DTM*2200 Computers and Math for Turf

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The following description is for the course offering in Winter 2023 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 requires students to become proficient in the mathematical skills necessary to properly apply fertilizers and chemicals. The course also requires students to understand how to calculate areas and other skills essential in calibration of turfgrass equipment. The course introduces students to the variety of computing skills and information technologies prevalent in the turfgrass industry today. In addition, emerging technologies that assist the turfgrass professional moving into the future are discussed.

Instructors:

Teaching Assistant:

Credit Weight:

0.50

Course Level:

  • Diploma

Academic Department (or campus):

Department of Plant Agriculture

Campus:

Guelph

Semester Offering:

  • Winter

Class Schedule and Location:

Please refer to WebAdvisor for class schedule and location.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Calculate the following:  Area of turf to be managed; liquid, granular & seeding application rates and amounts to be applied; applied nutrients/active ingredients in liquid and granular form, and seed mixtures/blends based on seed counts and desired percentages to be established.
  2. Convert application rates and applied volumes and masses between metric and imperial units.
  3. Create spreadsheets and databases for use in managing records, budgets and planning.
  4. Create presentations for use in instructing/ informing future employees, employers and clients.
  5. Understand basic, computer-controlled irrigation systems and how they calculate watering windows.

Lecture Content:

Monday class meeting will consist of mathematics-related lecture. Problem sets and answers pertaining to the subject material of each lecture will be posted later the same day on CourseLink for student practice.

Labs & Seminars:

Thursday lab meeting will consist of instruction on a computer-related skills followed by assignments to be completed in lab under instructor supervision. Time will be provided each week in lab to discuss the problem sets provided for practicing math skills during the later part of the period.

Course Assignments and Tests:

Assignment or Test Contribution to Final Mark Learning Outcomes Assessed
Quizzes
25%
Lecture/lab materials to date
Assignments
25%
Lecture/lab materials to date
Final Exam
50%
 1,2,3,4,5

Final examination:

Please refer to WebAdvisor for class schedule and location.

Course Resources:

Required Texts:

Not applicable.

Recommended Texts:
The Mathematics of Turfgrass Maintenance (Textbook)
Wiley; 4 edition (Jan. 9 2008), ISBN-10: 047004845X
Lab Manual:

Not applicable.

Other Resources:

Text and graphical resources available on D2L CourseLink site.

Field Trips:

Not applicable.

Additional Costs:

Not applicable.

Course Policies:

Grading Policies:
  • Late assignments will be subject to a 10% reduction in mark for every day past due date.
  • Writing quizzes and exams for which the student is absent and turning in late assignments will only be considered if advanced notice is given and is at the discretion of the instructor.
Course Evaluation:

An online course evaluation will be used for this course. Instructions will be given in the later part of the course as to how this should be performed.

Recording of Materials:

Presentations which are made in relation to course work - including lectures - cannot be recorded or copied without the written permission of the presenter, whether the instructor, a classmate or guest lecturer. Material recorded with permission is restricted to use for that course unless further permission is granted.

Copies of out-of-class assignments:

Keep paper and/or other reliable back-up copies of all out-of-class assignments: you may be asked to resubmit work at any time.

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