Department of Sustainable Bioproducts
Major Advisor: Dr. C. Elizabeth Stokes
Office: Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, Building 3, Room 3206 at 201 Locksley Way
The bioproducts industry is one of the largest economic contributors to Mississippi, as well as in the United States. Employment in timber conversion, engineered composites, pulp and paper, logging, and furniture manufacturing is widely available. Mississippi’s bioproducts 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 and its allied disciplines are large in terms of employment 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 and other 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 wood science, timber resources, and bioproduct manufacturing, along with related technology and business fields.
The Department of Sustainable Bioproducts’ physical plant consists of five laboratory/office buildings and other special purpose buildings and the Franklin Center for Furniture Manufacturing and Management, with a combined floor space in excess of 90,000 square feet. These buildings house the analytical and testing equipment, laboratories, pilot plants, and support facilities required for a comprehensive research program involving wood and biobased products.
Presently, students interested in a sustainable bioproducts curriculum have the following options:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Bioproducts, Business concentration
- Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Bioproducts, Science concentration
Sustainable Bioproducts Major
Students majoring in Sustainable Bioproducts will develop a strong foundation in the manufacturing of wood and fiber-based products, their physical and mechanical properties, environmental implications, marketing, sales, and trading of wood and composite materials composed of agricultural resides and other natural fibers. Besides structural materials, specialty chemicals such as polymers and adhesives from natural resources, and bioenergy such as bio-oils, alcohols, and pelletized fuels are increasingly important to sustainable industrial production. In addition to utilizing the state’s timber and agricultural residues, the program seeks to increase the use life of wood and non-wood materials, and to enhance sustainability by use of preservative treatments and developing improved designs.
Sustainable Bioproducts Concentrations
Business concentration
Students majoring in Sustainable Bioproducts will develop a strong foundation in the manufacturing of wood and fiber-based products, their physical and mechanical properties, environmental implications, marketing, sales, and trading of wood and composite materials composed of agricultural resides and other natural fibers. Besides structural materials, specialty chemicals such as polymers and adhesives from natural resources, and bioenergy such as bio-oils, alcohols, and pelletized fuels are increasingly important to sustainable industrial production. In addition to utilizing the state’s timber and agricultural residues, the program seeks to increase the use life of wood and non-wood materials, and to enhance sustainability by use of preservative treatments and developing improved designs.
Science concentration
Designed for students wishing to pursue a scientific research field, work for a wood products industry in research and development, or for students who intend to pursue graduate degrees in wood and biomaterials science. Students may choose to focus their elective classes on the testing of physical and mechanical properties of wood, the chemical protection of wood from biotic and abiotic stresses, environmental impacts and issues associated with treatment and disposal of wood and non-wood products, or development of engineered wood products including pelletized fuels, mass timber products, construction elements, engineered wood panels, and other wood and non-wood bioproducts. Across all areas of study, students receive training in sustainability, current industry practices, and the opportunity to interact with industry professionals.
Sustainable Bioproducts Accelerated Program (Thrive in Five)
The Department of Sustainable Bioproducts offers an Accelerated BS/MS program to highly qualified MSU undergraduates enrolled as SBP majors. Programs of this type offer students the opportunity to earn graduate credit while completing a Bachelor’s program, and are offered in several departments across the university. Currently enrolled SBP undergraduates who have completed 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor’s degree, and who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher for all undergraduate work may apply for the program by contacting Dr. Beth Stokes (b.stokes@msstate.edu) in the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts for further information. Undergraduates may receive dual credit for split-level courses (4000-level and 6000-level) taken during their final year of undergraduate studies, and may choose to transition into a Master’s program immediately following their Bachelor’s degree, completing both programs in as few as five years in total.
Sustainable Bioproducts Minor
A Sustainable Bioproducts minor is available to non-majors to provide students with the knowledge of wood products, and bio-based composites, polymers, chemicals and fuels. The courses focus on material properties, environmental issues, and manufacturing principles, as well as their marketing and sales. The topics complement many fields that deal with natural materials: construction, design, business and production management, and scientific fields such as chemistry, engineering, environmental science, and biotechnology. A minor in Sustainable Bioproducts 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 Sustainable Bioproducts minor.
