Department of Sustainable Bioproducts
Major Advisor: Head Rubin Shmulsky
Office: 203 Franklin Center, 201 Locksley Way
The forest products industry is one of the largest economic contributors to Mississippi, as well as in the United States. Employment in the furniture, lumber, wood products, composites, and paper sectors of the economy far exceeds the employment of any other manufacturing sector in the state. Mississippi’s forest products industry recognizes the need for well-trained employees to help increase the conversion efficiencies and alter manufacturing processes to allow compatibility with a changing raw material base. The industry is large in terms of employment, both in Mississippi and nationwide.
The mission of the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, social, and professional development of its students by providing them with knowledge and skills needed to utilize and conserve diverse forest resources effectively. In this regard, the Department’s primary teaching responsibility is to provide high quality educational opportunities necessary to adequately prepare students for professional and scientific careers in sustainable bioproducts and wood science.
Presently, students interested in a sustainable bioproducts curriculum have the option of the Sustainable Bioproducts undergraduate or graduate program.
The Department of Sustainable Bioproducts’ physical plant consists of eighteen buildings, with a combined floor space in excess of 90,000 square feet. These buildings house the analytical and testing equipment, pilot plants, and support facilities required for a comprehensive research program involving wood and other bioproducts.
Forest Products Minor
A Forest Products minor is available to non-majors to provide students with the knowledge of wood, wood products, their use, and importance to employers in many areas including construction, design, marketing and distributing, retail and wholesale management, sales, production, technical services, and scientific fields such as chemistry, engineering and industrial technology. A minor in Forest Products will also provide non-major students an excellent background for entering a graduate degree program in Sustainable Bioproducts. Academic advising is available in the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts located at 201 Locksley Way. A total of 18 hours is required to obtain a Forest Products minor.
| English (General Education) | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Fine Arts (General Education) | ||
| Any General Education course | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| BIO 1134 | Biology I | 4 |
| BIO 1144 | Biology II | 4 |
| Additional Science | ||
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 1051 | Experimental Chemistry | 1 |
| Math (General Education) | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MA 1323 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | |
| Humanities (General Education) | ||
| Any Gen Ed courses | 6 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences (General Education) | ||
| Any course from Gen Ed list | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following Economics courses: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Food and Resource Economics | ||
or EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
or FO 4113 | Forest Resource Economics | |
| Oral Communicaton Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| AIS 3203 | Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences | 3 |
| or MGT 3213 | Organizational Communications | |
| or BIO 3013 | Professional Writing for Biologists | |
| Major Core Courses (Required) | ||
| SBP 1103 | Introduction to Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 1203 | Anatomy of Wood and other Natural Materials | 3 |
| SBP 2012 | Introduction to Bioproduct Industries | 2 |
| SBP 2123 | Materials and Processing in Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 3113 | Biomaterial Phys Mech | 3 |
| SBP 3123 | Biomass to Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 4253 | Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 4313 | Bioproducts and the Environment | 3 |
| SBP 4333 | Bioproducts and Environmental Biotechnology | 3 |
| SBP 4443 | Capstone Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| Major Courses Professional Electives | ||
| SBP 3143 | Biomass Characteristics and Production | 3 |
| SBP 4000 | Directed Individual Study | 6 |
| SBP 4023 | Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry | 3 |
| SBP 4113 | Adhesives and Biocomposites | 3 |
| SBP 4133 | Biorefinery Processes | 3 |
| SBP 4144 | Biocomposite Application and Manufacturing | 4 |
| SBP 4153 | Biological Conversion of Biomass | 3 |
| SBP 4213 | Deterioration and Preservation of Biomaterials | 3 |
| SBP 4243 | Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 4450 | Undergraduate Research in Sustainable Bioproducts | 1-6 |
| Professional Electives | ||
| Choose any class that is 3000 level or above from the following subjects: ABE, AEC, ARC 2713, BCH, BCS, BIO, BIS, BL, CE, CH, EC, EE, EG, EM, EPP, FIN, FO, GR, IE, TKI, LA, MGT, MKT, MA, ME, NREC, PH, PS, PSS, SBP, ST, WFA | 18 | |
| Free Electives | 8 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
Courses
FP 1103 Wood Technology and Products: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A survey of wood structures, properties and products, including reconstituted wood products, chemicals from wood and wood preservation
FP 2990 Special Topics in Forest Products: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
FP 3012 Introduction to Forest Industries: 2 hours.
