HORT30400
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=HORT30400&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=HLS6&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Sportsturf (HORT30400)
Subject: : Horticulture
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Dr Noeleen Smyth
Trimester: : Spring
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This module explores common Sportsturf including aspects of golf courses, football and rugby pitches. \ In the sportsturf construction section, an overview of site selection considerations; drainage systems; identification and selection of various turf grass genera for different situations; seed mixtures; seeding and sod establishment methods are explored. \ The sportsturf management section discusses control and management of diseases and disorders; soil compaction and thatch; managing nutrient requirements and developing nutritional programmes; mowing practices and mower maintenance; selection of mowers and blades for different sportsturf requirements; cultural and chemical weed and moss control; exploring more environmentally friendly practices and control options for nutrition and pest, disease and weed control. \
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to:\ Illustrate and describe how sports pitches and golf courses are constructed to different specifications.\ Select suitable turfgrass genera for sport uses, including shaded areas, and evaluate seed mixtures.\ Evaluate the need and use of irrigation, fertiliser and supplementary lighting in sportsturf.\ Prepare a basic annual and monthly turf management protocol for different types of sportsturf.\ Identify the major weed species in sportsturf and recommend cultural and chemical weed control strategies. \ Recommend mowing equipment and turf mowing protocols for all types of sportsturf. \ Discuss and describe the major physiological disorders and diseases of sportsturf.\ Generate fertiliser and nutritional programmes for sportsturf. \ Manage sportsturf in line with current environmental and biodiversity-friendly management practices.\
Indicative Module Content:
This module explores the construction and management of all types of sportsturf In the sportsturf construction section, an overview of site selection considerations; drainage systems; identification and selection of various turf grass genera for different situations; seed mixtures; seeding and sod establishment methods are explored.\ \ The sportsturf management section discusses control and management of diseases and disorders; soil compaction and thatch; managing nutrient requirements and developing nutritional programmes; mowing practices and mower maintenance; selection of mowers and blades for different sportsturf requirements; cultural and chemical weed and moss control; exploring more environmentally friendly practices and control options for nutrition and pest, disease and weed control. \
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 24 |
| Specified Learning Activities | 40 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 60 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 124 |
\
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures base on case study and real-world examples learning and active/task-based learning
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Not applicable to this module.
\
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (In-person): Written examination: (During the Spring Break) | End of trimester Duration: 1 hr(s) | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 50 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: In class examination with short questions | Week 3 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 35 | No |
| Report(s): Site visit reports | Week 4, Week 6 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 15 | No |
\
Carry forward of passed components
No
\
What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Autumn | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\ • Self-assessment activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Not yet recorded.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Mr Conor Aherne | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Mr Greg Whately | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Tony Twamley | Tutor |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Mon 11:00 - 12:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Wed 14:00 - 16:50 |