Landscape Architecture Learning Outcomes

I. Landscape Architecture History and Criticism

1. The student will understand the history of landscape architecture in the context of allied professions.
2. The student will understand basic principles of historic preservation.
   

II. Natural and Cultural Systems

1. The student will be able to search land information sources and compile land information for any given site.
2. The student will be able to understand and analyze patterns of land use and the built form therein.
3. The student will be able to analyze natural site conditions and synthesize in site analysis of ecosystems.
4. The student will be able to take into consideration social and cultural influences in their design.
5. The student will be able to recognize regional design hazards and take them into account when designing.
   

III. Design and Planning Theories and Methodologies

1. The student will be able to include design theory and problem solving strategies into their design process.
2. The student will understand the aesthetic principles of design.
3. The student will understand human factors such as behavior, perception, psychological and sensory response in their design process.
4. The student will synthesize the natural factors of the land towards sustainable design solutions.
5. The student will understand the relationship between human and natural systems in the application of their designs.
6. The student will be able to address the context of land design, planning and management decisions.
7. The student will be able to apply research methods including data collection, interpretation, and application of results.
8. The student will understand therapeutic aspects of design.
9. The student will master communication and education methods including sharing knowledge and evaluating outcomes.
   

IV. Public Policy and Regulation

1. The student will understand how governmental policies and laws affect the use and development of the land.
2. The student will understand political and regulatory approval processes.
3. The student will understand land and development economics.
4. The student will understand emerging trends and issues.
   

V. Design, Planning and Management at Various Scales and Applications

1. The student will understand the use of photogrammetry and remote sensing.
2. The student will understand visual resource assessment.
3. The student will understand agricultural and rural landscape analysis.
4. The student will be able to analyze the urban landscape.
5. The student will understand planning principles including regional community and neighborhood planning.
6. The student will understand natural resource conservation.
7. The student will understand historic landscape preservation.
8. The student will understand ecological planning principles.
9. The student will understand water resource management.
10. The student will understand wetland management.
11. The student will understand floodplain management.
12. The student will understand land and water reclamation procedures including quarry, mine and landfill reclamation.
13. The student will understand treatment of toxic materials.
    

VI. Site Design and Engineering: Materials, Methods, Technologies and Applications

1. The student will understand the design needs of special populations (e.g. elderly, children)
2. The student will understand accessibility regulations in order to design accordingly.
3. The student will understand roadway design principles.
4. The student will understand the elements and design requirements of vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
5. The student will understand landscape maintenance techniques, materials, equipment and practices.
6. The student will understand noise attenuation and mitigation techniques.
7. The student will understand sustainable construction techniques with relation to LEED certification requirements.
8. The student will understand construction equipment and technologies.
9. The student will understand grading, drainage and stormwater treatment.
10. The student will understand biofiltration and other alternative drainage methods.
11. The student will understand erosion and sedimentation control.
12. The student will understand utility systems such as sanitary sewer, water and electrical distribution.
13. The student will understand irrigation systems.
14. The student will understand lighting systems with regard to light sources and their design requirements.
15. The student will understand structural considerations in their designs (e.g. base foundations, footing, loads, bearing and spacing).
    

VII. Construction Documentation and Administration

1. The student will understand quality control procedures for construction.
2. The student will understand sequencing of design, approval and permitting process, and construction activities.
3. The student will understand life-cycle cost-analysis process.
4. The student will understand geographic coordinate systems and layout techniques and conventions.
5. The student will understand types of specifications and components for a project.
6. The student will understand general and supplemental conditions, specific provisions, and technical specifications and their organization.
7. The student will understand construction administration and details.
8. The student will understand basic construction law.
9. The student will understand construction contracts.
   

VIII. Communication

1. The student will understand the use of focus groups and surveys in determination user values.
2. The student will understand how to build consensus and teams.
3. The student will understand techniques for conducting meetings.
4. The student will understand how and when to utilize visual communication.
5. The student will gain expertise in graphic presentation techniques.
6. The student will understand interpretive methods and techniques through information displays and brochures.
7. The student will be able to employ public relations, outreach and image development.
   

IX. Values and Ethics in Practice

1. The student will understand environmental ethics.
2. The student will understand social responsibility in design.
3. The student will understand organizational management principles such as leadership principles and the landscape architect career cycle.
4. The student will understand how to resolve moral and ethical dilemmas.