40 hours per week for two weeks of laboratory (industry tours). Guided introduction to forest products industries and processes
FP 4000 Directed Individual Study in Forest Products: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
FP 4013 Wood Anatomy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Anatomy of commercial timber species; elements of botanical microtechnique, fundamentals of microscopy, and fundamental properties: gross and minute structural characteristics of wood leading to identification
FP 4023 Wood Chemistry: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CH 1053 and CH 1223). Three hours lecture. Introduction to the distribution, chemical structure, reactions, and uses of the chemical components of wood including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and extractives
FP 4113 Adhesives and Finishes for Wood: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CH 1053, FP 1103, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Theory and technology of adhesion; adhesive types, application equipment; fundamentals of coating technology; wood finishes; finishing systems; evaluation of glued, finished products; market volumes
FP 4123 Lumber Manufacturing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Raw materials, production methods and product specifications for sawn wood products. Machinery and plant layout. Operation, control, and analysis of lumber manufacturing systems; markets
FP 4143 Composite Wood Products: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FP 4113 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Study of physical and chemical parameters affecting reconstituted wood products; laboratory investigation of processing methods; industrial standards and quality control; markets
FP 4213 Wood Deterioration and Preservation: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Thermal, biological, and mechanical agents of wood products deterioration; biological control; design considerations; wood preservatives, preservation systems; treatability; preservative effectiveness; standards, pollution control
FP 4223 Furniture Production I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. The theory of furniture production; materials for furniture; manufacturing machines and their functions; wood machining and sanding; finishing; industrial processes; marketing
FP 4233 Furniture Production II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. General principles of upholstered furniture design; frame construction and analysis; material selection; fasteners; joint construction; and testing standards
FP 4253 Quantitative Methods in Forest Products and Furniture: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: MA 1613 or MA 1713, BIS 1013, or concurrent). Three hours lecture. Application of economic principles to the production and marketing of forest products; production theory of single and multiproduct firms; computer applications
FP 4353 Forest Products Marketing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FP 3012 and junior standing). Marketing and practices used by forest products and furniture producing companies as related to differentiated vs non-differentiated products by consumers
FP 4413 Professional Practice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Senior standing). Three hours independent study. Seniors will be exposed to all FP faculty members and required to prepare both written and oral reports on a variety of FP topics
FP 4990 Special Topics in Forest Products: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
FP 6013 Wood Anatomy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Anatomy of commercial timber species; elements of botanical microtechnique, fundamentals of microscopy, and fundamental properties: gross and minute structural characteristics of wood leading to identification
FP 6023 Wood Chemistry: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CH 1053 and CH 1223). Three hours lecture. Introduction to the distribution, chemical structure, reactions, and uses of the chemical components of wood including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and extractives
FP 6113 Adhesives and Finishes for Wood: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CH 1053, FP 1103, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Theory and technology of adhesion; adhesive types, application equipment; fundamentals of coating technology; wood finishes; finishing systems; evaluation of glued, finished products; market volumes
FP 6123 Lumber Manufacturing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Raw materials, production methods and product specifications for sawn wood products. Machinery and plant layout. Operation, control, and analysis of lumber manufacturing systems; markets
FP 6143 Composite Wood Products: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FP 4113 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Study of physical and chemical parameters affecting reconstituted wood products; laboratory investigation of processing methods; industrial standards and quality control; markets
FP 6213 Wood Deterioration and Preservation: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Thermal, biological, and mechanical agents of wood products deterioration; biological control; design considerations; wood preservatives, preservation systems; treatability; preservative effectiveness; standards, pollution control
FP 6223 Furniture Production I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. The theory of furniture production; materials for furniture; manufacturing machines and their functions; wood machining and sanding; finishing; industrial processes; marketing
FP 6233 Furniture Production II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: FP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. General principles of upholstered furniture design; frame construction and analysis; material selection; fasteners; joint construction; and testing standards
FP 6253 Quantitative Methods in Forest Products and Furniture: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: MA 1613 or MA 1713, BIS 1013, or concurrent). Three hours lecture. Application of economic principles to the production and marketing of forest products; production theory of single and multiproduct firms; computer applications
FP 6353 Forest Products Marketing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: FP 3012 and junior standing). Marketing and practices used by forest products and furniture producing companies as related to differentiated vs non-differentiated products by consumers
FP 6990 Special Topics in Forest Products: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
FP 7000 Directed Individual Study in Forest Products: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
FP 8000 Thesis Research/Thesis in Forest Products: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
FP 8111 Research Seminar: 1 hour.
