Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
- Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course is an introduction to the materials, equipment, installation procedures, operation and maintenance of landscape irrigation systems and their components.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Identify and describe irrigation materials including PVC fittings, pipe grades and schedules, controllers and sprinklers.
- Program many types of irrigation controllers.
- Select and use the correct sprinkler for a given application by installing, nozzling, setting arc and employing at correct grade.
- Recognize the need for backflow prevention and identify the types of mechanisms and their applications.
- Identify and troubleshoot irrigation problems with sprinklers, valves and controllers, and make the necessary repairs or replacements.
- Compare and analyze products from various irrigation component manufacturers for quality and reliability.
- Read and interpret basic irrigation designs.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
| Introduction to the Course and Scope of the Irrigation Industry | 2.00 |
| Irrigation Pipe, Fittings, Cements and Primers | 2.00 |
| Spray Head and Rotor Sprinklers – Pop-Up and Static | 2.00 |
| Drip, Micro-spray and Mist Systems | 2.00 |
Backflow Prevention Device Types and Cross Contamination Codes | 2.00 |
Backflow Prevention Device Installations and Protective Enclosures | 2.00 |
| Valve Manifold Construction, Wiring and Boxing | 4.00 |
| Main and Lateral Line Plumbing Installation | 2.00 |
| Sprinkler Choices and Installation Techniques | 4.00 |
| Controller Types, Applications and Programming Principles | 2.00 |
| Controller Installation, Electrical Wiring and Programming | 2.00 |
| Troubleshooting and Repairing Valves | 4.00 |
| Troubleshooting Controllers | 4.00 |
| Total Hours: | 34.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
| Introduction to the Course and Scope of the Irrigation Industry | 3.00 |
| Irrigation Pipe, Fittings, Cements and Primers | 3.00 |
| Spray Head and Rotor Sprinklers – Pop-Up and Static | 3.00 |
| Drip, Micro-spray and Mist Systems | 3.00 |
Backflow Prevention Device Types and Cross Contamination Codes | 3.00 |
Backflow Prevention Device Installations and Protective Enclosures | 3.00 |
| Valve Manifold Construction, Wiring and Boxing | 6.00 |
| Main and Lateral Line Plumbing Installation | 3.00 |
| Sprinkler Choices and Installation Techniques | 6.00 |
| Controller Types, Applications and Programming Principles | 3.00 |
| Controller Installation, Electrical Wiring and Programming | 3.00 |
| Troubleshooting and Repairing Valves | 6.00 |
| Troubleshooting Controllers | 6.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Class Activities
- Collaborative Group Work
- Demonstrations
- Discussion
- Field Trips
- Guest Speakers
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Multimedia Presentations
- Problem-Solving Sessions
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Quizzes
- Oral Presentation
- Demonstration
- Homework
- Journal
- Class participation
- Lab Projects
- Essays and research papers
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the Hunter catalog pages on I 20 rotors and be prepared for class discussion.
- Read, study and become familiar with the specification pages on Rainbird 1800 series spray heads. Be ready for an in-class quiz.
Writing Assignments
- Write a two page report on the history of water lubricated gear drive rotors.
- Write a 2 page narrative report on the comparative analysis of Hunter PGP VS. Rainbird 5000 rotors.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Using the internet, find an article on efficient irrigation components or practices to share in group discussion.
- Visit a local irrigation distributor, designer or installer and prepare to talk to the class about what you learned.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Stephen W. Smith. (2011). Landscape Irrigation Design and Management. Harcourt Press, 2nd. 0471038245.
Other Learning Materials
Manuals and catalogs from various manufacturers.
Minimum Qualifications
Agriculture (Masters Required)
Ornamental Horticulture