OEKB100210 Wood biology

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

overview: which wood grows in Austria?
wood formation
anatomy of the cell wall
secondary growth
functional anatomy of the annual ring
hydraulic functioning
biological optimization within trees
reasons for defects in wood
symbioses
defense reactions
Previous knowledge expected

common botany (Allgmeine Botanik)
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Graduates of this module can describe the structure and functions lignified plant tissues, 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 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 this module (including the PI course) 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.