Wood Science Case Study

The case study is a stimulating stage in training and learning which aims, through a real situation of a company, industrial sector or research, linked to the forestry-wood sector, to develop not only the knowledge of students, but above all the know-how and interpersonal skills of managers and leaders. The case study is therefore oriented towards active learning of the students through group reflection and discussion in a real situation.

The different subjects of study are proposed by industrialists, professionals and researchers and teacher-researchers. The themes of the subjects are interdisciplinary, scientific, technical, or socio-economic.

To meet the client's request, the student uses his or her previous knowledge and combines it with his or her newly acquired knowledge. Supervised by one or more pedagogical tutors, the group of students will be in charge of developing instructions, procedures, specifications, reports and study results from the results of tests, trials and/or surveys, in order to meet the client's request. Dialogue with one's peers, through exchange, confrontation or argumentation, contributes strongly to the good conduct of this project.

The aim of the "Case study in wood science" course is to place the student, as part of a group, in a position to respond to a realistic request for proposals from professionals. This may be a specific research topic in wood science, or a problem (scientific, social and/or economic) linked to the wood industry.

- Know how to conduct a case study, define a problem and develop a synthesis, comparative and critical analysis.

- Apply theoretical concepts learned in class to a concrete case.

- Adopt a multi-disciplinary approach involving wood science and the timber industry.

- Identify and develop research, data collection and analysis methods.

- Draw up instructions, procedures, specifications and study reports based on the results of tests, trials and/or surveys. 

- Improve expression and communication skills with professionals and educational tutors.

- Develop your ability to solve problems related to the wood industry.

- Produce a synthesis of the study and its results in the form of a scientific publication.

- Express themselves orally and in writing (French and English, respectively) using generic and technical vocabulary.

- Situate your role and mission within a group to adapt and take initiative.

- Work as part of a team as well as independently and responsibly on a project.