Person

Michael Ross

Assistant Professor | Plant Sciences

Specialization: Landscape Architecture, Ecological Landscape Design, Urban Ecology, Sustainability, Resilience

Overview

Engaging students in experiential and service learning, peer to peer learning and mentoring, multi and trans-disciplinary collaboration focused on sustainable landscape design, landscape architecture, and urban ecology.

Teaching Focus

Sustainable Landscape Design and Landscape Architecture with an emphasis on ecological landscape design, biodiversity, urban ecology, rewilding, ecosystems services, and resilient landscapes.

Research Questions
  • The role floating treatment wetlands can play in biodiversity enhancement, ecosystem services, and ecological function in urban and post-industrial waterways.
  • Designed landscapes as wildlife corridors and the role the built environment can play in re-wilding at discrete scales.
  • Biodiversity, spontaneous vegetation and ecological competition in novel ecosystems. Examples include green roofs, brownfields, urban dross, and post-industrial sites.
  • Rewilding as a mechanism for ecosystem design
  • Strategic and adaptive management of landscape as design
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
EEPS 490 - Special Problems in Geology
1 - 3 credit hours

Student- or instructor-initiated course offered at the convenience of the department with focus on specialized topics in the geological sciences.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.

EEPS 590 - Special Problems in Geology
1 - 3 credit hours

Student - or instructor - initiated course offered at the convenience of the department, with focus on specialized topics in the geological sciences.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

GEOG 443 - Sustainable Cities and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

We examine the ecology of urban systems. Starting with an overview of basic ecological principles, we study how the emergence of cities has impacted natural systems and how this impact has accelerated. We focus on solutions, most notably the various ways that cities can be designed to reduce human impacts. The ultimate goal is to design cities to meet human needs while reducing the human footprint by increasing ecological functions. (See GEOL 443.)

GEOL 443 - Sustainable Cities and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

We examine the ecology of urban systems. Starting with an overview of basic ecological principles, we study how the emergence of cities has impacted natural systems and how this impact has accelerated. We focus on solutions, most notably the various ways that cities can be designed to reduce human impacts. The ultimate goal is to design cities to meet human needs while reducing the human footprint by increasing ecological functions. (Same as GEOG 443.)

GEOL 543 - Sustainable Cities and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

Examine the ecology of urban systems. Overview of basic ecological principles, how the emergence of cities has impacted natural systems and how this impact has accelerated. Focus on solutions, most notably the various ways that cities can be designed to reduce human impacts. The ultimate goal is to design cities to meet human needs while reducing the human footprint by increasing ecological functions.

GEOL 590 - Special Problems in Geology
1 - 3 credit hours

Student- or instructor-initiated course offered at the convenience of the department, with focus on specialized topics in the geological sciences.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

LAR 435 - Ecological Design: Theories and Methods II
3 credit hour(s)

Provides instruction on the practical design, implementation, and management of living systems as fundamental elements of multifunctional infrastructures and operative landscapes at a range of scales and contexts. Planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and professional communication methods are exercised through a series of project scenarios. Schedule Type: LL;
Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture plus 1 hour lab
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : LAR 434 Registration Restriction: Minimum level junior or consent of instructor.

LAR 535 - Ecological Design: Theories and Methods II
3 credit hour(s)

Provides instruction on the practical design, implementation, and management of living systems as fundamental elements of multifunctional infrastructures and operative landscapes at a range of scales and contexts. Planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and professional communication methods are exercised through a series of project scenarios.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : LAR 534. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both LAR 535 and LAR 435.

LAR 598 - Master of Landscape Project
3 - 6 credit hours

Students develop a thesis independently in consultation with their Master of Landscape Project (MLP) committee, which reviews the work on a systematic basis. Students present the work publicly and prepare documentation for archive in the UTK libraries. The Committee Chair serves as the primary critic and is responsible to confirm that the requirements of the MLP are met.

Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 24 hours.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : LAR 580.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

PLSC 180 - Landscape Design/Performance/Function
3 credit hour(s)

The imprint of human influences on the landscape is a reflection of culture, technology, values, and societal attitudes towards nature. This course provides an overview of these influences: throughout history, examines the ways through which today’s society impacts landscape systems, and surveys contemporary strategies through which landscape planners and designers seek to address grand challenges. Couse will explore landscape dynamics in a range of territories including those that are intensely urban, agronomic, protected wildernesses, and all places in-between. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (AH)

Other Instructors: Bates, Gary Edward

PLSC 280 - Fundamentals of Sustainable Landscape Design
3 credit hour(s)

Introduction to contemporary principles and processes of landscape design including site analysis, concept development, and design representation. Theoretical understanding and practical knowledge are exercised through site planning and design projects that explore topography, hydrology, ecology, and the materials of designed landscapes. Course will include analog and digital workflows including components of computer aided landscape design.

Contact Hour Distribution: Two 3-hour labs.

PLSC 311 - Management of Landscape Systems
3 credit hour(s)

Theories and practices of managing designed landscapes as integral components of communities and their contextual environment. This course will explore sustainable, ecological, and adaptive management approaches with an emphasis on site-scale practices, system-scale thinking, and holistic solution development.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours and 1 lab.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : PLSC 210 or consent of instructor.

PLSC 380 - Advanced Sustainable Landscape Design
3 credit hour(s)

Advanced design development and representation methods for sustainable landscape practices. Deployment of the designed landscape as a place, idea, and strategy to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Course will include analog and digital workflows including components of computer aided landscape design.

Contact Hour Distribution: Two 3-hour labs.