Review of current research work in wood science and technology; the scientific method; philosophy of research
FP 8121 Research Seminar II: 1 hour.
One hour seminar. Review of current research work in wood science and technology; the scientific method; philosophy of research. This course focuses on oral communication skills
FP 8123 Advanced Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Carbohydrate chemistry; chemistry of cellulose and cell- ulosics, hemicelluloses, lignins, extractives, and bark; pulping and bleaching chemistry; analysis of lignocellulosic materials; biodegradation of lignocellulosics; biomass products
FP 8133 Environmental Issues in Forest Products: 3 hours.
(Consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Environmental impact, regulations, management of wood treatment by-products and chemical wastes; biodegradation microorganisms; bioremediation; biomass residues; soil, sediment, water, air contaminations; current clean-up technologies
FP 8213 Advanced Wood Mechanics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Study of elastic and viscoelastic behavior of wood composites; fracture in wood; stress analysis; current topics in wood mechanics
FP 8990 Special Topics in Forest Products: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
FP 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Forest Products: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
SBP 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse array of topics and provides students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members
SBP 1103 Introduction to Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A survey of biomass structure, anatomy, properties and chemistry, and the processes used to manufacture sustainable biomass-based products
SBP 1203 Anatomy of Wood and other Natural Materials: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Anatomy of commercial timber species and natural materials used to manufacture bioproducts; elements of botanical microtechnique, fundamentals of microscopy; gross and minute structural characteristics
SBP 2012 Introduction to Bioproduct Industries: 2 hours.
One hour lecture and one hour Laboratory/Field Trip. This course will be taught as a site tour of bioproduct industries focusing on conversion and use of biomass resources in the Southeastern United States. (During the two weeks of intersession term, class will meet six hours per day.)
SBP 2123 Materials and Processing in Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 2012 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to processing of sustainable biomaterials including generation of by-products; also methods for product evaluation with American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards
SBP 2990 Special Topic in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-9 hours.
(1-9). Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
SBP 3113 Biomaterial Phys Mech: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: MA 1323 or equivalent). Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory. This course focuses on understanding important physical and mechanical properties of biomaterials and the relationship of these properties to manufacturing processes and product uses
SBP 3123 Biomass to Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CH 1043 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Introduction to chemical/physical properties of forestry and agro crops with overview of products derived from plant materials. Innovative and emerging bioproducts industries are described
SBP 3143 Biomass Characteristics and Production: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite CH 1043, BIO 1134, and MA 1313). Three hours lecture. Methods of field production and characteristics of biomass utilized for fuels and biochemicals
SBP 4000 Directed Individual Study: 6 hours.
(1-6). Hours and credits to be arranged
SBP 4023 Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry: 3 hours.
