Program Overview

Program Overview

The international programme on Wood Biology and Wood Technology is a three-year study that leads to a Doctoral degree. The intensive, research-oriented Ph.D. programme is taught by internationally respected scientists.

Programme Details

• Programme Name: Wood Biology and Wood Technology
• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Dr. rer. nat., Dr. forest.
• Standard Period of Study: six semesters
• Starting Semester: Winter semester or summer semester
• Admission: limited admission (application to the Faculty)
• Admission Requirements:
  • above-average master degree in related fields
  • short presentation about the motivation for joining this programme
• Application Deadline: January 1st for summer semester and June 1st for winter semester
• Language Requirement: English (must be certified by TOEFL or IELTS)

Programme Description

The programme is designed for highly qualified students who have studied forestry, wood sciences, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, etc. To assure a high standard of individual training, the number of participants in the programme is limited to 12 students per year. Within the PhD programme, every student mainly works on their special research project. They become part of one of the science groups and are supervised by one of the leading professors. According to the new study regulations, each student has two additional tutors (professors) who usually become the co-examiners at the oral exam. PhD students are entitled to suggest these two persons for this task. One of these persons can be a professor from another university.

Research Topics

One major focus of the ongoing research lies on reducing the main technical disadvantages of wood in use: its limited resistance to fungi and insects, its disposition to swell and shrink, and its instability to UV-radiation. The research groups are developing different new approaches to overcome these technical disadvantages: acetylation, modification with organic silicon compounds, coatings, heat treatment, enzymatic activation, etc. Another field of research is enzymes involved in wood decay, for example, lactases and other redox-enzymes that are of potential use for the wood industry. However, all other topics in the scope of wood science and wood technology can also be dealt with. Research proposals and ideas for related topics are welcome.

Participating Science Groups

• Wood Biology and Wood Products (Prof. Dr. Holger Militz, Prof. Dr. Carsten Mai)
• Wood Technology and Wood-based Composites (Prof. Dr. Kai Zhang)
• Forest Botany and Tree Physiology (Prof. Dr. Andrea Polle)
• Chemistry and Processing Technique of Composite Materials (Prof. Dr. Alireza Kharazipour)
• Molecular Wood Biotechnology and Technical Mycology (Prof. Dr. Ursel K³es)
• Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding (Prof. Dr. Oliver Gailing)
• Forest Zoology and Forest Conservation (N. N.)

Programme Expectations

The students are expected to be able to work and research independently and finally present a major scientific contribution to their field of specialisation. Aside from research work, successful applicants have to take part in lessons and practical courses which shall prepare them for leading management positions in the woodworking industry and in research institutes. All compulsory courses are taught in English. The programme is a member of the "Georg-August University School of Science" (GAUSS).