1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL
  3. Continuing education
  4. Wood-Based Panels
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Wood-Based Panels

Our Wood-Based Panels continuing education program provides you with in-depth knowledge for the wood panel industry. You will also get to know specialists and pears from around the world.

This program is intended for:

  • Specialists, team leaders and technologists in the wood panel industry
  • Research and development managers 
  • Engineers in processing operations
  • Mechanical engineers in the supplier industry
  • Engineers in machine manufacturing and distribution
  • Junior and senior scientists 
  • Professionals in related industries

Factsheet

  • Degree/Certificate The CAS consists of two courses plus a final thesis. The courses can be taken separately.
  • Duration One intensive week for each course.
  • Schedule Monday to Friday
  • Application deadline At the latest four weeks before the start of a course.
  • ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits
  • Costs CHF 2'900 for each course (on-site in Biel)
    CHF 2'600 for each course (online)
    CHF 600.- for final thesis
  • Teaching language English
  • Location Biel, Switzerland / perhaps some trainings online
  • Next session Module Process Technology starts september 2026
    Module Adhesives and Emissons starts february 2027

Contact

Content + Structure

We run the internationally renowned Institute for Building Products and Bio-based Materials (IBBM). 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 CAS Wood-Based Panels is a unique continuing education programme. From process technologies to adhesives and emissions, you will be trained in key topics and deepen your existing knowledge in theory and practice.

The cultural activities during the intensive course weeks 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.

The course "Process Technology" is offered on-site at BFH in Biel, or as reduced content online course. Both options are preceded by an e-learning package (as preparatory work).

For on-site participants (typically starting at 8:30 CET)

  • E-learning lectures prior to the course week
  • 16 input lectures 
  • Hands-on computer simulation workshop 
  • Production technology project, with renown experts 
  • Field trip to companies from the sector
     
  • Build network with experts and course participants
  • Attractive evening program
  • Enjoy the unique Swiss beauty and hospitality

For online participants (selected times between 10:30 and 16:15 CET)

  • E-learning lectures prior to the course week
  • 12 input lectures 
  • Hands-on computer simulation workshop

The course "Process Technology" is offered on-site at BFH in Biel, or as reduced content online course. Both options are preceded by an e-learning package (as preparatory work).
The intensive course includes inputs from experts coming from industry and academia and practical training in the lab. You will work in small groups on a case study, which you will present to the class and experts at the end of the course. As a supplement you will experience a our campus including up-to-date infrastructure as such as the hot press lab, resin synthesis lab and the tannin extraction pilot. The content includes the influence of process parameters on formaldehyde and VOC emissions, the emission behavior of wood-based panels, ensuring indoor air quality, reduction and replacement of formaldehyde, new bio-based adhesives, as well as testing procedures for emissions and adhesive characterization.

For on-site participants (typically starting at 8:30 CET)

  • E-learning lectures prior to the course week
  • 16 input lectures 
  • Lab stages on emission testing and adhesive characterization
  • Field trip to companies from the sector
     
  • Build network with experts and course participants
  • Attractive evening program
  • Enjoy the unique Swiss beauty and hospitality

For online participants (selected times between 10:30 and 16:15 CET)

  • E-learning lectures prior to the course week
  • 12 input lectures 

This continuing education programme is comprised of two courses and a final thesis project. Each course 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.

  • 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.
  • You will have access to the latest technologies and research findings for reducing formaldehyde and VOC emissions, as well as bio-based adhesives. 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.

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”).

Language skills

Strong English skills

Terms and conditions

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

Lecturers

Location + Facilities

  • Workshop laboratory with glue production, mixer and hot press
  • Workshop test laboratory with all common mechanical screening processes
  • Workshop computer rooms for hot press simulations
  • Emissions testing and chemistry laboratories with testing devices and analytics to gauge material emissions
  • Laboratory for adhesive and characterization
  • Laboratory for extraction of bio-based compounds from lignocellulosic feedstock

The courses will be situated on our Campus in Biel. 
 

Sponsors

Logo Fagus GreCon

Sponsor for course Process Technology