Bachelor of Science in Wood Science andTechnology

General Information

Ireland has an extensive and expanding forest resource whose raw material product requires development in the context of substantial market opportunities that exist for forest products.The aim of this programme is to produce wood technologists with the necessary technical, creative and business skills to lead industrial development.The focus of the programme will be towards the creative and effective utilisation of wood and wood based materials in commercial products.This will be achieved through a scientific understanding of the properties of wood and wood based materials, the development of a design sensitivity relative to product development and manufacture, together with the ability to effectively manage production processes.

Course Description

The programme is of four years duration.The course integrates basic studies (Physical Sciences, Materials Technology, Computing and Graphics), with major disciplines in the areas of:

• Wood Science
• Wood Technology
• Design
• Business Studies

The first two years provide a foundation in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry together with studies in:

• Materials Technology
• Design
• Wood Science
• Marketing
• Wood Technology
• Organisational Studies

The first semester of Year 3 provides the student with additional study in the key areas of Wood Science, Technology and Design with a focus on production.The second semester and the following summer are spent working in an external industrial placement. The final year of study concentrates on the business, entrepreneurial and quality aspects of the industry.

There is also a strong encouragement to study externally (e.g. Finland) for a semester.

A final year project is carried out in fourth year.This is seen as a vital and integral part of the entire course.

For further details, log on to www.mst.ul.ie

Course Structure

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English).

In addition, applicants are required to hold at least the following in the Leaving Certificate, or an approved equivalent: Grade B3 in Ordinary Level Mathematics (Grade D3 in Higher Level Mathematics also suffices) AND a Grade D3 at Higher Level (or Grade C3 or above at Ordinary Level) in any one of the following: Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering,Technical Drawing/Design & Communication Graphics,Technology, Construction Studies,Agricultural Science, Biology.

Students can also enter this programme of study via the Science Choice degree LM117.A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

Career Prospects

The basic aim of the degree programme in Wood Science and Technology is to produce wood technologists of a high standard who possess the technical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively and creatively in a dynamic and technological industry. The course is about integrating the talents of people to effectively manage:

• material: behaviour of wood and wood products
• design: both structural and aesthetic
• processing: controlling the form and shape from tree to final product
• production: efficiently manufacturing the products in a sensitive manner
• quality: all aspects to the highest standard.

Graduates find employment in the following core areas:

• Primary Sector: Sawmills • Board Mills
• Manufacturing Sector: Furniture • Joinery • Structural/non structural component • Timber Frame Construction
• Allied areas: Training • Preservation • Conservation • Consultancy • Product Design

As this is a rapidly evolving industry, employment opportunities are constantly presenting themselves from unexpected quarters.