Case Study in Wood Science

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.

The EU “Case Study in Wood Science” course aims to place students, working in groups, in a situation where they must respond to a realistic request for proposals submitted by professionals. This request may be a specific research topic in wood science or an issue (scientific, social, and/or economic) related to the wood industry.

- Be able to conduct a case study, define a research question, and develop a comprehensive, comparative, and critical analysis.

- Apply the theoretical concepts covered in class to a real-world scenario.

- Adopt a multidisciplinary approach related to wood science and the wood industry.

- Identify and develop methods for researching, collecting, and analyzing data.

- Develop guidelines, procedures, specifications, and study reports based on the results of tests, trials, and/or surveys. 

- Improve one's ability to express oneself and communicate with professionals and academic advisors.

- Develop skills in solving problems related to the wood industry.

- Prepare a summary of the study and its findings in the form of a scientific publication.

- Communicate orally and in writing (in French and English, respectively) using general and technical vocabulary.

- Understand one's role and responsibilities within a group in order to adapt and take initiative.

- Work both as part of a team and independently and responsibly to support a project.