M1 - Wood Sciences

Morphogenesis and Fundamental Processes in Tree Development

               Primary growth (organogenesis and elongation; stem and root)

               Secondary Growth (Function of the Cambium and Phellogen)

               Branching and Branching Patterns

               Reproduction (from flower to fruit) and reproductive phenology

Tree Architecture

               Architectural Models

               The Concept of Architectural Unity

               Repetition

               Aging and Decline

               Morphogenetic gradients

               Root Architecture

               Diversity, Variability, and Plasticity in Tree Functioning and Adaptation

Structure-Time Relationships: Dendrochronological Approaches      

               Phenology and Chronobiology

               Primary growth, branching, flowering, and morpho-anatomical markers

               Chalazal Function and Growth Rings

               Retrospective Reconstruction of Tree Development

Ecophysiology and Functional Architecture of Trees             

               Mechanical Support

               Root Uptake (including the role of mycorrhizae)

               Conduction

               Photosynthesis

               Reserves

               Reproduction

               Trade-offs and Compromises Between Functions

Adaptations and Structure-Function Relationships

               Adaptations to herbivory (spines, underground stems, latex, chemical compounds, etc.)

               Resistance to pathogens (bark, latex, etc.)

               Fire resistance (bark, ability to regenerate, fire-dependent plants, etc.)

               Drought Tolerance/Resistance

Wood: A Marker of History

               Anthracology

               Dendrochronology / dendroclimatology

               An indicator of vegetation, land use, and climate

               Practical training: Analysis of core samples after drying…

View the full page

View the full page

View the full page

• Introduction to Statistics and the Scientific Method

                       Démarche scientifique

                       Data Structuring

                       Descriptive Statistics

                       Overview of Analytical Methods

                       A Critical Look at Statistics

• Univariate Analyses

                       Comparison Tests

                       Distribution Compliance

                       Simple Regression and Analysis of Variance/Covariance

• Multivariate Analyses

                       Correlations and Principal Component Analysis

                       Multiple Linear Regression

                       Nonlinear adjustments

• Classification and Discrimination

                       Classification (supervised, unsupervised)

                       Segmentation and Discrimination

• Statistical Analysis Tools

                       Introduction to R Software

View the full page

- Taxonomy / Phylogeny: The Concept of a Species               

- The Origins of the Tree / The Origins of Wood - The Emergence of Tree-Like Forms, the Invention of Wood, and Evolution   

- Development of the cambium and the vascular system                          

- Diversity of woody tissues (tracheids / vessels / fibers / parenchyma)

- Anatomical characteristics and taxonomic identification of temperate and tropical woods                  

- Chemical composition of wood              

- Macromolecules (cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignins, etc.) and their properties (Tg)

- Nanostructure—meso- and nanoporosity, organization of cellulose microfibrils (interaction between chemical compounds)              

- Chemical composition of wood              

- Secondary metabolites (function, composition, diversity), extractables       

- Chemical composition of wood - Gums, latex, exudates, resins          

View the full page

Mechanical Properties of Wood

One-dimensional elastic behavior and applied strength of materials (RDM) for structures with wooden beams, and an introduction to design codes (finite element modeling).

One-dimensional viscoelasticity and damping.

Orthotropic behavior.

Fracture behavior.

Quasi-static and vibrational measurement methods.

Wood Compared to Other Materials (Ashby's charts).

Physicochemical Properties of Wood

Thermal and hygroscopic properties (shrinkage and swelling), and their effect on elastic properties.

Relationships between structure, chemistry, and physicomechanical behavior (from the cell wall scale to the macroscopic scale).

Sensory properties: color, smell, texture, sound, and taste.

Diversity of Woods and Diversity of Uses

Intraspecies variability and interspecies diversity (temperate, Mediterranean, tropical) in physicomechanical properties.

Forests at the intersection of several categories of diversity (biological, physical-mechanical, functional, cultural), illustrated through specific uses and across different geocultural areas.

View the full page

The case study is a stimulating component of education and learning that aims, through a real-world scenario in a business, industrial, or research setting related to the forestry and wood industry, to develop not only students’ knowledge but, above all, the practical skills and interpersonal competencies required of managers and leaders. The case study is therefore designed to promote active learning among students through reflection and group discussion in a real-world context.

The various research topics are proposed by industry representatives, professionals, and researchers and faculty members. The topics cover interdisciplinary, scientific, technical, and socio-economic themes.

To meet the client’s request, the student draws on prior knowledge and combines it with newly acquired knowledge. Supervised by one or more academic advisors, the group of students will be responsible for developing guidelines, procedures, specifications, reports, and study deliverables based on the results of tests, trials, and/or surveys, in order to meet the client’s needs. Dialogue with peers—through discussion, debate, or argumentation—contributes significantly to the successful completion of this project.

View the full page

 History and Sociology of Wood

            A History of the Uses of Wood, from the Paleolithic Era to the Present Day

            Myths About Trees and Wood: A Story-Led Tour of the Jardin des Plantes

            Wood and Forests: Perceptions and Uses

Carbon and Climate Change

            Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

            Carbon Footprint of the Forest and Wood Products

The Economics and Geopolitics of the Timber Industry           

            Carbon Economy

            The Global Timber Industry - Geopolitics and Sustainability of Wood Use - Global Flows

            Stakeholders in the traditional and technical wood industry, in France and around the world

            Geopolitics of production, conflicts over land use. The value of forests versus other uses (mining, agriculture, urban development, etc.)

Forest Ecosystem Services

            Biodiversity, air/water filtration, hydraulic regulator

            Visitor Services, Pick-Your-Own Produce, Hunting,

            Landscape, opening/closing of habitats

View the full page

View the full page

View the full page

Logging and primary processing.

^Primary and^Secondary Machining

Organization of^Primary Processing

Growth Constraints and Technological Implications

Drying and Hygroscopic Behavior

Deterioration and Durability

View the full page

Listening Comprehension — videos, lectures, group discussions

Reading Comprehension — Based on Articles from the Scientific Press

Oral Communication in Interaction—Lectures, Debates, and Group Work

Written Expression — Note-Taking (Reports)

View the full page

Biophysical Specifications for the Tree

Mechanics of a Shaft Subjected to Gravity

Shaft Hydraulics

Mechanics of a Shaft Under External Load

Integrative Biophysics of the Tree

Biophysical Adaptations and Wood Quality

View the full page