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Wood science and technology
Non-University Higher Education (Fachhochschulen)

Admission Requirements

    - Fachhochschulreife (higher technical education qualification)
    or
    Fachabitur (special higher education exam)
    or
    Abitur (general higher education exam)
    and
    - practical training.
Length and Structure of Courses
 The studies take about eight semesters, practical training periods of two semesters are included.

 Basic studies include natural sciences and mathematics as well as basic technology. In the main study period the student specialises on optional subjects in the field of technology and followed by a practical training of 18 weeks in the industry. The last phase of the studies concentrates on the fields of business management, work organisation and economics in combination with a second practical period of one semester. At the end of the study period, the final examinations have to be passed for graduation.

Practical Training
 The practical training periods are integrated in the study course. They add up in all to about two semesters.

Contributory Research Work
 The student has to work on a final study during the last two semesters. the topics are technical problems to be solved in a limited time period and using appropriate methods. 

European Dimension
 Language courses may be chosen as optional courses during studies.

Grade / Title of Diploma / Degree
 Graduates earn the degree of Dipl.-Ing. (FH) for wood technology.

Further Study
 Upon graduation the students get the general higher education qualification which entitles them to continue at university level.

Employment Market
 Qualified engineers may enter jobs in the industry of wood production and wood manufacturing, particularly in the activities of planning, construction, use and control of the production process, but also in the field of commerce.

Addresses of Fachhochschulen

    Fachhochschule Rosenheim
    Fachbereich Holztechnik
    Marienberger Str. 26
    83024 Rosenheim
    Tel.: 08031 / 805121  Fax: 08031 / 288862


Universities

Admission Requirements
    - Fachabitur(special higher education exam)
    or
    Abitur (general higher education exam)
    and
    - practical training of six months.
Admission is restricted to forty students annually with a much higher number of applications. 

Length and Structure of Courses
 The study programme requires about nine semesters with thesis work included. However, a number of students take extra semesters to make it eleven or twelve semester overall.

 The basic studies (Grundstudium) of three semesters are mainly devoted to courses in natural sciences, technology and economics. They are concluded by the Diplomvorprüfung (mid-examination) in botany, chemistry and physics.

 The Hauptstudium (main studies) mainly comprises courses in technical and methodological fields. In addition to the compulsory courses the student may also choose among a list of optional subjects such as wood biology, wood chemistry, mechanical wood technology, sylviculture in different geographic regions and business management. At the end of the course work in the main study period the final examinations take place. The student has then to complete his Diplomarbeit (final thesis) as a major part for graduation.

Practical Training
 The practical training of six months may be completed partly or in full length before commencement of studies. The training has to be in a commercial company of the students´choice in Germany or abroad.

Contributory Research Work
 The students have to present a Diplomarbeit (final thesis) completed within six or nine months depending on whether it includes own experimental work. The thesis is usually done after completion of the final examinations.

European Dimension
 Foreign language courses are offered as optionals during studies.

Grade / Title of Diploma / Degree
 The degree earned upon graduation is Diplom-Holzwirt, equivalent to a Master of Science in Wood Technology.

Further Study
 The graduates of the study programme may enroll in a doctoral programme of between two and four years for the Doctor of natural sciences (Dr. rer. nat.) upon completion of a scientific dissertation and passing of an oral examination.

Employment Market
 The considerable range of positions available for graduates of the study programme of wood science and technology offers reasonably good chances on the labour market. Graduates work in research, teaching, in industries of wood treatment and technology as well as in cellulose and paper industries, consulting offices, federations, forest protection organisations and in engineering.

Addresses of Universities

    Universität Hamburg
    Fachbereich Holzwirtschaft
    Leuschnerstr. 91
    21031 Hamburg
    Tel.: 040/ 739620  Fax.: 040 / 73962480

Former Students´Association
    Bund Deutscher Holzwirte e. V.
    Vorsitzender Dr. Schwab
    Leuschnerstr. 91
    21301 Hamburg
    Tel.: 040 / 739634

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