OEKB100211 Wood biology and biobased fibres

Type
course with continuous assessment
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Gierlinger, Notburga , Rosner, Sabine , Grabner, Michael
Organisation
Botany
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

* Plant anatomy
* Structure-function relationships in plant stems, leaves and roots
* Wood identification
* Wood anatomy
* Wood properties
* Utilization of wood
Previous knowledge expected

Botany
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Graduates of this module can describe the structure and functions of plant cells, tissues, and organs. They can independently use a microscope to identify wood species based on their anatomical characteristics. They are able to explain the various structural principles of a plant, and in particular of wood, with regard to the biological functions in a living tree. Graduates of the module can describe the functionally determined variability of wood anatomy within a tree and in different tree species, as well as the processes involved in annual ring formation, wood aging, and wound healing, and explain their consequences for survival after abiotic and biotic stress situations. With this knowledge, they can explain the variability in wood quality in terms of strength, swelling and shrinkage, impregnability, color, and durability, as well as “defects” on a biological basis. After successfully completing the module, students will be able to describe, compare, and contrast native wood species and their properties and uses, thereby describing the advantages and disadvantages, strengths and weaknesses of each wood species for specific purposes.
Graduates of the module will be able to operate a light microscope and explain how it works. By examining micro-sections from different anatomical directions under the microscope, they train their spatial awareness of the arrangement of cells in different tissues, with a focus on wood. They recognize the anisotropic structure and biomechanical relationships and can identify wood species macroscopically and microscopically.
Graduates of this module are familiar with the biological processes of tree growth and the effects on wood as a raw material. They can identify the most important native wood species and analyze possible biological modifications and wood defects. In addition, they have the technical expertise to find the appropriate use of a wood species for specific products.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.