Historical, technological and societal background to forestry and forest-based biorefining in Nordic countries

4.5 hp

2025-10-06 - 2025-10-24

Umeå

English

Application Code: SLU-F0020

Course Code: P000036

Application deadline: 2025-09-05

Course facts

Credits: 4.5 credits
Course code: P000036
Application deadline: 2025-09-05
Study location: Umeå
Form of instruction: Campus-based instruction
Course language: English
Responsible Department/Equivalent: Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology
Rate of study: 100 %

P000036, Historical, technological and societal background to forestry and forest-based biorefining in Nordic countries, 4.5 Hp
Print syllabus

Syllabus

Finalized by: FUN, 2023-02-07
Valid from : Autumn semester 2023 (2023-08-28)

Level

Third cycle

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

A fundamental knowledge of forestry and/or forest-industrial processes is required, obtained either through undergraduate/postgraduate education at university level or industrial experience. The course is primarily intended for doctoral students, but it is also open for other persons who are interested in the development of Nordic forestry and the technology development within the Nordic forest-industrial sector.

Objectives

After the course, the student will be able to:

Critically reflect on past and new challenges of using forest biomass in forest industry.
Understand the scientific background and the industrial environment within the forest-industrial and biorefinery sectors.
Reflect upon the ecological, economic, societal and ethical issues associated with forest-based biorefining
Discuss sustainability issues connected with the use of forest biomass in biorefineries and with technology development in the forest-industrial sector
Elaborate on bioeconomy and the effects of national and European environmental laws and directives on the forest-industrial and biorefinery sectors.

Content

Due to the environmental and geopolitical concerns associated with the consumption of fossil resources, biomass appears as an attractive source to produce fuels and chemicals. This course is a general introduction to the development of forest-based biorefineries. It gives a historical, technological and societal background to forest-based biorefining, with focus on the Nordic countries and on sustainable development. The course covers different aspects:

Assessment of forest biomass supply chains for biorefining
Historical aspects of forestry, forest-industrial processes, and forest-based biorefineries
Development of main conversion processes for forest biomass (mechanical, chemical, thermal, and biochemical processes)
Environmental impact and sustainability aspects

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

The course consists of a combination of individual literature studies, classroom lectures, study visits, self-studies, small group discussions and a written assignment