Division Wood Engineering

Prof. Dr. Andreas Hurst Dr. Dipl. Ing. ETH Head of the course of studies BSc Wood Engineering (Biel)

For over 20 years we have successfully trained wood engineers at Biel. Our courses cover all aspects of the production chain for wood. Our courses are unique in Switzerland. Our training courses are developed in close collaboration with the wood industry and related sectors. We make full use of the Bologna reform initiatives. The curriculum for the bachelor qualification is based  on the previous FH Wood Engineer  training course. Practical training plays an important role. Our undergraduates participate in work experience projects with businesses and institutions throughout the wood industry world-wide.

History and background

HTL advanced level technical courses in wood engineering started in Switzerland in 1986. Before this the only similar courses available were offered  in Germany and France. In Switzerland the need for specialist training courses in all aspects of wood engineering and industry can be traced back to the framework provided by the «National Research Program No. 12» (Wood, renewable materials and energy sources 1983 –1991) and the preparation for the «Wood Startup Program» (National Training Program for Engineers, Designers and Architects 1986 - 1992). As a renewable material, wood has for a long time been a key material for sustainable development, and will become so increasingly in future. Wood and wood materials offer numerous ways of adding value, and the energy efficiency of wooden products is ideal.

Where our students come from

Our students come from all over Switzerland and adjoining regions of neighbouring countries. Applicants will need the following to be accepted on the course:

• A completed professional apprenticeship in the wood industry, with a federally-recognised professional Matura exam or high school Matura
• A high school Matura and an internship in the wood industry
• Training at a technical college in the field of wood

Professional prospects

The Bachelor of Science in Wood Technology course is constantly being enhanced thanks to regular exchanges with companies in the wood industry. It thus offers many professional opportunities in central Europe and around the world, e.g., in engineering and timber construction; in module timber construction; in constructing energy-efficient building envelopes; in interior construction; in manufacturing furniture, kitchens, flooring and staircases; in refining production processes; and in developing new materials.

Graduates of the Wood Technology course in Biel work in the widest possible variety of companies in the wood industry (sawmills, materials industry, furniture makers, companies specialising in wood and interior construction); in engineering companies; in research and development; in the energy sector; in the field of building physics and optimisation of building envelopes; for software companies; as teachers in vocational schools and as university lecturers, as well as in development aid.

History

1952		Foundation of the Swiss School for the Wood Industry, Biel
1986		Start of HTL engineering courses
1992		Foundation of the division Research and Development
1997		Incorporation into the Bern University of Applied Sciences and introduction of Wood Engineer FH course atSSWI, Biel.
2003		FH Wood Engineer course becomes part ofthe specialist department at the Bern University of Applied Sciences Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
2005		Merger of the Burgdorf and Biel divisions for architecture and engineering in the BUAS Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering. including the Higher Technical Schools HF Wood Biel
2005		Introduction of the course BSc Wood Engineering

Average no. of graduates per annum		30
No. of undergraduates		140
No. of overseas undergraduates		8 %
No. of French speaking undergraduates		5 %
Average no. of participants in advanced training (NDS/MAS/NDK) per year		16
Teaching staff		45
Administration and management staff		5

Campus

Bern University of Applied Sciences (BUAS)
Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
Solothurnstrasse 102
Postfach
CH-2500 Biel 6
Tel +41 32 344 02 80

Fax +41 32 344 02 90
E-Mail

• Bachelor of Science BFH in Wood Engineering [->]
• Master of Engineering Science in Wood Engineering [->]

• Postgraduate studies in Timber Construction [->]