Packaging Systems and Design

Learn how sustainable packaging is used to eliminate waste and pollution in the environment, how packaging design enhances products, and how smart materials are used in food and drug packaging to enhance safety and quality.

Sustainable Biomaterials

Apply the STEM disciplines to natural renewable materials to help us develop our sustainable future. Learn how biomaterials can be made and utilized in ways to produce better performing materials with less environmental impact. Study options include sustainable residential structures, creating sustainable society, biomaterials science, and forest products business.

Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.

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.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (SBIO)

1004: EXPLORATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS
Topics and related career paths in Sustainable Biomaterials. Resources promoting academic success, personal improvement, and professional development. Problem solving, inquiry, teamwork, and oral, written, and visual communication applied to sustainable biomaterials issues. (1H,1C)

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)

1984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

2004: COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN IN PACKAGING
Principles of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in the packaging industry. Basics of virtual primary package development, computer-aided design of the secondary package, computer-aided optimization of truck loading and palletization. Development of a comprehensive packaging system in a virtual environment. (3H,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. (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 (FREC 2784): GLOBAL FOREST SUSTAINABILITY
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)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

3004: SUSTAINABLE NATURE-BASED ENTERPRISES
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)

3005,3006: SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING DESIGN AND INNOVATION
3005: Principles of sustainability, laboratory packaging evaluation including testing procedures, simulation of physical hazards. Professional communications including laboratory reports and oral presentations. Development of comprehensive packaging evaluation plans. Evaluation of existing packaging systems and improving them from the sustainability perspective. 3006: Application of project management to the packing development process. Apply lean management principles to packing design process. Design of sustainable packaging solutions through industry sponsored projects. (2H,3L,3C)

3114: BIODETERIORATION, BIOCONVERSION AND BIOENERGY
Conversion of sustainable biomaterials as part of natural biological, and non-biological, processes and the use of these processes in bioenergy production and carbon cycling. Biological mechanisms and adapted processes for biomaterials conversions including fungal/bacterial/ insect and marine decomposition relative to carbon and nutrient cycling and the production of feedstocks for bioenergy and biomaterials. Deterioration and protection of biomaterials as well as bioconversion for fuels and feedstocks. Protection/preservation of biomaterials including wood, bamboo, rattan, leather, and historic objects is also included. Pre: CHEM 1035, BIOL 1115. (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, 2004. (2H,3L,3C)

3224: PACKAGING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
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. (3L,1C)

3284: PACKAGING POLYMERS 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. (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 or MATH 1025). (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: 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 environment. 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 SYSTEMS
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. Junior Standing required. Pre: 2614. (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 leadership 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.

3984: SPECIAL 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 PRACTICUM
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. (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)

4214: FOOD AND HEALTH CARE PACKAGING
Designed for both current and advanced food and health care packaging. Covering the types of materials and their properties, fabrication, functions, distribution and packaging life cycle for food and health care packaging systems and design. Reviewing 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. Exploration to global food and health care packaging standards and compliance, safety issues, and environmental considerations. Pre: 3124, 3284. (2H,2L,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: 4024, 3224. (2H,3L,3C)

4314 (CEM 4314) (CNST 4314): DESIGN OF WOOD STRUCTURES
Analysis and design of wood structures comprised of solid wood and/or composite wood products. Evaluation of mechanical properties of wood materials. Design of individual tension, compression and bending members, and wood-steel dowel connections. Lateral loading design of diaphragms and shearwalls. Pre: 3314 or CEE 3404. (3H,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)

4424 (CHEM 4424): POLYSACCHARIDE CHEMISTRY
Structure, properties, and applications of natural polysaccharides. Natural sources and methods of isolation. Synthetic chemistry and important polysaccharide derivatives. Relation of structure and properties to performance in critical applications including pharmaceuticals, coatings, plastics, rheology control, and films. Conversion by chemical and biochemical methods of polysaccharide biomass to fuels and materials. Pre: CHEM 2536 or CHEM 2566. (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. 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)

4715,4716: WOOD HOUSE
4715: Principles of manufacturing sustainable biomaterials into primary and secondary products used in construction of wood buildings, houses and in manufacture of wood consumer goods used in housing. Raw material estimation, lumber production, veneering, composite and paper products. 4716: The use of manufactured wood materials in the construction of wood buildings. Interactions of building code requirements, wood and wood composite materials as sustainable biomaterial components within houses. Durability, deterioration, controlling moisture infiltration, preservatives and proper selection of materials, historic wood buildings, effectiveness and efficiency of wood building systems. Pre: 3314. (3H,3C)

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.