ARC3408H S
Instructor: Ted Kesik & Sally Krigstin
Meeting Section: L0101
Wednesday, 12:00PM - 3:00PM 

INSTRUCTOR EMAIL: sally.krigstin@utoronto.ca | ted.kesik@utoronto.ca

OFFICE HOURS: By appointment only.

OFFICE LOCATION: Sally Krigstin ES3029 | Ted Kesik ES1016G

PREREQUISITE COURSES: Student should have taken a previous science or math course

Wood has been an important material throughout the ages and in today's world has taken on the added importance of being a renewable and sustainable material that assists with greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. This course will provide students with an understanding of wood’s unique physical properties, the variability of these properties within different species and how these properties can inform its proper use in various applications. The Canadian forestry industry establishes the context for this course acknowledging that forests transcend political borders and reach around the world.

This co-delivered course is structured as a series of lectures reinforced by hands-on working with wood, labs and quizzes. Students are expected to engage the required readings and to diligently apply themselves to the assigned labs and wood artifact projects. All participants in the course are encouraged to explore the use of wood in the world around them and to more fully appreciate the invaluable resources that are provided by our forests.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Students will be provided with an opportunity to achieve the following learning objectives:

1. Understanding of the perspectives of various stakeholders with respect to forestry, ecology, economy and wood products industries.
2. Understanding how the anatomical, physical and mechanical properties of wood determine its potential product applications.
3. Understanding of the tools and techniques used to fashion and fabricate wood products.
4. Appreciation of traditional and innovative applications of wood which can displace carbon intensive materials and products.
5. Recognition of urban wood harvesting and fabrication and its role in an urban economy.
6. Understanding of the respectful, efficient and sustainable use of forest resources in modern material science, design and construction.
7. Apply qualitative and quantitative tools and approaches to evaluate woods for their suitability in varied applications.