Three hour lecture. (Prerequisites: CH 1043 and CH 1053 or equivalent.) Chemical composition of lignocellulosic biomass (wood, agricultural residues, and bioenergy crops) including cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives, their structures, isolation, processes and applications
SBP 4113 Adhesives and Biocomposites: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisites: SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123, and CH 1053.) Theories and practices of adhesives and finishing materials used in the manufacture of biocomposite products and furniture
SBP 4133 Biorefinery Processes: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4023 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An overview of the different chemical and thermochemical biorefinery processes used to convert biomass into chemicals and fuels
SBP 4144 Biocomposite Application and Manufacturing: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisite: SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123, and SBP 4113/6113 or Consent of Instructor). This course evaluates the application of raw bio-materials (wood, non-wood biomaterial and resins) that are used to manufacture reconstituted and laminated bio-composite products and to classify these products by type, properties, and applications
SBP 4153 Biological Conversion of Biomass: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to concepts of conversion of biomass by organisms or isolated enzymes to chemicals focusing on breakdown of cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses and enzyme kinetics
SBP 4213 Deterioration and Preservation of Biomaterials: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisite: SBP 1103 or Consent of Instructor). Thermal, biological, and mechanical agents of bioproducts deterioration; biological control; design considerations; preservatives, preservation systems; treatability; preservative effectiveness; standards, pollution control
SBP 4243 Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Expanding students’ knowledge of bioproducts, manufacturing principles and processes according to various industrial fields and insights into new approaches and methods in bioproducts industries
SBP 4253 Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
Three hours lectures. (Prerequisite: MA 1313 and MA 1323 or equivalent and SBP 2123). The study and practical application of quantitative techniques commonly used in industry to evaluate the net worth of raw materials, and the cause and effect on process variables
SBP 4263 Strength Design of Furniture as Green Products: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3113 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. General principles of structural analysis of furniture; strength design of members and joints; mechanical properties of environmentally preferable materials; design and analysis computer software; green and sustainable design of certifications; and testing standards
SBP 4313 Bioproducts and the Environment: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 2012, 2123, and 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An introduction to environmental topics and laws, environmental impact, and control technologies associated with emissions from diverse sustainable bioproducts industries, including global and national issues
SBP 4333 Bioproducts and Environmental Biotechnology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4313/6313 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to biotechnological applications which remediate, minimize or eliminate environmental emissions from bioproduct industries, including wood preservatives, high organic process water, adhesives, resins and solvents
SBP 4443 Capstone Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: consent of instructor). Integration of knowledge from courses and current issues involving team projects that explore manufacturing problems or product design, emphasizing LCA, social /global perspectives, and problem solving
SBP 4450 Undergraduate Research in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-6 hours.
(Prerequisite: Senior Standing and consent of instructor). 1-6 Variable hour laboratory. This course is introduced to introduce senior level students to the concepts of independent and original research. (Course limited to two offerings)
SBP 4990 Special Topic in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-9 hours.
(1-9). Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
SBP 6023 Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry: 3 hours.
Three hour lecture. (Prerequisites: CH 1043 and CH 1053 or equivalent.) Chemical composition of lignocellulosic biomass (wood, agricultural residues, and bioenergy crops) including cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives, their structures, isolation, processes and applications
SBP 6113 Adhesives and Biocomposites: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisites: SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123, and CH 1053.) Theories and practices of adhesives and finishing materials used in the manufacture of biocomposite products and furniture
SBP 6133 Biorefinery Processes: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4023 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An overview of the different chemical and thermochemical biorefinery processes used to convert biomass into chemicals and fuels
SBP 6144 Biocomposite Application and Manufacturing: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisite: SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123, and SBP 4113/6113 or Consent of Instructor). This course evaluates the application of raw bio-materials (wood, non-wood biomaterial and resins) that are used to manufacture reconstituted and laminated bio-composite products and to classify these products by type, properties, and applications
SBP 6153 Biological Conversion of Biomass: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to concepts of conversion of biomass by organisms or isolated enzymes to chemicals focusing on breakdown of cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses and enzyme kinetics
SBP 6213 Deterioration and Preservation of Biomaterials: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisite: SBP 1103 or Consent of Instructor). Thermal, biological, and mechanical agents of bioproducts deterioration; biological control; design considerations; preservatives, preservation systems; treatability; preservative effectiveness; standards, pollution control
SBP 6243 Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Expanding students’ knowledge of bioproducts, manufacturing principles and processes according to various industrial fields and insights into new approaches and methods in bioproducts industries
SBP 6253 Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
Three hours lectures. (Prerequisite: MA 1313 and MA 1323 or equivalent and SBP 2123). The study and practical application of quantitative techniques commonly used in industry to evaluate the net worth of raw materials, and the cause and effect on process variables
SBP 6263 Strength Design of Furniture as Green Products: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3113 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. General principles of structural analysis of furniture; strength design of members and joints; mechanical properties of environmentally preferable materials; design and analysis computer software; green and sustainable design of certifications; and testing standards
SBP 6313 Bioproducts and the Environment: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 2012, 2123, and 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An introduction to environmental topics and laws, environmental impact, and control technologies associated with emissions from diverse sustainable bioproducts industries, including global and national issues
SBP 6333 Bioproducts and Environmental Biotechnology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4313/6313 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to biotechnological applications which remediate, minimize or eliminate environmental emissions from bioproduct industries, including wood preservatives, high organic process water, adhesives, resins and solvents