ESRM 480 –LANDSCAPE PLANT SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT

Autumn Quarter 2008

Day/time/loc:  Douglas Classroom (DRC 103), Center for Urban Horticulture
Lectures: M-W-F  9:30 – 10:20 am
Lab: Mon 1:30-4:20 pm

Instructor:  Soo-Hyung Kim, Assistant Professor, soohkim@u.washington.edu, (206) 616-4971, Merrill Hall rm 037
                       
TA:   Jessica Farmer, Graduate Student, jsfarmer@u.washington.edu

Class webpage:  http://courses.washington.edu/esrm480/

Workspace: https://catalysttools.washington.edu/workspace/soohkim/1789 (*** Class schedule, readings, notes, and other relevant course materials are available at this workspace ***)

Assignment dropbox: https://catalysttools.washington.edu/collectit/dropbox/soohkim/3208  

Recommended Text: 
Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines (4th ed.) by Richard W. Harris, James R. Clark, Nelda P. Matheny.  2004.  Prentice Hall.

Course objectives:  This course will cover the horticultural science and issues of landscape plant management with an emphasis on sustainable practices in designed and naturalized urban landscapes.  Students will be exposed to the physical and physiological foundations of plant management as well as techniques in site and plant evaluation, problem diagnosis, plant selection, plant care, and management practices.

Instruction method: There will be lecture and discussion periods. Three hour laboratory sessions will be designated for field practicum, field trips, and demonstrations of practical techniques. There will also be guest lecturers who have special interests and expertise in particular aspects of landscape plant management. Group times will be available to discuss group projects.

Assignments (Please submit all assignments at the electronic dropbox listed above):

  1. Homework sets: Four problem sets will be distributed throughout the quarter, due dates indicated in the schedule.
  2. Research paper: A term paper on a topic of student’s interest, 5-7 pages (1.5 spacing; 12 pt; 1 inch margins). Page limits exclude references, tables, and figures. Due November 24 (Mon). Contact instructor during the first two weeks of the quarter, if interested in earning ‘W’ credit.  For optional ‘W’ credit, page limits will be 8-10 pages.
  3. Group project and poster presentation: Each team will develop a landscape management plan for an assigned project site. Written reports are due the last day of class: Friday, December 5.  Poster presentations:  Wednesday, December 10, 8:30 – 10:20 (final exam period)
  4. Journal discussion:  Students will read selected journal articles and discuss them in small groups and briefly with the entire class.

Grading                                                            Total: 100%

  1. Homework assignments                           20%
  2. Research paper                                       30%
  3. Group project and presentation                30%
  4. Lab and discussion participation               20%

For more information, visit the course workspace at : https://catalysttools.washington.edu/workspace/soohkim/1789