Course Methods

Through experience, I discovered that the traditional lecture and slide format of presenting information to students resulted in poor retention of information and little enthusiasm. Therefore, I developed this set of tutorials that deliver all lecture material and images and a series of in -class exercises to extend the understanding of the material.  I am always interested in your suggestions about how to improve the course and tutorials.  Each student is expected to view and learn the text and images in the tutorials before coming to the weekly class meetings. You must schedule your own time to do this.  If you work at the on-campus computers take into account the hours that the computer labs are open.

A series of assignments will help you apply the principles and concepts to the creation of irrigation designs. You will need to review the tutorials attempting the assignments.  The class meetings will be devoted largely to the development of design exercises and one-on-one critiques of your work.

Assessment (learning outcomes)

The following are the learning outcomes that the faculty have specified for this course. Please, adopt these as your own learning objectives.

• An understanding of the economic, social and environmental issues associated with water use.

• The ability to calculate peak runoff rates and volumes for stormwater in natural and developed landscapes.

• The ability to predict the performance of proposed landscapes based on research findings and calculations.

• The ability to design and detail water conservation and management projects including water harvesting, constructed wetlands and biological treatment of sewage and stormwater.

• The ability to produce designs and techical drawings for drip irrigation and water management plans .

• Production of a portfolio quality sample of your work.

Evaluation

Your course grade is based on the following percentages:
Qizzes - 40% 
Semester project- 50%
Participation - 10% 

Texts

This web site replaces the need for a text book but there will be occassional supplimental readings assigned from journals. 

Required Materials

You will need both traditional drafing tools and computer software since there is a studio component to this course. We will use an number of software programs in the development of our design proposals and for stormwater modeling. There is a technology assistant who can provide you with help using AutoCadd and any of the Adobe Suite products. Flyers in the college buildings list the hours that this service is available.

You are encouraged to contact the instructor for discussion or additional help. Please use this opportunity to clarify points that you don't understand, locate information on areas of particular interest, or discuss personal problems affecting your performance in this class. If you have learning or physical disabilities that might impact your performance in this course please see me so that I can accommodate you.

Late Work

Late work may be penalized 10% for each 48 hours after the due date and time. There are valid reasons that a project might be late. Consult me before the due date if there are circumstances that prevent timely completion of a project.

Course Participation

Each student is expected to actively participate in their education by requesting critiques in every studio period dedicated to them. The student is expected to ask questions or offer comments that increase understanding of the material during class discussions. Time has been set aside outside of the regular class hours for discussion or additional help from the professor. More that two absences from the class may result in as much as one letter grade drop in the student's final course grade.

Incomplete Grades

Medical as well as some family or personal circumstances are grounds for an incomplete grade in this course. To be awarded an incomplete you must have completed 60% of the course with a grade of 60% or better. You must resolve an incomplete within six weeks after the beginning of the subsequent semester. Failure to do so (or to apply for an extension) automatically results in an F on your transcript.

Retention of Student Work

The insturctor may retain student projects as documentation of the course or as examples for future students. You may photograph or otherwise copy retained material by making an appointment with your professor.

Disability Support Services

Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Please notify the instructor during the first week of class of any accommodation(s) needed for the course. Late notification may mean that requested accommodations might not be available. All accommodations must be approved through Disability Support Services located in the Idaho Commons Building, Rm. 333.  885-7200.  email at dss@uidaho.edu”