Wood Products Processing

This award-winning program is a fusion of science, engineering, and business that prepares you for a career in the wood products sector and related fields. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of wood material science, advanced manufacturing, and business operations. You can also choose to complement your science degree with a Minor in Commerce through the UBC Sauder School of Business. Co-op is another exciting option taken by most students to integrate career-related work experience and academic studies. If you are creative and enjoy engineering and problem solving, this program is ideal for you.

Field of study: Wood Science and Wood Products/Pulp and Paper Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Wood Products Processing at The University of British Columbia - Vancouver is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for exciting careers in the forest products industry. This program combines foundational knowledge in forestry, engineering, and chemistry with specialized training in wood science and technology. Students will explore the entire value chain of wood products, including harvesting, processing, manufacturing, and marketing of wood-based commodities. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable practices, innovative manufacturing techniques, and the application of modern technology to optimize the production and utilization of wood materials. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, industry internships, and research projects, enabling them to develop practical skills essential for leadership roles in the industry. Coursework covers topics such as wood anatomy, material science, sawmill operations, engineered wood products, and environmental impact assessment. Students are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary thinking, combining principles from engineering, chemistry, and environmental science to solve complex problems related to wood processing. The program also stresses the importance of sustainability and responsible resource management, preparing graduates to contribute positively to the forestry sector's environmental and economic challenges. Upon graduation, students will be equipped to pursue careers in wood manufacturing companies, research institutions, consulting firms, and governmental agencies dedicated to forest management and industry innovation. This program aims to foster a new generation of skilled professionals committed to advancing the sustainable use of forest resources through technological innovation and environmental stewardship, ensuring the long-term health of forest ecosystems and the economic vitality of the wood products industry.

The Wood Products Processing program at The University of British Columbia - Vancouver encompasses a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in the forestry and wood manufacturing industries. The program typically requires completion of a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on wood science, forestry, or a related discipline. Core coursework includes foundational topics such as wood properties, wood anatomy, wood manufacturing processes, and wood product design. Students are also expected to engage in advanced studies covering topics like wood preservation, machinery and equipment used in wood processing, and the sustainability of forest resources.

In addition to coursework, the program emphasizes practical training through laboratory work, workshops, and potential internships with industry partners. Students must complete a series of laboratory and project-based courses to develop hands-on skills in wood processing operations, quality control, and product development. The curriculum often includes electives that allow specialization in areas such as timber engineering, veneer manufacturing, and furniture design.

To earn the degree, students must successfully pass all required coursework totaling approximately 120 to 130 credit hours, maintain a minimum grade point average as specified by the faculty, and complete a capstone project or thesis that demonstrates their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world wood processing challenges. The program also encourages participation in industry seminars, conferences, and cooperative education programs to foster industry connections. Completion of the program equips graduates with the technical expertise and practical skills necessary for a variety of roles in wood manufacturing, quality assurance, product development, and forest resource management.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of British Columbia offers comprehensive financing options for students enrolled in the Wood Products Processing program, designed to support both domestic and international students throughout their academic journey. Students are encouraged to explore various sources of funding, including government grants, scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs. The university provides detailed information on entrance scholarships for incoming students, which are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Additionally, students can apply for merit-based scholarships specific to the Faculty of Forestry or the Wood Products Processing program itself, which recognize outstanding achievements in relevant fields.

In terms of financial aid, UBC offers need-based bursaries that assist students facing financial challenges, ensuring that capable students are not deterred from pursuing their education due to economic barriers. The university's Financial Aid and Awards Office provides personalized counselling sessions to help students identify suitable funding opportunities and assist with the application process. Moreover, students are encouraged to seek external funding sources, such as provincial or federal government student aid programs, which may provide loans or supplementary grants.

Work-study programs are also available, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning income to offset educational expenses. Cooperative education (co-op) options, integrated within the curriculum, offer paid work placements with industry partners in the wood products sector, enhancing employability and providing additional financial support. International students are advised to explore scholarships specifically for international applicants and to consider part-time employment possibilities permitted under their visa conditions, which can help cover living expenses and enrich their academic experience.

Furthermore, the university collaborates with industry partners and professional organizations to establish internships and sponsorships that can include financial stipends or funding for research projects. Students are encouraged to actively participate in departmental seminars and industry events, which may lead to networking opportunities that could result in additional financial support or internships. Overall, UBC’s multi-faceted approach to financing studies aims to reduce financial barriers, encourage academic excellence, and support students in achieving their career objectives in the field of wood products processing.

The Wood Products Processing program at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver offers students a comprehensive education in the science, technology, and business aspects of the forest products industry, with a particular focus on wood processing. This program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the manufacturing and management sectors of the forest industry, emphasizing sustainable practices, technological innovation, and efficient production processes. Students enrolled in this program are exposed to a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines principles of engineering, material science, environmental science, and business management, providing a well-rounded foundation for careers involving the conversion of raw wood into finished products such as lumber, plywood, furniture, and engineered wood products.

The program curricula typically include core courses covering areas like wood science, processing technology, machinery and equipment, quality control, environmental impact assessments, and supply chain management. Students may also have opportunities to participate in practical training through laboratory work, internships, and coop placements, allowing them to gain real-world experience in wood products manufacturing facilities. Research components often focus on improving processing efficiency, product quality, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the university’s commitment to innovation and responsible resource management.

Graduates of the Wood Products Processing program can pursue careers in various sectors including manufacturing, design, quality assurance, research and development, and environmental management within the forestry and wood products industries. They are well-prepared to work in roles such as process engineers, quality control specialists, product development managers, and sustainability consultants. The program also provides a solid foundation for those interested in graduate studies or professional certifications related to forest products and manufacturing.

The program benefits from UBC’s excellent facilities, industry connections, and research expertise, fostering an environment that promotes interdisciplinary learning and collaboration with industry partners. This ensures that students are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are relevant to current industry standards and future innovations. Overall, the Wood Products Processing program at UBC Vancouver aims to develop skilled professionals who can contribute to sustainable development in the forest sector while advancing technological and environmental priorities in the wood products industry.