INSTRUCTORS

TEXTBOOK(S)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

General principles in development of turfgrass and ornamental weed prevention and management programs. Different weeds and their life cycles and management techniques and factors affecting herbicide performance. Laboratory includes weed identification and herbicide application methods.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS

The objective of this course is to give students a fundamental and practical understanding of the field of weed science in relation to the turfgrass and ornamental industries in North Carolina.  Students will learn the significance of weed ecology and identification, and also proper weed control options / methods for various segments of these industries.  Students will gain an appreciation for basic concepts of herbicide behavior in soils and plants; application technique and equipment calibration; and principles involved in developing successful weed management strategies.

GRADING

Lecture Exams:  Four one-hour exams will be given, with the first three exams during regularly scheduled lecture periods.  The fourth exam will be given during the scheduled final exam period.  Each exam will contribute 18.75% of your final course grade (75% total). 

The first two exams will come directly from the turfgrass weed management lectures; the last two exams coming directly from the ornamental weed management lectures.

Lab:  Lab will comprise 25% of your final grade.  The lab syllabus will be handed out in your respective lab section.

MAKE-UP EXAM POLICY

Students should inform the instructor if they anticipate missing an exam for a valid reason. Excuses for emergency absences (due to illness, injury, or death in the family) should be reported to the instructor as soon as possible, and arrangements will be made to make-up missed exams on the first day the student returns to the class. Make-up exams will only be allowed if there is a legitimate excuse (i.e., university-sanctioned). Exams may be taken early if the student presents a valid reason for the anticipated absence. 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular attendance at all lecture and laboratory sessions is mandatory. Attendance will be recorded during these sessions. Students can access university definitions of excused absences from Attendance Regulation (REG02.20.3).

LABORATORY SAFETY STATEMENT

All students are expected to exercise proper safety precautions in the laboratory.  Safety guidelines will be reviewed during the first lab period, and as required during the semester.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Scholarly activity is marked by honesty, fairness and rigor.  A scholar does not take credit for the work of others, does not take unfair advantage of others and does not perform acts that frustrate the scholarly efforts of others. A scholar does not tolerate dishonesty in others. The violation of any of these principles is academic dishonesty.  Academic dishonesty includes the giving, taking or presenting of information or material by a student with the intent of unethically or fraudulently aiding oneself or another person on any work which is to be considered in the determination of a grade or the completion of academic requirements. More specific definitions are set in the NCSU Code of Student Conduct.  The faculty of NCSU believe that the willingness of students to affirm and adhere to the essential values of honesty and integrity in all their academic endeavors is exemplified in the Honor Pledge:  I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment. You should be familiar with the University’s policy on academic integrity found in the Code of Student Conduct and Honor Pledge described in the brochure on Academic Integrity at NCSU. This information can be obtained from the Department of Student Development located in Harris Hall and from the web address listed below in the student conduct section. The content included in these documents applies to this course. Your signature on a test or assignment means that you have neither given nor received unauthorized aid and represents your commitment to honorable and trustworthy behavior that is in the spirit of the Honor Pledge. It is permissible for you to share class notes and study in groups. A grade of zero will be assigned to an examination, quiz, or assignment for which there is evidence of cheating.

STUDENT CONDUCT

The NCSU Code of Student Conduct describes the kind of student behavior that disrupts and inhibits the normal functioning of the University and the actions that the University will take to protect the community from such disruption. It is your duty as a member of the University community to read, understand, and adhere to the Code of Student Conduct(POL11.35.1). The Crop Science Department at North Carolina State University is committed to providing all students with an educational experience and background that will serve as a platform for success in future professional and personal endeavors. A learning environment that fosters professionalism is central to accomplishing these objectives.  For this reason, activities such as drinking, eating, sleeping, tobacco chewing, smoking, talking on cell phones, reading of non-class materials or any other activities that are disruptive to the classroom or laboratory learning environment will not be tolerated. You can be asked to leave class if these rules are violated. In addition, it is important to recognize that the equipment and classroom facilities used in our teaching endeavors are the property of the taxpayers of North Carolina and will be treated with respect.

DISABILITY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS (DSS)

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (REG02.20.1).

Revised September, 2007