Wood-Based Panels

Our Wood-Based Panels Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programme provides you with practical expertise in the wood industry. You will also get to know specialists from around the world.

This CAS is intended for:

  • specialists, leaders and wood and material technologists in wood and related industries
  • specialists, leaders and wood and material technologists in research
  • engineers in processing operations
  • engineers in machine manufacturing and distribution
  • researchers from universities, universities of applied sciences and other research institutions
  • specialists who work in particleboard and hardboard surface treatment

Factsheet

  • Degree/Certificate Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in «Wood-Based Panels»
  • Duration at minimum 1,5 years
  • Schedule depending on the start of each module
  • Application deadline At least four weeks before the module begins
  • ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits
  • Costs CHF 2'900 for each course plus CHF 600 for the thesis work (if the courses are tought in Biel)
    CHF 2'600 for each course plus CHF 600 for the thesis work (if the courses are tought online)
  • Teaching language English
  • Location Biel, Switzerland / perhaps some trainings online
  • School School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
  • Next session September 2024 (Module 1 - Process Technology)
    February 2025 (Module 2 - Adhesives and Emissions)

Structure + Content

Portrait

We run the internationally renowned Institute for Materials and Wood Technology (IWH). We work closely with companies to develop practical solutions for the wood and construction industries. We integrate the latest discoveries and developments into our instruction.

The Wood-Based Panels CAS is a unique continuing education programme. From process technologies, adhesives and emissions to surface technology, you will be trained in key topics and deepen your existing knowledge in theory and practice.

The cultural activities during the intensive week in Biel also provide you the opportunity to get to know other participants from around the world. This is the perfect opportunity to expand your network of experts and specialists in the field.

Learning outcomes
 

  • Our CAS programme provides you with a comprehensive overview of processes in the wood industry.
  • You will expand upon your understanding of composite wood production and surface treatment.
  • You will have access to the latest technologies and research findings for reducing formaldehyde and VOC emissions. We will also show you the best analysis tools for characterising base plates.
  • Given our programme’s international focus, you will also get to know industry specialists from around the globe and build your professional network.

Content

The course is comprised of the following modules:

Certification project

Your final certification project will address a current issue or specific task from your professional field. Your work may take any number of forms, whether project, study, assessment or report. Your final project must, however, include a distinct section for critical analysis, reflection or argumentation.

  • E-learning
  • Lectures, discussions and conferencing
  • Reviewing case studies and exercises
  • Laboratory work
  • Presentations by qualified specialists
  • Coaching and personal mentoring
  • Latest findings from BFH research and development
  • Independent study (compiling literature, designing projects)
  • Company visits

Title + Degree

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in «Wood-Based Panels»

Eligibility + Entry

This CAS is intended for:

  • specialists, leaders and wood and material technologists in wood and related industries
  • specialists, leaders and wood and material technologists in research
  • engineers in processing operations
  • engineers in machine manufacturing and distribution
  • researchers from universities, universities of applied sciences and other research institutions
  • specialists who work in particleboard and hardboard surface treatment

Entry requirements

University degree (university of applied sciences, standard university) or diploma in related subjects. We base our admissions decisions on applicants’ academic background and performance (“sur dossier”).

Academic requirements

University degree (university of applied sciences, standard university) or diploma in a related subject.

Language skills

Strong English skills

You must pass an e-learning course in preparation for each week-long intensive course in Biel. See the respective module descriptions for more information.

Practicalities + Application

This continuing education programme is comprised of three modules and a final certification project. Each module features a week-long intensive programme in Biel and includes approximately 10 hours of work before and after the intensive programme, independent exercises and a competency assessment. Your final project will require a further 100–120 hours.

See the respective module descriptions for more information.

The application deadline is at least four weeks before the module begins.

CHF 9,300, including final certification project.
This fee does not include the cost of food, travel, parking or hotel accommodation during the intensive programme in Biel.

20–30 participants, depending on the module

General terms and conditions apply to continuing education programmes with ECTS credits at Bern University of Applied Sciences.

Information

Student advisory service

Dr Ingo Mayer, the Head of the BFH Centre for Wood – Resource and Material, will be happy to advise you in this process.

Location + Facilities

  • Workshop laboratory with glue production, mixer and hot press
  • Workshop test laboratory with all common mechanical screening processes
  • Emissions testing and chemistry laboratories with testing devices and analytics to gauge material emissions
  • Surfaces laboratory with devices to carry out and test surface technology