MSc Wood Science

Objectives

MSc course of studies in Wood Science is a consecutive, research-oriented course, based upon fundamental knowledge of lignocellulose based bioresources and their ranges of application. It deepens the abilities of the students

to the independent use of expertise, specifically for wood,
to the independent research according scientific principles and in compliance with scientific
methods,
to the responsible classification of their knowledge in social contexts.

The MSc course of studies in Wood Science provides for the students textual, methodical and personal qualifications, which enable them to work in most different occupational fields independently and autonomously to develop approaches by using appropriate methods and tools. The course of studies also imparts a successful development concerning cooperation, delegation and guidance to the students, including sufficient qualifications in structuring and decision-making.

Thereby the graduates are able to take over a management role in economy and research, as well as to develop themselves and the respective field of application.

The MSc course of studies in Wood Science also offers graduates of other related BSc course of studies the possibility for deepening and specialization in the area of wood and wood-based products.

Module description

Here, you will find a list of mandatory as well as elective and compulsory modules of the Wood Chemistry department.

Fibers and fiber based products

Module coordinator: Prof. Dr. B. Saake

Lecturer: Dr. Julien R.G. Navarro, Prof. Dr. B. Saake, Max Flaig

Contents: The lecture will first focus on the different production processes and modifications of fibers from various resources. The morphological and chemical differences are discussed for fibers from various natural origins and production processes. The interaction of the different raw materials and production processes will be described, demonstrating as well which process route is advantageous for which raw material. Based on this knowledge the structure property relationship of the different fibers will be discussed for important products from the paper, board, wood product and composite industry. This includes a discussion of bulk products as well as high value products such as special papers, fiber-reinforced composite or nanofibrils. The effect and importance of beating and milling treatments are as well discussed for various product groups.

Methods for the characterization of fiber properties and origin by chemical analysis, microscopy, and image analysis are presented.

Courses:

L: Fibers and fiber based products
S: Seminar Fibers and fiber based products

Note: Interdisciplinary module (Wood physics - Wood chemistry)

Paper and board technology

Module coordinator: Prof. Dr. B. Saake

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. B. Saake

Contents: The lecture will first focus on the different paper production processes. As a basic scenario the production of graphic paper will be presented including strategies for influencing sheet formation and process control by online measurements. Further on the fundamentals of sheet formation and retention will be discussed introducing the most relevant strength additives and retentions aides. Based on these fundamentals the technological specifics of various product groups like tissue paper or specialty grades (e.g. filter paper, security paper, thermopaper) will be presented.

The specific needs for production will be one focus explaining the different concepts for the headbox, wire and drying section. The production of card board, corrugated card board and packaging materials will be a further focus of the module. The recycling of waste paper will be presented for the three major end product groups: board, tissue and graphic paper. Analytical techniques for the characterization of paper and paper components and possibilities for process control will be presented.

Courses:

L: Paper and board technology
Pr: Development on paper and board production

Lignocellulose biorefinery

Module coordinator: Prof. Dr. B. Saake

Lecturer: Dr. J. Appelt (TI / HF), Prof. Dr. B. Saake

Contents: In terms of thermochemical conversion processes the generation of oil and other valuable products by pyrolysis, the production of fuel by gasification followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and the implementation of biomass using the hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) are considered. Another focus is on processes for provision of fermentable sugars and lignin.

Here, the steam explosion and organosolv technologies with subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis will be discussed as well as hydrolysis with concentrated mineral acid. The comparison and evaluation of the process of economic and ecological point of view is also part of this lecture. The aspects are deepened in seminar presentations and group work.

Courses:

L: Lignocellulose biorefineries
Pr: Lignocellulose biorefineries

Biopolymers

Module coordinator: Prof. Dr. B. Saake

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. B. Saake, Max Flaig

Contents: The production of dissolving pulps will be discussed as a basis for cellulose derivatives and regenerated fibers. The most important cellulose ethers, esters and regenerated fibers, as well as nanofibrils and aerogels will be presented in terms of their production, properties and application potential. For hemicelluloses and lignins different separation options and their influence on the structure and properties will be highlighted. Selected applications for technical lignins and hemicelluloses will be presented. Selected processes and products based on the so called accessory components of lignocellulosics will be presented. Special focus will be laid upon technical problems related to accessory components and their effects on over all characteristics of different species. Analytical methods for the characterization of wood components will be presented.

Courses:

L: Biopolymers from lignocellulosics
Pr: Biopolymers from lignocellulosics

Project study

Module coordinator: Lecturer of the programme

Lecturer: All lecturers

Educational concept: Students learn to think and work self-constrainedly in the scientific fields of the Wood Science. They gain experience in designing and carrying out scientific experiments in order to solve scientific problems.

Contents: Students have to organize their scientific work, write a report and discuss the results of their work.

Courses: Research work: Laboratory work or literature study

Note: Students can choose to do the project study in the Wood Chemistry department.

Master thesis

Module coordinator: Lecturer of the programme

Lecturer: All lecturers

Educational concept: Students are able to think and work self-constrainedly in the scientific fields of the Master of Wood Science. They have gained experience in presentation and evaluation of their own experimental work in the context of the current scientific state of the art and they are able to solve scientific problems.

Contents: Students have to organize their scientific work, write structured thesis and discuss the results of their work.

Courses:

Courses Planning research work, writing thesis
Preparation of defense

Exam framework:

Type of examination: written thesis (95%) and oral presentation of thesis (5%)
Language: English

Note: Students can write their master thesis in the Wood Chemistry field.