Course Number and Title:
AGS 136 Turf Equipment Operations
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: AGS 102 and AGS 123
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course covers the operation and maintenance of turf equipment, including mower units, top dressers, core aerators, slit seeders, and miscellaneous turf equipment. Proper handling of equipment and safety are covered with emphasis on understanding equipment costs and shop area organization.
Additional Materials
Students will be required to have personal protective equipment (PPE) such as such as safety glasses and closed toe shoes.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Demonstrate safe operation of turf equipment, following manufacturers' suggested practices. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Properly maintain turf equipment, following manufacturers' recommendations. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Arrange equipment storage areas for best management and safety practices. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Create a maintenance budget for a turfgrass operation. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
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:
- Demonstrate safe operation of turf equipment, following manufacturers' suggested practices.
- Explain all safety rules for maintaining and operating equipment.
- Demonstrate proper safe handling of turfgrass equipment.
- Properly maintain turf equipment, following manufacturers' recommendations.
- Demonstrate proper maintenance checks on all types of turf equipment.
- Perform routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, spark plug replacement, hydraulic fluid replacement, etc.
- Explain the calibration, maintenance, and operation of various types of sprayers and spreaders.
- Troubleshoot a mechanical issue on turf equipment and propose a solution.
- Arrange equipment storage areas for best management and safety practices.
- Create an inventory list of equipment parts needed for operation.
- Assemble materials needed for equipment maintenance.
- Practice weekly shop upkeep, including organization and cleanliness for best management and safety operations.
- Create a maintenance budget for a turfgrass operation.
- Complete a general maintenance schedule for a specific type of turf equipment, including associated costs.
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 |
Summative Assessments |
- Exams (4-6) (equally weighted)
| 20% |
- Projects (2) (equally weighted)
| 20% |
- Labs (10-12) (equally weighted)
| 30% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: - Assignments
- Activities
- Quizzes
| 30% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
AGSAASAGS
- Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations.
- Demonstrate effective professional communication skills.
- Competently perform common practices and skills within the various aspects of the agriculture industry.
- Demonstrate adherence to ethical, safety and environmental practices related to the agriculture industry.
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.