Bachelor of Science in Forest & Sustainable Products Degree
Design for the Future
Sustainability and innovation are words to live by for professionals in Forest and Sustainable Products. An important part of the University of Idaho for over 100 years and accredited by the Society of Wood Science and Technology, our B.S. in Forest and Sustainable Products trains students to create and design new products from bio-based materials, from wood to recycled materials.
Through hands-on courses, our students apply what they learn in the classroom in our state-of-the-art laboratories in a variety of areas such as biofuel creation from wood waste, development of plastic-enhanced wood for construction, and innovative use of small-diameter trees. Our program is the only program of its kind with an integrated business curriculum that prepares students to work in the renewable materials and wood products industry; a $3 billion industry in Idaho. As a major in Forest and Sustainable Products, students take advantage of course work in five career tracks:
- Bio-Energy
- Bio-Based Materials
- Construction & Design
- Materials Acquisition & Supply
- Renewable Materials Business Management
Students can also customize their education based on career goals.
What Will You Learn?
Forest and Sustainable Products students take numerous classes featuring hands-on laboratory exercises and numerous one-on-one interactions with instructors. Courses Forest and Sustainable Products students can plan on taking include:
- FSP 100 – Introduction to Forest and Sustainable Products
Examination of the forest and sustainable materials industries and bioenergy products. Discovery laboratory in the use of forest and sustainable materials, including waste streams, to create marketable products. One lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
- FSP 321 – Properties of Forest and Sustainable Products
Physiology, structure and physical and mechanical properties of woody and other renewable plant materials. (Fall only)
- FSP 436 - Biocomposites
Raw material, processes, properties, and their applications for a number of natural fiber and wood composites made of veneers, particles and fibers. Additional projects and assignments required for grad credit. Two half day field trips. Two lectures and one 3-hr lab per week. (Fall only)
Prereq: CHEM 101 and FSP 321; and CHEM 275 or CHEM 277
- FSP 438 – Introduction to Lignocellulosic Chemistry
The chemistry of lignocellulosic fiber (natural fiber and wood) formation and structure. Two lectures a week for the first half of the semester.
Prereq: CHEM 101 or CHEM 111; and CHEM 275 or CHEM 277
- FSP 444 – Primary Forest Products Manufacturing
Raw materials, procurement, production methods, drying product specifications, and grading for primary products made from renewable materials including lumber, plywood, poles, and energy products; plant layout, machines, and systems analysis; plant tours. Two lec and one 5-hr lab a wk. (Spring only)
Prereq: FSP 321
- FSP 450 – Biomaterials Deterioration and Protection
Biotic and abiotic agents that deteriorate biomaterials; biocidal and nonbiocidal methods used to protect biomaterials from deterioration; biodegradable materials and their applications. Additional projects and assignments required for graduate credit. Two one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week.
Recommended preparation: FSP 321.
Prereq: Permission
- FSP 491 – Biomaterial Product and Process Development Lab
Lab to accompany FSP 495. One 3-hour lab per week. (Spring only)
Prereq: ECON 201 or ECON 202, and FSP 495
- FSP 495 – Product Development and Brand Management
This course examines product development strategy and the management of brands. Topics will include strategic intent of product development, the process of product development (ideation through post product launch evaluation), market and financial feasibility of product development, trends in product development, and managing brands (strategic brand management and managing brand equity).
Prereq: ECON 201, ECON 202, or ECON 272; and MKTG 321