Academic Study Programme in Wood Science and Technology
More than 60% of Slovenia is covered by forests, and timber is the most important renewable raw material resource in the country. Wood is linked to several economic branches, which provide an important share in the national product and are export oriented. Wood is becoming more and more important in energetics and as a material in chemical production. It is a quality and ecological material for the living environment and is still an indispensable construction material. Wood is of high importance in the natural and cultural heritage of the nation.
The main aim of the First Cycle Academic Study Program in Wood Science is to educate experts who are able to provide an interdisciplinary link among natural science, technical, economic and social subjects, with the aim of the sustainable development of the profession - wood science. In line with the challenges of the modern world, graduates are qualified to evaluate wood correctly as a sustainable resource, recognise the structure and properties of wood and other ligno-cellulose materials and, knowing these properties, to seek the optimal use of wood, ligno-cellulose materials and wood products, to manage and plan wood processing and wood working technologies applied to wood and wood composites, and to organize and manage companies concerned with wood and wood products.
The First Cycle Academic Study Program in Wood Science lasts for 3 years (6 terms) and has a workload of 180 credits. A student obtains a university academic degree in wood science. The obtained knowledge provides the basis for continuing studies in second cycle (MSc) studies of wood science and technology and other fields of study. The interdisciplinary knowledge of graduates provides employment opportunities in fields ranging from solving demanding technological problems in the production and processing of wood and other ligno-cellulose materials, to cooperation in interdisciplinary research and development teams in designing and developing wood products and performing strategic leadership and development tasks in the local and/or international interdisciplinary professional environment. They are also qualified to perform work in service activities in the field of wood science, in the public sector (chambers, museums, restoration centres) and education (secondary schools, colleges, universities). Training involves, in addition to performing individual practical exercises, also independent professional work within the framework of a research and applicative graduation thesis, with which study is completed.