DTM*1000 The Turfgrass Industry

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 introduces the turfgrass industry and the many disciplines within the industry.  Economic and social importance of turfgrass are emphasized as are the complicated interactions among the different industry sectors.  The course emphasizes learning through field trips to various turfgrass operations that supply the turfgrass industry.

Instructors:

Cam Shaw

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:

Upon completion of the course, you should be able to:

  1. Identify the various sectors and disciplines within the turfgrass industry.
  2. Understand the structure and function of the Canadian turfgrass industry and the economic and social importance of each sector to the economy and society.
  3. Understand the extent of the turfgrass industry in other regions of the world.
  4. Understand and have an insight into the various professional turfgrass operations visited during the weekly field trips.
  5. Identify and understand their current knowledge and abilities as it relates to their professional development needs.
  6. Develop specific learning objectives for the purpose of securing an internship position that best addresses his/her career objectives.

Lecture Content:

Scheduled course time is utilized for weekly field trips and/or guest speakers. Additional course content may be offered through Courselink (quizzes, learning modules etc...) which support the learning outcomes of the course. Please see additional notes and content below in order to ensure you come prepared to this class.

IMPORTANT: Course content and delivery format may be subject to change based on evolving mandates and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Labs & Seminars:

There are no labs or seminars scheduled for this course.

Course Assignments and Tests:

Assignment or Test Contribution to Final Mark

Weekly Quizzes

50%

Field Trip Journals & Summary Reports

30%

Career Planning Exercise

20%

Final examination:

There is no final exam scheduled in this course.

Course Resources:

Suggested Course Materials:

Students are expected to maintain a field trip journal, and are therefore advised to bring along a notebook and pen. During tours, detailed notes on discussions and observations should be taken. When permitted, students are encouraged to take photographs. These materials will make up part of the Field Trip Journal assignment which is due later in the semester, and will be critical to being successful on quizzes.

Dress Code:

In order to participate in the field trips, students are expected to dress appropriately. Recommended attire is a "smart casual" look (golf shirt and khakis). Some locations may not permit provocative and/or heavily branded clothing, ball caps, blue jeans or cut-off shorts. In some instances, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as steel toed boots, hard hats, high visibility vests, hearing protection and/or safety glasses may be required. Students will be expected to provide their own CSA approved steel toed boots, but all other PPE will be provided to students when required. Advanced notice of dress code will be provided by the instructor in class or through CourseLink. Students failing to meet the minimum standard for attire will not be permitted to participate in the field trip.

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:

Group work is not permitted - all 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.

Alternative Delivery Format:

Course content and delivery format may be subject to change based on evolving mandates and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other Course Information:

Field Trips:

A series of weekly field trips will be taken to visit various organizations and operations that represent the diversity of the Ontario turfgrass industry. A schedule of pick-up locations and destinations will be posted on the DTM 1000 Courselink website. A field trip fee is collected as part of DTM student fees. Safety shoes may be required for some field trips so please have such footwear available for use. Other dress codes may be in effect which students must abide by if they wish to participate. Notes on dress codes will be shared in advance by the instructor.

Please see Field Trip Journal and Weekly Quiz sections in CourseLink for more instructions and requirements regarding the field trips.

IMPORTANT: Course delivery format may be subject to change based on evolving mandates and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic

Guest Speakers:

Industry professionals may be invited into class to speak about their careers, pathways, personal challenges, technology, emerging trends, and other industry insights.  students are expected to attend all guest lectures, take notes, ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions.

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