Module Details

Module Code: AGRI6015
Title: Turf Grass Technology
Long Title: Turf Grass Technology
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 6210 - Agriculture
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is an introduction to the elements of Grounds and Turf-Grass management including turf development and maintenance.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the structure and growth of the grass plant
LO2 Discuss different grass and weed species in sports and recreation areas
LO3 Describe how to develop and maintain amenity and sports-turf
LO4 Discuss the usage and function of selected machinery used in the maintenance and installation of turfgrass
LO5 Describe and compare natural, hybrid and artificial turfgrass systems
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
The Structure of the Grass Plant
Plant part identification, grass growth patterns, factors affecting growth.
Grass and weed identification
Identification of grasses and weeds common to amenity and turf grass areas.
Sports Turf Management
Turf creation and installation, nutrition and irrigation, cutting heights, thatch removal and control.
Grass Cutting
Cylinder, rotary, gang mowers, scarification, switching and verticutting.
Natural, Hybrid and Artificial Turf Machinery and Application
Hollow core, verti-draining, repairing turf, reseeding, relaying turf and top dressing of turf, drag mats, flexi comb, brushing, spreaders, suction turbines, clegg, stimpmeter
Hybrid Systems
Describe the composition, features, maintenance and installation of hybrid turfgrass systems. Advantages and disadvantages
Artificial Systems
Describe the composition features maintenance and usage of artificial turfgrass systems. Advantages and disadvantages
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Student using images diagrams or specimens identifies features of and or species of grass or weeds presented.
Methods of propagation and control measures will also be examined.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Draw up a management calendar for a natural or hybrid turf grass area
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study Course Material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact No Description Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Learner researches content and topics discussed and referred to in Labs and Lectures Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Christians N.. (2011), Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management, 4th Ed.. Wiley, p.424, [ISBN: 0470587318].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Emmons R.D. and Rossi F.. (2015), Turfgrass Science and Management, 5th Edition. Delmar Cengage, [ISBN: 978111154257].
  • Stewart Brown. (2005), Sports Turf & Amenity Grassland Management, The Crowood Press, [ISBN: 1861267905].
  • D. E. Aldous and I. H. Chivers; illustrations by Enid Mayfield. (2002), Sports turf and amenity grasses, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, [ISBN: 0643066667].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Website, Golf Course Superintents Association of Ireland,
    http://www.gcsai.org/
  • Website, Athlethic Turf information website (US),
    http://www.athleticturf.net
  • Technicial Guideline, James, I. and McLeod A.. (2008), Maintaing Synthetic Turf: Sand Filled Systems, The Cranfield- IOG Guidelines, Cranfield University, England.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BHORT_7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 2 Mandatory