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101-0637-10L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-USYS , D-BAUG , D-MATL
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Wood Structure and Function

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ingo Burgert, Dr. Georg von Arx
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:37

Abstract

The course Wood structure and function conveys basic knowledge on the microstructure of softwoods and hardwoods as well as general and species-specific relationships between growth processes, wood properties and wood function in the living tree.

Objective

Learning target is a basic understanding of the anatomy of wood and the related impact of endogenous and exogenous factors. The students can learn how to distinguish common central European wood species at the macroscopic and microscopic level. A deeper insight will be given by wood identification exercises for softwood species. Further, the students will gain insight into the relationships between tree growth and wood properties with a specific focus on the wood function in the living tree.

Content

In an introduction to wood anatomy, the general structural features of softwoods and hardwoods will be explained and factors of diversity and variability will be discussed. A specific focus is laid on common central European tree species with relevance in the wood sector, which will be studied in macro-and microstructural investigations. In the following, relationships between wood structure, properties and function in the living tree will be in the focus of the lectures. Topics covered are water transport, trends in wood anatomy within trees, environmental impact on wood anatomy, wood defects and their causes, tools to study wood properties over time, secondary changes in wood, and tree biomechanics.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
Teilnahme an den Übungen zur Holzartenbestimmung während des Semesters wird empfohlen.Das Mitbringen von eigenen schriftlichen Unterlagen an die Sessionsprüfung ist unzulässig.

Registration & Places

Max Places
15

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Wood Structure and Function
  • Wed 15:45-17:30 (HIT J 52)
2 h weekly

Offered In