Course objectives: Timber extraction is the major driver of forest exploitation and knowledge of wood properties and processes is a fundamental prerequisite for the use of wood. The aim of the module is to provide basic knowledge in tropical wood (properties, structure, transformation processes) sciences and in the industry of tropical wood.

Course contents: (1) general characteristics of the wood material: structure, genesis, mechanical and physical properties, (2) wood transformation technologies: wood-derived products, wood processing, paper production, (3) wood quality: interspecies diversity, problems related to plantation woods (4) Economics of wood industry.

Teaching and learning methods: Lectures (18 hours). Tours at the wood laboratory of Cirad and at the tropical timber port and industries of Sète (6 hours).

Examination: Individual written test.

Competences acquired: Knowledge of tropical wood technology, uses and industry, contact experience and exchange with local industrial partners.

Course homepage: http://www.agroparistech.fr/geeft/en/Training/Emetf/Emetf.htm