Turfgrass Science and Management (FYDE)

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Lancashire. This course is a top-up degree for applicants who already hold an FdSc or HND in Sportsturf or a closely related plant or soil science-based discipline. The course consists of the modules that also form the Final Year of a full-time three-year BSc (Hons) degree and so completing these Level 6 modules allows a student to top up their previous Level 5 qualification to a Level 6 BSc (Hons).

The On-line final year direct entry BSc (Hons) Degree in Turfgrass Science and Management is designed to enable students to achieve a full honours degree qualification in Turfgrass Science and Management through part-time study at a distance from the host educational establishment. High levels of employment within the sportsturf industry in management, research and consultancy levels mitigate against traditional modes of attendance for those currently employed and this qualification, linked with this form of delivery, will help to overcome this barrier to access and participation.

The On-line final year direct entry BSc (Hons) Degree in Turfgrass Science and Management offered by University Centre Myerscough is the first of its type and makes the honours degree accessible to students regardless of location or nationality. It provides the opportunity to study from wherever the candidate is based and has access to the internet.

The course covers high levels of technical knowledge in science, management, and technology across a range of sportsturf issues and applies current research to develop a strategic approach to the management of all sportsturf surface types. The course will develop a detailed knowledge and analytical thinking for sportsturf management issues such as planning and development of sportsturf constructions, contract management and management of sportsturf areas. The course also aims to develop transferable and personal skills that are important for employers at this level, including communication, time management, work prioritisation, critical analysis and report writing. The course is focused on web-based learning material on the University Centre Myerscough on-line learning network. On-line tutorials are an important element of the course, enabling students from a wide geographic area to gain an Honours Degree qualification without having to live in close proximity to the College.

Two Level 5 Bridging Modules must be completed prior to the commencement of this course (delivered on-line in Semester 1 from September):

• Research Methods

• Environmental Plant Physiology

Year 1

Biotechnology for Plant Improvement

This module will review recent advances in plant breeding, including plant tissue culture and molecular techniques, with an emphasis on specialist industry applications. Students will also develop their skills in carrying out laboratory analysis, using original scientific literature, communicating scientifically and learning independently.

Sports Facility Design and Development

This module aims to develop the student’s ability to conduct a site survey, appraise site conditions using physical and other analytical methods in order to produce appropriate designs for either a golf course or a multi-sports sports ground which meets the needs of the client and site.

Year 2

Research Project (Double Module)

Students will be given the opportunity to design and carryout a piece of investigative research into a topic that interests them. This will allow them to demonstrate the skills that they have developed throughout the course including the abilities to design an original investigation, to work independently, and to produce a coherent and critical report.

Rootzone Technology

This module examines the development and use of artificially constructed rootzones for the production of quality surfaces for a variety of sports. An evaluation is made of a range of rootzone formulations for various uses, their constituents, their physical and chemical properties and the influence on these from a variety of management systems and environmental conditions.

Greenspace Professional Practice

It is very important for professionals to have an appreciation of ethical and sustainable business operation concepts and be able to apply them. In this module students will build upon the principals of strategic planning and corporate social responsibilities to address business auditing tasks, such as re-branding and re-modelling, incorporating company policies; planning; project management; communication and negotiation with clients. They will also critically analyse a range of contemporary issues within horticulture and associated green industries.

https://www.ucmyerscough.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/sportsturf-groundsmanship-and-greenkeeping/bsc-hons-turfgrass-science-and-management-fyde-online/

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.