UBC Forestry Summer Institute

Bio-based Renewable Materials

Course Dates: July 27 – August 14, 2026, 3 weeks
Course Duration: 60 hours
Leading Instructor: Prof. Feng Jiang

Course Description

Explore the future of sustainable bio-based materials in this dynamic, experience-driven course that blends theory, innovation, and real-world application. Bio-based Renewable Materials introduces the science and technology behind bioproducts and bioenergy—empowering students to understand, design, and contribute to the transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Students will gain a solid foundation in bioenergy classification, biomass chemistry, bioproducts production, and advanced manufacturing through thermal, chemical and biological conversion processes. Students will be introduced cutting-edge analytical tools used for designing and characterizing advanced bio-based products. They will also gain hands-on experience in data collection and analysis. Through team-based projects, students will be trained in critical thinking and problem-solving while strengthening their abilities in teamwork, technical reporting, and clear oral and written communication. 

To bridge classroom learning with field experience, students will participate in academic field trips to the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest to study sustainable forestry practices and a small sawmill to understand biomass sourcing. Visits to UBC’s Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility, Bioproducts Institute, and research labs will offer firsthand exposure to cutting-edge bioenergy and bioproducts technologies and applied research.

Designed for undergraduate and master’s students in wood science, materials science, pulp and paper, biorefinery, environmental engineering, and/or renewable energy programs—as well as professionals seeking to advance their careers in bioenergy and bioproducts—this course offers a unique combination of academic rigor, practical insight, and interdisciplinary learning.

Learning Outcomes

This course is designed to equip students with fundamental knowledge on the existing primary bio-based polymeric materials. The course will start to introduce general aspects including how nature synthesizes these bio-based polymers, their physical and chemical properties, and biodegradability. Additionally, this course will cover the fundamentals and emerging technologies for biomass conversion into biofuels and bioproducts, transformations of bio-based polymers for industrial polymer processing techniques, advanced biofuel production, the primary applications of nature derived polymers in our daily life and the potential for use in new applications based on polymer structure property relationships.

1. Students will be able to identify the primary bio-based polymeric materials existing in everyday life.
2. Students will be able to understand the chemical structures and physical properties of bio-based materials.
3. Students will be able to differentiate bio-based polymers from synthetic ones.
4. Students will be able to explain bio-based polymers synthesis and their transformation into bioproducts and bioenergy.
5. Students will be able to evaluate both social and economic advantages in using biopolymers and bioenergy.
6. Students will be able to understand chemical reactions to modify and/or synthesize new biopolymers with targeted properties and functionalities.
7. Students will be able to interpret the challenge in replacing synthetic polymers and the limitations of bio-based polymers

Learning Activities and Assessment

• Classroom participation and discussion quality
• Homework and group projects
• Lab tour and practice
• Data analysis and experimental skills
• Industry tour and sharing
• Cultural and academic sharing with UBC students
• Final presentation  

Choices for Field Practice

Malcom Knapp Research Forest, UBC’s Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility, Bioproducts Institute, and research labs 

How to Apply

Please read “How to Apply” on the UBC Forestry Summer Institute page and submit your application by March 31, 2026 @ 11:59 pm PDT.