Wool Technology (WOOL472)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the initiation and development, and function and structure of mammalian wool and describe the differences in skin structure between different sheep breeds; this will also demonstrate the ability to communicate information to a specialist and non-specialist audience;
2. explain the ultrastructure of the wool fibre and describe the chemical composition of the various cells composing the wool fibre; this will also demonstrate the ability to work autonomously and use expert judgment;
3. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the principles of measurement and their relationship with sampling regimes; and an understanding of the impact of test results on sheep selection, processing prediction formulae and processing performance;
4. describe the main techniques and procedures of measuring yield, fibre diameter, staple length, strength and position of break, colour, fibre curvature and resistance to compression;
5. have expert, specialised cognitive understanding of the principles of new measurements including dark or medullated fibres and non-wool contamination; and
6. critically review, reflect on, and synthesise the current literature on the latest research occurring in this field and to also demonstrate the ability to undertake research and apply established theories to a body of knowledge or practice.