| English (General Education) | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3-4 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Fine Arts (General Education) | ||
| Any General Education Fine Arts course | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| BIO 1134 | Biology I | 4 |
| BIO 1144 | Biology II | 4 |
| Additional Science | ||
| CH 1213 | Chemistry I | 3 |
| or CH 1234 | Integrated Chemistry I | |
| CH 1223 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CH 1244 | Integrated Chemistry II | |
| 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 | |
| or BQA 2113 | Business Statistical Methods I | |
| Humanities (General Education) | ||
| Any Gen Ed Humanities courses | 6 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences (General Education) | ||
| Any General Education Social/Behavioral Sciences course | 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 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| AELC 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 1001 | Undergraduate Seminar | 1 |
| SBP 1103 | Introduction to Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 2012 | Introduction to Bioproduct Industries | 2 |
| SBP 2123 | Materials and Processing of Structural Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 3113 | Physics of Biomaterials | 3 |
| SBP 3123 | Biomass to Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 4013 | Wood Anatomy | 3 |
| SBP 4243 | Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 4313 | Bioproducts and the Environment | 3 |
| SBP 4443 | Capstone Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| Major Courses Professional Electives | 9-11 | |
| Mechanics of Biomaterials | ||
SBP 3143 | ||
| Directed Individual Study | ||
| Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry | ||
| Adhesives and Biocomposites | ||
| Lumber Manufacturing | ||
| Biorefinery Processes | ||
SBP 4144 | ||
| Biomass Products Manufacturing | ||
| Deterioration and Preservation of Biomaterials | ||
| Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts | ||
| Furniture Design and Fabrication | ||
| Forest Products Marketing | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Sustainable Bioproducts | ||
| Concentration Courses | 24 | |
| Business Concentration | ||
| Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts | ||
| Forest Products Marketing | ||
| Introduction to Food and Resource Economics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Marketing | ||
| Forest Resource Economics | ||
| Forest Resource Management | ||
| Science Concentration | ||
| Mechanics of Biomaterials | ||
| Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry | ||
| Adhesives and Biocomposites | ||
| Elementary Organic Chemistry | ||
| Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| Principles of Biochemistry | ||
| Forest Pest Management | ||
| Professional Electives | 6 | |
| 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 | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
Courses
SBP 1001 Undergraduate Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. Intended for incoming and continuing students to receive guidance on university, college, and department procedures, services, and facilities
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 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 of Structural Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 2012 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to the processing of sustainable biomaterials including generation of by-products; operations management involved in bioproducts manufacturing specifically structural composites; product evaluation methods with internationally acknowledged 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 Physics of Biomaterials: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 1103 or consent of instructor) Two hours lecture & three hours lab. Focuses on understanding important physical properties of biomaterials and the relationship of these properties to manufacturing processes and product uses. Other topics will include dimensional stability, thermal & electrical properties & moisture movement
SBP 3123 Biomass to Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CH 1213 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduces students to chemical/physical properties of forestry & agro crops; provides overview of a large span of bioproducts derived from plant materials, their economic and environmental benefits; describes major components of biomass chemistry, comparing woody/non-woody plants
SBP 3133 Mechanics of Biomaterials: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture and two hours lab. The course is designed for students to gain fundamental knowledge about mechanics of biomaterials, including tensile, compression, shear, and bending properties. It also introduces the effects of load duration and environmental factors on these mechanical properties
SBP 4000 Directed Individual Study: 6 hours.
(1-6). Hours and credits to be arranged
SBP 4013 Wood Anatomy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 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
SBP 4023 Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CH 1213 or CH 1223 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. This course will give a brief introduction to the major chemical composition of wood. The distribution of wood components (cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives), their structures, isolation, processes & applications will be covered
SBP 4113 Adhesives and Biocomposites: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 1103, SBP 2012, SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Introduces students to theories and practices of wood composite products, wood adhesives and manufacturing, and evaluation of various wood composite products
SBP 4123 Lumber Manufacturing: 3 hours.
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
SBP 4133 Biorefinery Processes: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4023 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. This course will cover biomass resources; biorefinery concepts; and the different chemical and thermochemical processes used to convert biomass into chemicals and fuels
SBP 4153 Biomass Products Manufacturing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BIO 1134/BIO 1144/consent of instructor) Three hours lecture. Introduction to concepts of conversion of biomass covering subjects: physical properties of wood, product manufacturing, wood chemistry, composites/adhesives, and the use of organisms or isolated enzymes used to break down cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses
SBP 4213 Deterioration and Preservation of Biomaterials: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Develop an understanding on biological and non-biological abiotic agents that cause wood deterioration; biological control methods; design considerations; wood preservatives and preservation systems; treatability of wood; treatment mechanics; preservative effectiveness; commodity standards
SBP 4243 Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CH 1213 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to concepts of conversion of biomass covering topics including physical properties of wood, product manufacturing practices, wood chemistry, composites/adhesives. Also, the use of organisms or isolated enzymes used to break down cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses
SBP 4253 Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 2123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. 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 Furniture Design and Fabrication: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3133 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Basic theories and principles of furniture strength design and manufacturing; mechanical properties of environmentally preferable materials; green and sustainable design of certifications; testing standards. Machines used, function and operation. Advanced manufacturing and quality control methods
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 4353 Forest Products Marketing: 3 hours.
