Course Description: An introductory course in the
basics of surveying and GPS and elements of construction
dealing with wood, concrete, masonry and stone, pavers,
electrical, and fence utilized in the landscape industry.
Emphasis will be placed on safety, development and
interpretation of construction drawings, specifications for
specific structures, materials selection, cost estimations,
site preparation and construction techniques.
Prerequisite Courses Required: None
Occupations to Which this Course is Related:
Landscape contractor, landscape nursery manager, landscape
foreman, grounds superintendent, landscape
architect/designer.
Develop ability to use surveying and GPS equipment to
determine necessary, distance, area and elevations for
landscape construction processes.
Recognize and use appropriate safety practices
Recognize appropriate materials used in landscape
construction
Prepare or interpret specific site plans and estimate
costs of materials
Construct structures associated with landscape
construction.
Course Requirements:
Students must abide by the Honor Code - The
University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally
recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by
the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for
academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and
graduate students. As a student you are responsible for
upholding these standards for this course. It is very
important for you to be aware of the consequences of
cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For
more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the
Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.shc.umd.edu.
To further exhibit your commitment to academic integrity,
remember to sign the Honor Pledge on all examinations and
assignments: "I pledge on my honor that I have not given
or received any unauthorized assistance on this
examination (assignment). "
Students must be present at the designated time and
for the duration of class. Students are responsible for
all materials presented in class in addition to the
reading assignments. Instructions, announcements about
course changes and demonstrations will be given at the
beginning of each class as appropriate.
Students are expected to be in class for the
scheduled time. DO NOT obligate yourself for
activities (work, social, medical non-emergencies) that
conflict with scheduled class time. Class assignments to
be missed due to approved field trips should be planned
for before the trip. (There will be a very limited or no
opportunity to make up some of the labs).
Safety glasses or goggles meeting OSHA Z87 or OSHA
Z87.1 specifications. Students should wear
appropriate safe clothing including hard top shoes for
the lab exercises. Locker space is available for storage
of these items.
Exams (mid term and final) will be announced.
Quizzes may or may not be announced. Material
included may be from current lectures, current class and
electronically related assignments.
A calculator may be used for the completion of any
math problems, but full credit will only be given when
the total solution is shown. (Always show problem
solving procedure for all problems!)
Field trips may be scheduled during some laboratory
periods or other times outside of normal class meeting
times to meet course objectives.
Calculation of your final grade will be based on the
following percentages with +/- grades posted:
a. 20% written activities (quizzes, out of class
assignments)
b. 40% lab work
c. 20% midterm exam
d. 20% final exam
Course letter grades will be assigned on the
following basis with +/- grades to be posted:
A's: 90%, 93%, 97%
B's: 80%, 83%, 87%
C's: 70%, 73%, 77%
D's: 60%, 63%, 67%
F: below 60%
Students are expected to turn materials/assignments
in on time. Unexcused late materials will loose 10% of
assigned points per normal week day late. Late
assignments will not be accepted after those that have
been graded have been returned to students. All
assignments must be completed by the last day of
class.
Academic dishonesty (cheating, fabrication,
facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism) will be
dealt with in accordance with established University
policies.
If you have a documented disability and wish to
discuss academic accommodations with me, please contact
me as soon as possible.
If you have any type of medical condition which may
affect your safety or the safety of others around
operating ,machinery, plese contact me individually.
Examples: fainting, seizures, taking medications which
impair you ability to operate equipment.
Behavioral Objectives: At the end of each unit the
student should be able to complete the following:
I. Introduction to Surveying and GPS Technology
Use survey instruments to determine grades
and elevations appropriate for landscape use
Identify components of surveying equipment
Perform typical tasks related to surveying
Determine elevations and calculate slope
Interpolate contours to create topographic maps
Establish elevations, i.e. drainage, grades for
construction of footings and forms, patios, walks,
establish grades for different levels (base, sub base
layers, etc.)
Stake out and square building/construction sites.
Layout shapes including squares, triangles, arcs,
circles, etc.
Use GPS equipment and software to assist in area,
distance, elevation calulations, mapping
II. Planning and Drawing
Draw and interpret construction details of
landscape structures to scale
Prepare bill of materials and estimates for cost of
construction
III. Equipment Safety
Operate Stationary Power Equipment
Safely
(Radial Arm Saw, Table Saw, Drill Press)
Operate Portable Power Equipment Safely
(portable power tools, welder/generator, concrete mixer,
masonry saw, etc.
Operate Landscape Construction Equipment Safely
(front end loader, back hoe)
IV. Concrete and Masonry Structures in the Landscape
Select appropriate materials used in
concrete and masonry construction
Prepare or interpret site specific details for
concrete and masonry construction (interpret plans,
sketch construction details, estimate materials)
Prepare appropriate bed, foundation, forms and
reinforcements needed to pour concrete structures used in
landscape construction (i.e. Patios, walks, steps,)
Use concrete and masonry tools appropriately and
safely
Select and prepare appropriate mix(es) of concrete
and mortar
Estimate materials needed for specific sites
Prepare specific concrete surface finishes
Prepare exposed aggregate surfaces
V. Wood Structures in the Landscape
Identify principles of construction for wood
structures
Identify common species of wood and grades of lumber
used in landscape construction
Select appropriate fasteners and hardware used in
wood construction
Develop safe practices for using power equipment
necessary to perform wood construction
Interpret plans for wood structures including decks,
boardwalks, fences, gazebos, pergolas, arbors, trellises.
Estimate cost of construction.