Learning path

Sustainability, Chemistry and Engineering

Introduction to Wood Material

Wood remains one of the most important renewable materials available to humans. With its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, it maintains a significant market presence, even amidst competition from man-made materials.

To make the best use of this resource, it is crucial to understand the links between the structure and anatomy of wood and its properties. Now, the basics of wood can be studied through convenient online courses, available regardless of time and place. Introduction to Wood Material is a set of two engaging courses introducing learners to the world of wood.

This learning path consists of two courses: Wood Structure and Anatomy and Wood Properties.

Price

250€

Workload

2 ECTS

Type

Self-paced online

Languages

English

Introduction to Wood Material Path
2 Courses
You must complete 2 of the following items.
Wood Structure and Anatomy
Format:
Self-paced online, Intermediate
Required
This course presents the structure of wood material, including macroscopic features such as earlywood, latewood, heartwood, sapwood, and knots.
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Wood Properties
Format:
Self-paced online, Intermediate
Required
This course links the basic anatomical features of wood, such as grain orientation and knots, to its properties relevant in the built environment. The basic concepts of wood density and strength are presented. In addition, the course gives examples of factors influencing the durability of wood and lists the durability classes according to the European standard.
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Instructors
  • Avatar of Kristiina Lillqvist
    Kristiina Lillqvist

    Kristiina Lillqvist is a highly qualified wood science researcher and educator with a strong academic background and industry connections. Kristiina works as a Senior University Lecturer at Aalto University in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems.

    Kristiina has years of experience in developing online learning experiences with a student-centric teaching philosophy. In her research, she focuses on improving the properties of wood by different modification methods in the Wood Material Science research group. ​

    Kristiina holds a doctoral degree in Wood Technology from Aalto University (2014) and has completed Professional Teacher Education.

Learning Outcomes

After the completion of the course, participants will be able to

  • Describe wood formation and identify the components comprising the cell wall, along with their functions.
  • Understand the fundamental macro-level structure and characteristics of wood and articulate the basics of wood grain orientation.
  • List typical softwood and hardwood cell types, elucidating their functions.
  • Calculate wood moisture content and explain how moisture impacts wood dimensional changes through cell-level interactions.
  • Discuss factors affecting wood durability and enumerate European durability and use classes.
  • Recognize the influence of grain angle, knots, and other natural wood features on its mechanical properties.