DTM*3400 Landscape Construction

course node page

The following description is for the course offering in Fall 2022 and is subject to change. It is provided for information only. The course outline distributed to the class at the beginning of the semester describes the course content and delivery, and defines the methods and criteria to be used in establishing the final grades for the course.
 

This course examines the physical properties and the appropriate uses of landscape construction materials. The impact of design, construction techniques and selection of materials are emphasized in relation to golf and sports field settings.  

Pre-Requisites: DTM*2400

Restrictions: Restricted to Associate Diploma students in the Turfgrass Management program.

 

Instructors:

Teaching Assistant:

Credit Weight:

0.50

Course Level:

  • Diploma

Academic Department (or campus):

Department of Plant Agriculture

Campus:

Guelph

Semester Offering:

  • Fall

Class Schedule and Location:

Please refer to WebAdvisor for class schedule and location.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Understand the physical properties of landscape construction materials and their interactions.
  2. Determine materials used in the landscape that provide best aesthetics, function and durability to meet a variety of design standards.
  3. Practice communication techniques illustrating best practice's of landscape construction.
  4. Recognize and plan for the connection between design intentions and construction practices.

Lecture Content:

Topics to be covered in lectures include:

  • Basic drafting and communication techniques
  • Working drawings and design details
  • Design Process review
  • Review of current design trends
  • Contours, spot elevations and surface drainage
  • Wood – characteristics and applications
  • Aggregates – construction applications
  • Paving – characteristics and applications
  • Concrete and applications
  • Fasteners - suitability and applications
  • Plant material and applications
  • Cost estimating
  • Contracts

Most assignments are graphic/visual.

Some assignments include written reports to encourage literacy and presentation skills.

Creativity is always encouraged.

Clean, clear and professional presentation of assignment work is a must.

Please have all drafting equipment from DTM 2400 Landscape Design available for this course.

Labs & Seminars:

Labs will be used to explore graphic communications and other presentation skills for assignments related to this course and, possibly, visit landscape construction sites.

Labs will also include several field construction projects to explore construction details and material suitability for actual site specific requirements. Personal Protective Equipment may be required for some labs. Please refer to required materials. The labs are an integral part of several assessments and either not attending or not having PPE as required could significantly affect the ability to complete assessments.

Course Assignments and Tests:

Assignment or Test
Contribution to Final Grade

2 Field Construction Reports

40%

Contour Model

20%

Detail Library

20%

Quiz

15%

Details & Materials Project

25%

Final examination:

There is no final exam for this course.

Course Resources:

Required Resources
  • Students are required to have a notebook (durable) to use as a journal.
  • Labs may require Personal Protective Equipment which will be outlined on CourseLink prior to the lab Clothing for labs must be suitable for construction (It will get dirty in some labs) These may include:
    • CSA Green patch approved safety boots (student must provide)
    • Gloves (student supplied)
    • Safety Glasses (program supplied unless special requirements)
    • Dust masks (program supplied)
    • Hard Hats if necessary (program supplied)
    • Failure to bring PPE to specified labs will result in not being able to participate for safety reasons which will significantly affect the related assignments. If in doubt, bring anyway.
Other Resources

Assigned readings and other resource material will be provided via the DTM *3400 D2L website.

An important note about teaching format

Please note that lectures and labs for this course will be held face to face. If you are a student who prefers to attend remotely due to concerns or illness related to COVID please contact David White by email at dwhite14@uoguelph.ca. A study plan will be developed for you to participate remotely making use of the CourseLink/D2L website and its technology (or a comparable format as remote viewing software is subject to change. Such technology changes will be communicated to students by email).

Course Policies:

Grading Policies:

Quizzes and assignments must be completed and submitted by the posted due dates. Late quiz attempts are not permitted. A penalty of 10% per day will be deducted for late assignments. Requests for extensions due to illness or other personal issues must be made in writing and accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. 

Course Policy on Group Work:

Specific assignment group work is encouraged for this course and will be discussed in class. All other course work is to be completed by individual students.

Course Policy regarding use of electronic devices and recording of lectures:

Electronic recording of classes is expressly forbidden without consent of the instructor. When recordings are permitted they are solely for the use of the authorized student and may not be reproduced, or transmitted to others, without the express written consent of the instructor.

Other Course Information:

University Policies

Academic Consideration

When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of illness or compassionate reasons, please advise the course instructor in writing, with your name, id#, and e-mail contact. See the academic calendar for information on regulations and procedures for Academic Consideration:

Academic Misconduct

The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community, faculty, staff, and students  to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring.

University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection. Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.

The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the University Calenders:

Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), formerly Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD), as soon as possible.

For more information, contact CSD at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email sas@uoguelph.ca or visit the Student Accessibility Services website: http://www.uoguelph.ca/csd/.

Course Evaluation Information

Your ratings and comments are important.  Course evaluation data are used to assess and enhance the quality of teaching and student learning at the University of Guelph.  Student course ratings and comments are used as an important component in the Faculty Tenure & Promotion process, and as valuable feedback to help instructors improve their teaching effectiveness and to improve the delivery of the course.

Your responses will not affect your grade.  Course evaluation data are distributed to individual instructors after final grades have been submitted to the Registrar, following the completion of each academic semester.

Please be honest, respectful, constructive and thorough.  Instructors and review committees place great value on student course ratings and read all comments provided in course evaluations. It is helpful to provide comments on the strengths of the course, in addition to the areas for improvement.  Please refrain from personal comments unless they relate to teaching and learning.

Click here for the University of Guelph Course Evaluation System