Three hour lecture. Marketing and business practices used by forest products companies trading in lumber, engineered wood products and furniture
SBP 4443 Capstone Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
Prerequisites: (Senior standing or 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 4800 Undergraduate Research in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-13 hours.
Hours, credits and deliverables to be arranged. The purpose of this course is to provide a student with the opportunity to participate in research and/or creative project beyond the traditional undergraduate experience
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 6013 Wood Anatomy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 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
SBP 6023 Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CH 1213 or CH 1223 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. This course will give a brief introduction to the major chemical composition of wood. The distribution of wood components (cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives), their structures, isolation, processes & applications will be covered
SBP 6113 Adhesives and Composites: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 1103, SBP 2012, SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Introduces students to theories and practices of wood composite products, wood adhesives and manufacturing, and evaluation of various wood composite products
SBP 6123 Lumber Manufacturing: 3 hours.
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
SBP 6133 Biorefinery Processes: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4023 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. This course will cover biomass resources; biorefinery concepts; and the different chemical and thermochemical processes used to convert biomass into chemicals and fuels
SBP 6153 Biomass Products Manufacturing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BIO 1134/BIO 1144/consent of instructor) Three hours lecture. Introduction to concepts of conversion of biomass covering subjects: physical properties of wood, product manufacturing, wood chemistry, composites/adhesives, and the use of organisms or isolated enzymes used to break down cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses
SBP 6213 Deterioration and Preservation of Biomaterials: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Develop an understanding on biological and non-biological abiotic agents that cause wood deterioration; biological control methods; design considerations; wood preservatives and preservation systems; treatability of wood; treatment mechanics; preservative effectiveness; commodity standards
SBP 6243 Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CH 1213 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to concepts of conversion of biomass covering topics including physical properties of wood, product manufacturing practices, wood chemistry, composites/adhesives. Also, the use of organisms or isolated enzymes used to break down cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses
SBP 6253 Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 2123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. 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 Furniture Design and Fabrication: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3133 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Basic theories and principles of furniture strength design and manufacturing; mechanical properties of environmentally preferable materials; green and sustainable design of certifications; testing standards. Machines used, function and operation. Advanced manufacturing and quality control methods
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 6353 Forest Products Marketing: 3 hours.
Three hour lecture. Marketing and business practices used by forest products companies trading in lumber, engineered wood products and furniture
SBP 6990 Special Topics 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 7000 Directed Individual Study in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
SBP 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
SBP 8013 Advanced Wood Science & Technology: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Introduction to properties of wood (anatomy, chemical, physical, mechanical) and manufacturing process of sustainable biomass-based products will lead to an understanding of the basic concepts and current topics related to sustainability, natural products, and technology development in forest products and wood science
SBP 8023 Professional Practices in Wood Products Industry: 3 hours.
(Consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Discussion and practice of workplace skills related to performance of duties in the wood products industry sector
SBP 8111 Research Seminar I: 1 hour.
One hour seminar. Review of current research work in wood science and technology; the scientific method; philosophy of research
SBP 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
SBP 8123 Advanced Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 4023/6023 or consent of the instructor). Three hours lecture. Chemistry of major lignocellulosic biomass components. Chemical modification and swelling of cellulose, chemical and enzymatic degradation of polysaccharides and lignin, wood preservation, wood plasticization and wood conversion to value added chemicals
SBP 8133 Environmental Issues in Sustainable Bioproducts: 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
SBP 8143 Standards for Testing Sustainable Materials: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. This course will evaluate how solid and composite sustainable materials are used in product development. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of material properties and how they impact end-use product performance
SBP 8203 Graduate Capstone: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 8023 or consent of instructor). Seminar. Integration and application of knowledge from previous coursework in sustainable bioproducts for the creation of an original project proposal. Emphasis on professional oral and written expression, logical organization of thought, literature review, data presentation, budget writing, and peer evaluation
SBP 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. Mechanics. SBP 8213 Advanced Wood Mechanics
SBP 8990 Special Topic In Sustainable Bioproducts: 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)
SBP 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged