DTM*4300 Turf Case Studies

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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 uses case studies, debates and discussion to address management, political and philosophical issues in the turfgrass industry. The course integrates knowledge of current turfgrass management practices and social awareness to solve problems and effectively communicate solutions. Problem solving skills are introduced and applied to case studies. Communication skills are emphasized including formal writing and succinct presentation skills.

Pre-Requisites: DTM*3000, DTM*3200, DTM*3300
Co-Requisites: DTM*4000

Restricted to Associate Diploma students in the Turfgrass Management program

Instructors:

Cam Shaw

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. Understand and implement different problem solving and decision making techniques
  2. Demonstrate improved communication through regular professional writing, discussion, presentation and debate exercises.
  3. Illustrate skills in combining and applying accumulated knowledge and experience to form creative, sustainable and practical solutions to problems and challenges in the turfgrass industry.
  4. Identify and apply credible research and information collection skills to support problem solving strategies in relation to relevant turfgrass industry issues.

Lecture Content:

Lecture topics and class activities to include:
  • Identifying agronomic issues throughout the season (biotic and abiotic)
  • Identifying non-agronomic issues (staff, stakeholder, social, political, economic, environmental etc...)
  • Problem solving strategies
  • Decision-making processes
  • Assessing decision & solutions efficacy
  • Guest speakers (when possible)
  • Field trips (when possible)
  • Communicating problems and solutions to stakeholders
  • Class discussions and debate on various topics
  • Individual and group presentations

Tuesday lectures will be held weekly.

Thursday class time will be held on an as needed basis and will be used primarily for group discussion and support leading toward various assigned case studies. Thursday classes may also be used to accommodate guest speaker schedules. Please check CourseLink for updates regarding Thursday class schedules.

Labs & Seminars:

n/a

Course Assignments and Tests:

Assignment or Test Contribution to Final Grade Learning Outcomes Assessed

Case Study 1 

 10%

1, 2, 3, 4
Case Study 2 10%

1, 2, 3, 4

Case Study 3

 10%

1, 2, 3, 4

Case Study 4

25%

1, 2, 3, 4

Term Quiz 1

 15% 1, 3

Term Quiz 2

 15% 1, 3

Class Participation

15%

2, 3, 4
 
 

Final examination:

There is no final examination of this course.

Course Resources:

Required Resources

None

Recommended Resources (Other)
Students are expected to use their accumulated knowledge, experience, social/professional network, and creativity to solve real-world case study issues. Various texts, resources, and media outlets have been shared with you during your time in the DTM program. Students are encouraged to use any and all resources at their disposal to generate logical, sustainable, pragmatic and well-supported solutions.

Course Policies:

Grading Policies:

Late assignments will be docked by 10% per business day they are late. For example: one day late = 10% reduction in the final grade, two days late = 20% reduction, and so on. Accommodations for late penalties will only be granted to students who provide reasonable advanced notice and submit any required supporting documentation. Quizzes must be completed in class, or within the timeline listed on Courselink. Absences and missed deadlines without advanced notice or justifiable cause will receive a mark of zero.

Course Policy on Group Work:

Group work is encouraged in group based work settings. For all other assignments and assessments, students are expected to work independently of other students and produce their own novel and original works.

Course Policy regarding use of electronic devices and recording of lectures

Electronic recording of meetings, classes, and other gatherings 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. In the case of a study group, consent from other participating students is required before recording.

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

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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:

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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/.

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