UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
Myerscough College
3. University School/Centre
Forensic and Applied Sciences
4. External Accreditation
N/A
5. Title of Final Award
BSc (Hons) Sportsturf Science and Management
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full-time, part time for 3rd year direct entry only
7. UCAS Code
CN62 (full-time)
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
9. Other external influences
QAA Agriculture, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Food
Sciences and Consumer Sciences (2009)
None
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
20 June 2013
11. Aims of the Programme
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To provide students with the broad range of knowledge and skills required for a career in the
sportsturf industry.
Equip students with a wide range of critical, analytical and entrepreneurial skills involving science,
technology and management in the sportsturf industry.
Provide students with an appreciation of current and developing management and sustainable
practices in areas of which turf grasses are a fundamental requirement.
To prepare students for careers that require scientific and management skills in the sportsturf
industry and other related industries in the UK and Internationally.
To develop a range of transferable employability skills, including personal development,
numeracy, IT, communication, analysis and problem-solving.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Explain the underlying biological and chemical principles related to the production, growth and
development of turf grasses
A2. Evaluate and apply scientific and technical developments to sportsturf industry practices
A3. Review recent innovations and debate in the turf-grass industry
A4. Apply knowledge of plant and soil science essential for sportsturf managers
A5. Evaluate the effects of existing and developing management practices on the sportsturf
environment.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Core material will be delivered through subject-specific lectures, on-line lecture materials and tutorials
and seminars. These will be supported through practical / laboratory sessions (some delivered
online), relevant case studies group and project work. Independent learning is encouraged by
independent reading and study supplemented by tutorials and comprehensive library resources and
on-line academic and industry databases. The majority of taught sessions will be supported by
further materials available on the college VLE platform (Bloom.)
Assessment methods
A combination of coursework and examinations will be used for assessment. The coursework
assessment methods will include essays, technical reports, group and individual presentations (with
use of audio and video media), laboratory/practical reports, individual study projects and case studies.
The students may be required to produce work in a range of formats, such as the production of
leaflets or posters.
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Describe, record and evaluate test results that relate to the underpinning scientific knowledge
needed in the planning, construction, establishment and maintenance of a sportsturf area
B2. Conduct laboratory and field investigations relating to developments in sportsturf science to
improve current sportsturf practices
B3. Analyse problems associated with sportsturf areas and formulate appropriate solutions
B4. Write detailed specifications for management operations of sportsturf sites and produce advisory
reports to improve the site
B5. Use a range of specialist equipment and technology within sportsturf applications.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Subject specific skills will be developed through delivery of the specialist subject material identified in
the module descriptions and using the teaching and learning programme. In addition tutor-led
workshops and practical sessions will use appropriate technical equipment and machinery. These
skills are further developed by the use of case studies and coursework assignments that reflect
industry practice. Subject specialists from the Sportsturf industry will also present key lectures to
provide an awareness of current trends and applications. Information technology and computational
skills are developed through the use of the on-line VLE platform (Bloom).
Assessment methods
Assessment methods will include case studies, coursework assignments, project work and
presentations. Digital blogs and video media will be used for assessment where possible.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Locate, evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources
C2. Design, conduct and interpret an investigative study
C3. Analyse and evaluate scientific papers and investigative work
C4. Analyse problems, think creatively to develop practical solutions and evaluate alternatives
C5. Research issues and present findings using communication skills
C6. Formulate and test concepts and hypotheses.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme as outlined above.
Problem solving and analysis skills are further developed through case studies and by the use of
project work.
Assessment methods
Formative assessments and feedback are important in the development of these thinking skills.
Formal assessment is carried out as part of the coursework and exam programme as outlined above.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Communicate professionally in technical reports and presentations
D2. Work independently and as a member of a team
D3. Manage projects and extended learning
D4. Use appropriate information technology skills in various situations
D5. Manipulate, sort and present data in a variety of ways.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Transferable skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme and the assessment
strategies outlined above. Communication skills are developed in formative sessions through
discussion groups and Socratic tutorials and formally assessed in project work and assignment tasks.
Reflection and development needs are developed through in college and on-line personal tutorials
and self-assessment of performance.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods are as described above.
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 6
Module
Code
MR3116
MR3117
MR3200
MR3203
MR3304
MR3317
Level 5
MR2119
MR2125
MR2151
MR2240
MR2242
MR2303
MR2325
MR2327
Level 4
MR1008
MR1009
MR1102
MR1202
MR1206
MR1207
MR1211
MR1321
MR1322
Module Title
Rootzone Technology
Sportsturf Specification for
Construction and Maintenance
Research Project
Applied Plant Science and
Biotechnology
Contemporary Issues in
Horticultural Industries
Professional Practice and
Consultancy
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
20
20
40
20
10
10
Pests, Diseases and Weeds
Research Methods
Environmental Plant
Physiology
Sports Surface Construction
and Drainage
Environmental Management in
Sportsturf
Career Development
Performance Testing for
Sportsturf
Sportsturf Technology
20
20
20
Data Handling
Business Management
Cultural Practices in Sportsturf
Applied Soil Technology
Essential Plant Biology
Essential Soil Science
Plant Cell Biology
Sportsturf Mechanisation
Study Skills and Personal
Development
10
20
20
10
10
10
10
20
10
20
BSc (Hons) Sportsturf Science
and Management
Requires 360 credits including a
minimum of 120 at Level 5 and
120 at Level 6.
