FdSc Sportsturf and Applied Turfgrass Science Online

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The course is designed to enable students to achieve a vocational Higher Education qualification through online, part-time study. For those of you already employed in the sportsturf industry, traditional modes of attendance are not possible, and this qualification will help to overcome this barrier and enable you to take the next step in your career. If you are seeking to develop your skills and knowledge in sportsturf provision and management and want to progress to more senior positions at the many prestigious sporting venues around the world, this is the course for you. The course provides the learner with a sound basis in the science and practice of turfgrass management for sport and recreation.

Year 1

Academic and Vocational Skills

Working in industry will require you to develop a range of practical and professional skills. This module provides you with first-hand work related experience of a range of practical and technical skills as well as developing your ability to present information in a suitable academic and professional style. You will be encouraged to evaluate and reflect on your own personal development throughout the module. The module will provide the foundation for further development of individual skills through independent study in the ‘Industry Project’ module.

Essential Plant and Soil Science

Plants and soils have a very close relationship. This module will look at the biochemistry and physiology of plants and how these are affected by the plant’s environment. You will consider the characteristics of the soil environment and how these impact on plant growth and land use. The mechanisms by which plants can express the genetic information coded in their DNA and pass this on to the next generation will also be explained.

Principles and Practices of Turfgrass Management (Double module)

This module aims to develop underpinning knowledge and skills necessary to establish and manage sportsturf playing surfaces. You will learn about the fundamental practices for the management of natural turf surfaces and the equipment and machinery used for these. Topics include mowing, irrigation, fertiliser application , topdressing, and aeration. The underlying science of these and other operations is discussed together with their practical application. Establishment of turf surfaces from seed and vegetative means is also covered.

Year 2

Sportsturf Surface Construction & Drainage Systems

Successful sportsturf installations will have purpose designed constructions and bespoke drainage systems. Different construction and drainage systems, their related benefits and disadvantages and the management of sports surface drainage will be discussed here. You will explore the design between concepts the range of sportsturf and golf construction and drainage systems currently available.

Integrated Pest Management

Natural grass surfaces used for sports and other recreations are subject to the ingress of various pests, diseases and weeds which can significantly impact on the quality of the surface sometimes adversely affecting play. It is necessary to have the appropriate diagnostic skills, knowledge and understanding of these pests, diseases, and weeds for their management. An integrated approach being mindful of the environmental impact of any control measures is essential.

Performance Management of Sportsturf Surfaces

The use of performance measures is now standard practice in the sportsturf industry. Their use can inform management decision making for quality surfaces. This module will equip you with a clear understanding of the methodology and process of performance quality testing for a range of sports turf surfaces. You will learn about the various testing equipment , protocols, and standards for a range of sportsturf surfaces.

Turfgrass Growth & Development

This module aims to equip students with the fundamental skills and knowledge to understand the anatomical and physiological factors involved in the growth and development of turfgrasses in the sportsturf environment. The characteristics and features of both cool and warm season grasses are evaluated. Grass plant morphology and physiology are discussed and effects of the environment and also management practices on the grass plant reviewed.

Year 3

Research Methods

Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment.

Environmental Plant Physiology

This module builds upon the knowledge of plants gained in previous plant science modules. It aims to extend your understanding of how plants interact with their environment and relate this to the management practices employed in industry. It will also consider how plant physiology is influenced by changes in environmental conditions, such as those associated with climate change, and how changes in a plant’s environment lead to changes and adaptations to plant processes that allow them to survive in a range of different environments.

Industry Project

You will use the skills developed in earlier modules to identify a suitable industry related project. Through planning, executing and then reporting on the project outcomes, you will be encouraged to use the industry project to develop your own personal skills as well as professional working relationships with industry contacts. Theories and skills of project management will be developed through supporting lectures.

Environmental Management & Sustainability

Today sportsturf managers must recognise the need for sustainable management practices and environmental stewardship. This module aims to explore the relationship between a golf course or other sports facility and the environment in which it exists and the sustainable management of landscapes and material inputs. Topics covered will include ecology and habitat management, sustainability, and responsible resource management.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)

Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:

2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
BTEC/C&G Level 3
2 Scottish Highers at C or above
3 Irish Highers at C or above
International Baccalaureate at 24 points
NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline

AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview

Industry Experience/Access

This course is designed for those employed in the Sportsturf Industry. Ideally you will be employed fulltime on a golf course , sports ground, or other site where the maintenance or management of playing surfaces used for sport is your primary role for example a public school or local authority. The course would also suit those employed in the sportsturf supply industries or those in agronomy/sportsturf construction. You must have access to a golf course or sports facility in order to complete the set coursework. Part-time or voluntary work is feasible, but this will need to be organised by yourself and in place before the course starts. Those working in closely related fields for example amenity horticulture or landscape management are welcome to apply. For any assistance on this matter you are invited to apply or contact the college to arrange a discussion with the course tutor.

Learning and assessment

Learning Environment:

A virtual learning environment provides a platform to distribute a series of documents providing principle subject knowledge. Further reading from a range of sources supplements core information and contributes towards the achievement of all module aims. Self-assessment activities facilitate formative assessment throughout the class and can offer instant feedback on learning. Regular synchronised on-line events using video conferencing software are used to simulate an authentic classroom experience to students in a distributed environment. Student interaction and debate is encouraged through a subject specific discussion board and individual support is available via e-mail and telephone.

Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including a combination of coursework and unseen examinations. The coursework assessment methods will include technical reports, portfolios, group and individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports and extended project work. The students may be required to produce work in a range of formats, such as the production of leaflets or research posters.

Additional Information:

The department has a close working relationship with a large number of industry bodies, golf, and sports clubs. Teaching is supported with a range of guest speakers, visits to top class sporting venues and trade shows additionally we are supported by Baroness Mowers and Kubota UK.

For those employed in golf greenkeeping there will be the opportunity to apply to become an R&A scholar and receive a bursary and support from The R&A.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for the BSc (Hons) Turfgrass Science and Management (online) in two further years of part-time study.

Careers

Distance learning students have gained promotion into the following positions:

Head Grounds person

Head Greenkeeper

Golf Course Manager

Local Authority Grounds Manager

Industry Sales & Marketing Professional

Special requirements

Access to a personal computer, internet facilities and a current e-mail account is essential. Recommended PC software requirements are:

Access to a PC

Microsoft Office 2007 or above

Broadband internet connection

Email account.

Recommended browsers:

Internet Explorer 7 or above

Firefox 3.5 or above

Google Chrome

Safari

The following software is available as free downloadable software and will also be required:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Flash Player

Extra Costs:

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

Possible subscriptions to journals, periodicals and websites; membership fees to associations including Sports Turf Research Institute, British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, Institute of Groundsmanship and Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America - these memberships are at the discretion of the individual; recommended textbooks.