Wood is a unique material. It is not only renewable and sustainable, but also strong and versatile. You see wood applications everywhere: furniture, houses, tools, paper. Fortunately, we can grow wood, so there is plenty. But will that still be the case in the future?

Extensive globalization, emerging economies and increasing world population are putting our forests under pressure. Sustainable wood production is therefore very important.

Wood is one of the most transported materials in the world and has a long chain from forest to end product. That is what this minor is about. Do you want to learn about purchasing and sales, transport, woodworking and the associated laws and regulations? Get to know this dynamic sector in this minor.

In the varied study program we train you in business, forest management and wood in all its diversity. You understand the complex production and trade chain from start to finish, from the tree in the forest to a product delivered to the customer! In addition to commercial skills, you have in-depth product knowledge.

The minor is characterized by close collaboration with professionals from the field, for example through weekly excursions and a 'hands-on' approach to education.

This minor, which is unique to the Netherlands, is taught in English, due to the particularly international nature of the timber industry. It is also possible to follow the minor in Spanish or German.

Added value:
Students acquire a broad understanding of timber and timber trade in tropical and temperate hardwoods, softwoods and wood based materials. They will acquire an overview of the Dutch timber industry. They will enlarge their skills about project management, applied research, entrepreneurship and communication in different situations.

Project- and process management:

• student is able to implement the essential elements of project management into the project assignment

Conducting research:

• student is able to determine the most prominent applications, features and mechanical and chemical properties of wood
• student is able to determine the strength and quality classes of timber and describe the main methods of strength grading

Entrepreneurship:

• student is able to assess the companies’ market position relative to the supplier in order to make correct purchasing decisions
• student is able to perform integral calculations which cover all important variables that are common in the timber business

Communication:

• student is able to conduct a business meeting is able to sell a product and a service, also via telephone

120 credits at Bachelor level in the field of  business management, wood technology or forestry

Documents required:
List of obtained credits.

Science and Technology of Wood, George Tsoumis

This course consist of 30 ECTS with a total study load of 840 hours:
• 280 hours of lectures
• 60 hours excursions
• 280 hours group assignments
• 80 hours assignments
• 100 hours self-study
• 40 hours assessments

TOETS-01 Wood properties, Weight: 3
TOETS-02 Wood anatomy, Weight: 2
TOETS-03 Quality, strength and grading, Weight: 3
TOETS-04 Business manager, Weight: 3
TOETS-05 Calculator, Weight: 3
TOETS-06 Wood modification, Weight: 3
TOETS-07 Specialization project, Weight:6
TOETS-08 Business communication, Weight:2
TOETS-09 Sustainable Supply Chain, Weight:3
TOETS-10 ITT assignment, Weight:2

Number of contact hours per week 20-24.