BSc Sportsturf Science and
Management
Requires 320 credits including a
minimum of 80 at Level 6 and 120
at Level 5 (the Research Project
is not required).
Diploma of Higher Education
Sportsturf Science and
Management
Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 100 at Level 5.
20
10
10
10
Certificate of Higher Education
Requires 120 credits at Level 4.
15. Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning is an essential component of the course. The course will help
students recognise the importance of being proactive within their own personal development. The
course will help develop key personal and transferable skills which promote employability,
entrepreneurship, academic excellence, professional development and global citizenship.
Each student will be allocated a Personal Tutor with whom students will be encouraged to develop
skills for independent learning and reflection on student’s academic, personal and professional
development. Students will meet with their personal tutor at least twice per semester to develop short
and long-term goals, review and plan their progress on the course and discuss their future career
path.
Students will have access to on-line tutorial learning resources which will be used to develop generic
personal, employability and academic skills. Personal development is also embedded in module
delivery and throughout the course students will be encouraged to reflect on their personal and
professional development, plan realistically for career progression and manage their own career
development.
Each student group has a weekly timetabled and structured course tutorial which will be used to
develop generic personal, employability and academic skills with student groups. An on-line scheme
of work, together with web based and other support materials, is available to staff and students alike
in the delivery of these tutorial sessions.
Students have access to a wide range of personal development advisory services through the ‘Core’
including careers, financial advice, pastoral support and help with study skills. Students have access
to the student support services at the University through the ‘I’, ‘Futures’ and ‘WISER’ study skills.
Students on honours degrees also have the opportunity to study a series of personal development
modules as a mandatory or optional part of their course. Through these modules students will be
encouraged to reflect on their personal and professional development, plan realistically for career
progression and manage their own career development.
All students will also have access to the College ‘Learn2Work’ programme and activities that
contribute to ensuring employability of our students can also count towards the ‘Learn2Work’ awards.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for
the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
For 3 year full-time entry:
260 UCAS Tariff points from one of the following:
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3 A-levels at minimum C or above
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at DMM
BTEC Level 3 Diploma at D*D
4 Scottish Highers at minimum C or above
4 Irish Highers at minimum C or above
International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points
AS levels and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are
not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered
positively.
Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants
are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who
believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning
(APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
For 3rd year direct entry full-time and part-time:
Foundation Degree or HND in Sportsturf or a closely related subject or 2 years (one at Level 4 and
the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline achieved at 'merit' standard or
above. Career experience plus evidence of study skills may also be considered. Applicants with
alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively. Applicants must be employed
or actively engaged within the Sportsturf industry in its widest sense.
Applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered plant science at level 5 and research
skills at level 5 may be asked to complete one or two bridging modules by online study prior to entry
onto the course.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International
English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or
equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
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UCAS: http://www.ucas.ac.uk
Myerscough College web site: www.myerscough.ac.uk
Myerscough College higher education prospectus:
http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=Prospectuses
Course fact sheet: http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=higher-education-subjects
Course Tutor: Dr. Andrew Owen
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Ticks indicate where individual Programme Learning Outcomes will be assessed
Programme Learning outcomes
4
5
6
Module
Level Code Module Title
Thinking Skills
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
MR3116 Rootzone Technology
COMP
MR3117 Sportsturf Specification for
Construction and Maintenance
MR3200 Research Project
COMP
MR3203 Applied Plant Science and
Biotechnology
MR3304 Contemporary Issues in
Horticultural Industries
MR3317 Professional Practice and
Consultancy
MR2119 Pests, Diseases and Weeds
COMP
MR2125 Research Methods
COMP
Knowledge and
Understanding
A2
A3
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MR2240 Sports Surface Construction and COMP
Drainage
MR2242 Environmental Management in COMP
Sportsturf
MR2303 Career Development
O
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O
MR1008 Data Handling
COMP
MR1009 Business Management
COMP
MR1102 Cultural Practices in Sportsturf
COMP
MR1202 Applied Soil Technology
COMP
MR1206 Essential Plant Biology
COMP
MR1207 Essential Soil Science
COMP
MR1211 Plant Cell Biology
COMP
MR1321 Sportsturf Mechanisation
COMP
MR1322 Study Skills and Personal
Development
COMP
Note:
COMP
B2
B3
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B5
C1
C2
C3
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D3
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D2
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D1
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C6
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C5
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C4
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B4
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MR2151 Environmental Plant Physiology COMP
MR2325 Performance Testing for
Sportsturf
MR2327 Sportsturf Technology
B1
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COMP
A5
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COMP
COMP
Subject-specific skills
A1
C
A4
Other skills relevant to
employability and personal
development
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D5
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D4
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Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
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