First year at Dresden University of Technology: Module 5

Forest utilization incl. NTFPs

 

Course objectives: (I) Acquisition of special knowledge concerning principles and systematic approaches of harvest, storage and processing of timber as well as non-timber products obtained from natural forests and forest plantations in the tropics. (II) Identify tropical timber species and non-timber products of tropical forests including their potential for sustainable forest management. (III) develop and control technological processes for forest utilization and management as well as for refinement of products, with main emphases on the areas of the use of machinery and devices for forestry operations, timber harvest, wood processing, optimization of timber utilization.

 

Course contents: The technological process of harvesting and utilizing numerous timber and non-timber forest products is focussed on. The process of harvest is explained as socio-economic and technological system. Approaches for the production of forest produce, transportation as well as conducting and controlling of forestry operations are dealt with. Tropical timber is identified based on its anatomical structure; physical and mechanical properties are characterised, and possible wood uses are derived. Technologies for wood processing and utilization are introduced. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are described, referring to groups of utilization. Accessing and utilizing selected NTFPs from natural forests and forest plantations are discussed and preconditions are defined for their domestication. The utilization of forest is referred to systems of sustainable forest management.

 

Teaching and leaning methods: 1.5 hrs/wk Lecture, 1.5 hrs/wk Seminar, 1 hrs/wk Practical/exercise

 

Examination: The credits are obtained, once the student has passed the module examination. The examination consists of an optional choice between either seminar paper (20 hours) or written report (20 hours), and a compulsory oral examination (20 minutes).

 

Competences acquired: The student is able to apply knowledge concerning the principles and systematic approaches of harvest, storage and processing of timber as well as non-timber products obtained from natural forests and forest plantations in the tropics. He or she is able to identify tropical timber species and has a proper command of non-timber products of tropical forests including their potential for sustainable forest management. The student is capable of independently develop and control technological processes for forest utilization and management as well as for refinement of products, with main emphases on the areas of the use of machinery and devices for forestry operations, timber harvest, wood processing, optimization of timber utilization.