The Wood Science Associate Degree is a 64 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

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College 101 (10890165)

1.00

Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.

NTC Assessments Offered:

Wood Science And Technology (10465100)

4.00

As an introduction course, students will learn wood anatomy and the physical nature of wood and how these characteristics are used in species selection for industrial raw materials. Species identification will be covered in the lab portion of this course.

Forest Products Industry Orientation (10465106)

1.00

Provides an overview of the industrial environment, current industry trends and identification of career paths available in wood manufacturing. Focuses on safety and health practices within the woodworking industry. Topics covered include OSHA requirements and workplace safety. Upon completion of this course, students will earn an OSHA Forklift Operator Certificate.

Conditions

Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Basic Wood Manufacturing, Wood Science, Wood Technology

NTC Assessments Offered:

Wood Veneer, Panels & Composites (10465177)

1.00

Establishes the breakdown of logs into veneers, panels and wood composites. Learners identify and explore the basic breakdown processes, uses of these different material types, and their various applications in the woods and manufacturing industries.

Conditions

Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Basic Wood Manufacturing, Wood Science, Wood Technology

Intro to Hardwood Grading (10465179)

1.00

Expands of the skills previously introduced through the use of more advanced standard grade classifications and methods.  Learners build additional experience in the grading of hardwood lumber and logs and enhance their merchandising knowledge and understanding with emphasis on hands-on exercises and techniques.

Conditions

Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Basic Wood Manufacturing, Hardwood Sawmilling, Wood Industry: Mill Technology, Wood Science, Wood Technology

Hardwood Lumber Grading And Merchandising (10465180)

2.00

Expands of the skills previously introduced through the use of more advanced standard grade classifications and methods.  Learners build additional experience in the grading of hardwood lumber and logs and enhance their merchandising knowledge and understanding with emphasis on hands-on exercises and techniques.

Conditions

Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Basic Wood Manufacturing, Hardwood Sawmilling, Wood Science, Wood Technology

Lumber Manufacturing: Sawing, Edging & Trimming (10465178)

2.00

Explores the general overview of plant layout, machine centers, and different product flow in a lumber manufacturing setting.  Learners focus on the mix of species, and how these can be utilized in various product lines, and examine the processing of lumber through sawing, edging, and trimming manufacturing operations.

Conditions

Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Basic Wood Manufacturing, Wood Industry: Mill Technology, Wood Science, Wood Technology

Fundamentals Of Furniture Manufacturing (10465119)

2.00

This course is designed to provide the foundational knowledge and skills to manufacture furniture. Topics covered include: furniture design styles, sourcing raw material for projects, tool selection, machine operation, joinery and furniture construction.

Conditions

Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Basic Wood Manufacturing, Wood Science, Wood Technology

College Mathematics (10804107)

3.00

This course is designed to review and develop fundamental concepts of mathematics in the areas of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement and data. Algebra topics emphasize simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities with one variable, solving proportions and percent applications. Geometry and trigonometry topics include; finding areas and volumes of geometric figures, applying similar and congruent triangles, applying Pythagorean Theorem, and solving right triangles using trigonometric ratios. Measurement topics emphasize the application of measurement concepts and conversion techniques within and between U.S. customary and metric system to solve problems. Data topics emphasize data organization and summarization skills, including: frequency distributions, central tendency, relative position and measures of dispersion. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning, making connections, and using calculators.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Mathematics

Wood Adhesives Application (10465109)

2.00

This course studies the various types of adhesive and the adhesion processes that are used in the wood products manufacturing industry. Selecting the proper adhesive for the job is stressed. Students will learn to operate a finger jointer, clamp carrier and will perform adhesive bond evaluations utilizing mechanical testing equipment.

Secondary Wood Manufacturing 1 (10465164)

5.00

Introduces the learner to technologies, processes, and machine centers used in the production of millwork, furniture, and wood components. Through classroom discussion and hands-on practice, learners will explore the variable that affect product quality and yield. Specific machinery covered within this course includes the jointer, planer, optimizing rip saw, optimizing chop saw, shaper, manual six spindle moulder, profile grinder, and optical measuring stand.

Secondary Wood Manufacturing 2 (10465165)

4.00

Expands on the fundamentals covered in the Secondary Wood Manufacturing 1 course, learners will demonstrate advanced machine setups and incorporate additional technologies through the use of AutoCAD, CNC template routering, and tool room software. In addition to the machine centers cover in Secondary Wood Manufacturing 1, learners will use the wide-belt sander, automatic six spindle moulder, and end matcher.

Conditions

Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): WOODTECH 10465164 - Secondary Wood Manufacturing 1

Technical Drafting/CAD (10606105)

2.00

Introduces basic knowledge and skill development of technical drawing with emphases on freehand sketching and introductory CAD drawing.

NTC Assessments Offered:

Lean Manufacturing Fundamentals (10623147)

2.00

Analyzes the eight wastes of manufacturing. The learner will then explore concepts such as 5S, Total Productive Maintenance, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping. The learner will be given activities to implement concepts in their work setting.

