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AGS 136 Turf Equipment Operations

This course covers the operation and maintenance of turf equipment, 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.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: AGS 101 and AGS 105

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

AGS 136 Turf Equipment Operations

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Effective Date

2022-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: AGS 101 and AGS 105

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, 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.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Demonstrate safe operation of turf equipment, following manufacturers' suggested practices. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC TMT 1, 4, 5, 6; LOH 1)
  2. Properly maintain turf equipment, following manufacturers' recommendations. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC TMT 1, 4, 5, 6; LOH 1)
  3. Arrange equipment storage areas for best management and safety practices. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC TMT 4, 5; LOH 1, 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:

  1. Demonstrate safe operation of turf equipment, following manufacturers' suggested practices.
    1. Explain all safety rules for maintaining and operating equipment.
    2. Demonstrate proper handling of turfgrass equipment.
    3. Distinguish between safe and unsafe mowing practices.
  2. Properly maintain turf equipment, following manufacturers' recommendations.
    1. Identify proper mowing techniques to minimize wear and compaction.
    2. Demonstrate proper procedures before, during, and after maintenance checks on all types of turf equipment.
    3. Complete a general maintenance schedule for a piece of turf equipment, including associated costs.
    4. Explain the calibration, maintenance, and operation of various types of sprayers and spreaders.
  3. Arrange equipment storage areas for best management and safety practices.
    1. Create an inventory list of equipment parts needed for operation.
    2. Assemble materials needed for equipment maintenance.
    3. Practice weekly shop upkeep, including organization and cleanliness for best management and safety operations.
    4. Create an operating budget.

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 (4-6) (summative) (equally weighted)

20%

Projects (summative) (equally weighted)

20%

Formative Assessments (Assignments/Activities/Quizzes)

30%

Labs (summative) (10-12) (equally weighted)

30%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

AGSAASTOH

  1. Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations and include adherence to safety and environmental concerns related to the field.
  2. Demonstrate basic management functions to include environmental controls, scheduling, production, pest control, and nutrient management of turf and ornamental plants.
  3. Cultivate and maintain golf course landscapes.
  4. Apply business principles and strategies to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.  
  5. Explain the importance of environmental factors such as soil and water management to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.
  6. Apply basic installation and maintenance techniques for irrigation systems. 
  7. Design and install a finished landscape plan, using native plant materials when possible.
  8. Examine current agricultural issues and topics.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. 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.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal