Course Number and Title:
AGS 244 Landscape Construction and Maintenance
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: AGS 101 and AGS 105 and AGS 203
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course evaluates concepts in landscape construction, reinforces knowledge of plant materials and identification, and interprets elements of design. Topics include interpreting landscape designs, identifying landscape plants, and planting/maintaining trees and shrubs. Landscape construction is emphasized in the areas of grading and drainage, paver installation, and the use/maintenance of landscape equipment. Current topic discussions provide an understanding of careers and the employability skills needed to enter the landscape industry.
Additional Materials
Safety glasses or goggles meeting OSHA Z87 or OSHA Z87.1 specifications. Students should wear appropriate safe clothing including hard top shoes for the lab exercises.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Identify safety procedures used in landscape construction and maintenance. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC TOH 1, 3, 5, 8 )
- Demonstrate proper use of equipment and safety techniques. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC TOH 1, 3, 5, 8)
- Describe proper work orders, billing, and their applications. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC TOH 1, 2, 8)
- Implement a finished landscape plan. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; PGC TOH 1, 3, 7)
- Evaluate the use of container plantings in a landscape. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; PGC TOH 7)
- Explain maintenance needs of existing turf areas of a landscape. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; PGC TOH 2, 5, 7)
- Examine hardscaping methods and materials used in walkways, patios, retaining walls, etc. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; PGC TOH 1, 7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Identify safety procedures used in landscape construction and maintenance.
- Explain preventive measures that can reduce the chances of accidents or injuries on the job.
- Explain at least three ways to be prepared in the event of an emergency situation.
- Explain actions to take in possible emergency situations.
- Describe the importance of OSHA and *811 to landscape construction.
- Demonstrate proper use of equipment and safety techniques.
- Explain items to check before the use of various equipment.
- Practice safe operation of equipment commonly used in the landscape industry.
- Describe proper work orders, billing, and their applications.
- Identify items needed to prepare a work order form.
- Properly prepare a proposal/bill for a potential client.
- Implement a finished landscape plan.
- Implement a public or private area landscape plan.
- Construct a landscape with emphasis on native plants, perennials, and annuals.
- Evaluate the use of container plantings in a landscape.
- Identify areas within a landscape that would be suitable for container plantings.
- Design and create container plantings for a landscape.
- Explain maintenance needs of existing turf areas of a landscape.
- Distinguish maintenance needs of an existing lawn in a landscape.
- Select practices to maintain existing lawn in a landscape.
- Examine hardscaping methods and materials used in walkways, patios, retaining walls, etc.
- Identify materials needed to create a specific hardscape project.
- Estimate the amount of materials needed to install a specific hardscape project.
- Identify textures and patterns of hardscape materials and methods.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
- Exams (3-4) (summative) (equally weighted)
| 10% |
- Presentations (summative) (equally weighted)
| 20% |
- Formative Assessments (Assignments/Activities/Quizzes)
| 30% |
- Labs (10-12) (summative) (equally weighted)
| 40% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations and include adherence to safety and environmental concerns related to the field.
- Demonstrate basic management functions to include environmental controls, scheduling, production, pest control, and nutrient management of turf and ornamental plants.
- Cultivate and maintain golf course landscapes.
- Apply business principles and strategies to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.
- Explain the importance of environmental factors such as soil and water management to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.
- Apply basic installation and maintenance techniques for irrigation systems.
- Design and install a finished landscape plan, using native plant materials when possible.
- Examine current agricultural issues and topics.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.