NTC Assessments Offered:

Interpreting Engineering Drawings (10623200)

1.00

Explores the foundational skills needed to read and interpret industrial prints. Beginning with the basics, the learner progresses in a logical order through orthographic, pictorial, assembly, section and auxiliary views of products. In addition, you will learn how to interpret part dimensions and tolerances. Emphasis is also placed on title blocks, change blocks and shop notes and symbols. The symbols of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing are introduced.

NTC Assessments Offered:
Industry Credentials Accepted:
  • Youth Apprenticeship Certificate

Wood Industry Global Markets (10465117)

2.00

In today's competitive business environment sales and marketing techniques are critical business functions that utilize a variety of activities to identify customer needs and wants. Students enrolled in this course will learn the 4P's of marketing and how to apply these concepts to an ever-changing wood products industry. Identifying target markets, understanding customer buying behaviors, calculating profitable transactions, utilizing current or developing new distribution channels and effectively building customer relationships are all vital skills that will be covered in this course.

Intro To Kiln Drying (10465181)

1.00

Introduces participants to the fundamentals of kiln drying lumber. The basics of determining moisture content, preparing samples and operating a dry kiln will be covered as well as an overview of different types of dry kiln equipment.

Drying Science Of Wood (10465182)

3.00

Explores the full process of drying wood, including wood structure, the full relationship between different environmental variables, and developing kiln operating schedules.  Learners also examine all stages of drying, how to prevent the material degradation, air drying, and steaming. 

Conditions

Student has completed all of the following course(s): WOODTECH 10465100 - Wood Science & Technology

CNC Router Technology (10465163)

4.00

Introduces learner to basic G & M code programming, progressing into PC-based integrative computer graphic systems used to create and convert computer-generated designs into tool paths for computer numerically controlled (CNC) wood routers. After loading and simulating programs the learner will learn how to operate a production sized CNC wood router. Stock preparation, safe set-up, tool selection, quality control and maintenance are covered in detail.

College Physics 1 (10806143)

3.00

Presents the applications and theory of basic physics principles. This course emphasizes problem solving, laboratory investigation and applications. Topics include laboratory safety, unit conversions and analysis, kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, temperature and heat. Keywords: Physics, Phys, Physics 1

National Exams Accepted:
  • AP Physics 1 and 2
  • AP Physics with Electricity and Magnetism
  • AP Physics with Mechanics

Written Communication (10801195)

3.00

Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents. Keywords: Written Comm, Comm, Writing

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Composition
  • AP English Language & Composition

English Composition 1 (10801136)

3.00

Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.Keywords:English Comp, Comp 1, E Com, English 1, English

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Composition
  • AP English Language & Composition

Sustainable Biomaterials & Energy (10465102)

2.00

Examines the use of sustainable biomaterials to meet society's needs and to reduce environmental impact. Specific topics include sourcing mill residuals, biomass for bioenergy, biomass processing systems, renewable and non-renewable material and energy sources, and carbon impacts of wood products.

Conditions

Student has completed all of the following course(s): WOODTECH 10465182 - Drying Science Of Wood

NTC Assessments Offered:

Design Innovation In Wood Products (10465104)

4.00

This class allows the student to demonstrate the ability to solve a design problem using materials and information learned in all other Wood Processes classes. A team comprised of fellow classmates will determine a design problem, research solutions, design the product, machine or equipment required to solve the problem, establish a budget for building a prototype and then build a proof-of-concept prototype. Documents and skills required to present expertise to potential employers will be developed.

Conditions

Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): WOODTECH 10465117 - Wood Industry Global Markets, WOODTECH 10465182 - Drying Science Of Wood

Oral/interpersonal Communication (10801196)

3.00

Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.  Keywords: Oral, Oral Comm, Comm, Speech

NTC Assessments Offered:

Intro To Sociology (10809196)

3.00

Introduces students to the fundamental sociological concepts, including sociological perspectives, research methods, the significance of culture in society, and the socialization process. Other topics include deviance, the impact of groups on behavior, societal inequities, global changes, the role of social institutions, and social stratification

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® Introductory Sociology

Psychology Of Human Relations (10809199)

3.00

Explores the relationship between the general principles of psychology and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding enables students to improve their relationships with others at work, in the family and in society. Keywords: Psych, Relationships, Human Relations, Hr psych

NTC Assessments Offered:

Intro To Psychology (10809198)

3.00

This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development. Keywords: Psych, Intro to Psych

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® Introductory Psychology
  • AP Psychology

Test-Out Option Term Definitions

Test

An exam that is scored by faculty or staff in NTC’s Testing Center.

Skill Demonstration

A performance of your expertise that is evaluated by faculty.

Combination: Test & Skill Demonstration

A combination of both a test and a skill demonstration.

Portfolio

A collection and explanation of your past learning through work or life experience.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about this program, please contact our Career Coaches at 715.803.1645.

If you have further questions regarding our Credit for Prior Learning options, please contact Student Records at studentrecords@ntc.edu or 715.803.1796.