products organizations. Problems facing these organizations and current management practices used to address these problems. Investigation of the design and implementation of wood industry management improvement efforts. How organizations and groups design, implement, and evaluate improvements efforts. The application of techniques to production planning, financial management, inventory management, quality, human resources management, technology, performance measures, and assessment. Includes case studies of wood products manufacturing companies. Pre: 3544. (2H,3L,3C)

4634: FOREST PRODUCTS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
This course will describe the allocation of resources within a forest products business. Students will determine how to allocate natural, human and financial resources to maximize profitability within the organization. How allocation decisions affect all stakeholders of the organization will be demonstrated and this allocation's impact upon strategic planning will be discussed. The course will also show the impact of the external business environment on management decisions. Pre: 1234, 2614, 3114. (3H,3C)

4714: WOOD PERFORMANCE IN CONSTRUCTION
Interactions of building code requirements, wood materials and building construction with special emphasis on relative merit of wood and wood-based composites versus non-wood alternatives. Construction details that lead to long-term performance such as controlling moisture infiltration, preservatives, and proper selection of materials, preservation of historic wood buildings, effectiveness and efficiency of wood building systems. Pre: 4315. (3H,3C) II.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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