PLSC 455 - Advanced Sustainable Landscape Construction
3 credit hour(s)

An overview of green infrastructure history, contemporary theory and application through study of design precedents. Detailed investigation into construction of sustainable landscape assemblies and management practices as a context for a focused design/ prototype/ build project.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture; with embedded experiential learning projects. Credit Restriction: Undergraduate credit only. Students cannot receive credit for both PLSC 455 and PLSC 555. Comments: offered Spring semester.

PLSC 480 - Sustainable Landscape Design Synthesis and Application
4 credit hour(s)

Comprehensive application of design, construction, and management knowledge, as well as contemporary representation skills to develop sustainable landscapes. Projects address a variety of site and contextual challenges at a range of scales. Advancement of professional practice skillsets as they relate to client engagement and project management. Course will include analog and digital workflows including components of computer aided landscape design.

Contact Hour Distribution: Two 4-hour labs.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : PLSC 280 and PLSC 380.
Comment(s): Graduate standing or prior experience may satisfy prerequisite(s) with consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Wayman, Clint

PLSC 491 - International Study: History and Culture of International Gardens and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

International travel experience will provide opportunities to learn how historic estates, gardens, and arboreta reflect the climate, topography, history, philosophical social structure, art and politics at the time of their creation. Course will focus on observation of local plant material, study of different garden and landscape design styles, and will foster an appreciation of international cultures. Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (CC) (WC)
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : ENGL 102 or ENGL 132 or ENGL 290 or ENGL 298.

Other Instructors: Pulte, Andy

PLSC 555 - Advanced Sustainable Landscape Construction
3 credit hour(s)

An Overview of green infrastructure history, contemporary theory and application through study of design precedents. Detailed investigation into construction of sustainable landscape assemblies and management practices as a context for a focused design/ prototype/ build project.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture. Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both 455 and 555. Comments: Offered Spring semester. Lectures will include embedded experiential learning projects.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - Graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of Instructor.

PLSC 569 - Teaching Practicum
1 - 3 credit hours

Supervised experience in teaching. May involve preparation of lectures and teaching aids, preparation and supervision of laboratory exercises, evaluation of student performance, and for second-year graduate students, responsibility for course delivery.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 3 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Klingeman III, William E | Butler, David M. | Pulte, Andy | Sorochan, John Charles | Walters, Kellie Jean

PLSC 591 - History and Culture of International Gardens and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

International travel experience will provide opportunities to learn how historic European estates, gardens, and arboreta reflect the climate, topography, history, philosophical social structure, art and politics at the time of their creation. Course will focus on observation of local plant material, study of different garden and landscape design styles, and will foster an appreciation of international cultures.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours. Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both 491 and 591.

Other Instructors: Pulte, Andy

PLSC 593 - Problems in Plant Sciences
1 - 3 credit hours

Independent study. Current topic related to technology, science or design.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours. Credit Restriction: For MS students, a maximum of 6 hours may be applied to the major. For PhD students in PSI, a maximum of 9 hours may be applied to the major.

Other Instructors: Klingeman III, William E | Bates, Gary Edward | Stewart, Neal | Sorochan, John Charles | Walters, Kellie Jean | Pantalone, Vince | Millwood, Reggie | Sams, Carl E | Richmond, Mitchell Dale | Pedreira, Bruno C.

Picture of Michael Ross
112 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • MLA, Landscape Architecture, Texas Tech University, 2017

Michael Ross

Assistant Professor | Plant Sciences
Picture of Michael Ross image
112 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • MLA, Landscape Architecture, Texas Tech University, 2017
Overview

Engaging students in experiential and service learning, peer to peer learning and mentoring, multi and trans-disciplinary collaboration focused on sustainable landscape design, landscape architecture, and urban ecology.

Teaching Focus

Sustainable Landscape Design and Landscape Architecture with an emphasis on ecological landscape design, biodiversity, urban ecology, rewilding, ecosystems services, and resilient landscapes.

Research Questions
  • The role floating treatment wetlands can play in biodiversity enhancement, ecosystem services, and ecological function in urban and post-industrial waterways.
  • Designed landscapes as wildlife corridors and the role the built environment can play in re-wilding at discrete scales.
  • Biodiversity, spontaneous vegetation and ecological competition in novel ecosystems. Examples include green roofs, brownfields, urban dross, and post-industrial sites.
  • Rewilding as a mechanism for ecosystem design
  • Strategic and adaptive management of landscape as design
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
EEPS 490 - Special Problems in Geology
1 - 3 credit hours

Student- or instructor-initiated course offered at the convenience of the department with focus on specialized topics in the geological sciences.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.

EEPS 590 - Special Problems in Geology
1 - 3 credit hours

Student - or instructor - initiated course offered at the convenience of the department, with focus on specialized topics in the geological sciences.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

GEOG 443 - Sustainable Cities and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

We examine the ecology of urban systems. Starting with an overview of basic ecological principles, we study how the emergence of cities has impacted natural systems and how this impact has accelerated. We focus on solutions, most notably the various ways that cities can be designed to reduce human impacts. The ultimate goal is to design cities to meet human needs while reducing the human footprint by increasing ecological functions. (See GEOL 443.)

GEOL 443 - Sustainable Cities and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

We examine the ecology of urban systems. Starting with an overview of basic ecological principles, we study how the emergence of cities has impacted natural systems and how this impact has accelerated. We focus on solutions, most notably the various ways that cities can be designed to reduce human impacts. The ultimate goal is to design cities to meet human needs while reducing the human footprint by increasing ecological functions. (Same as GEOG 443.)

GEOL 543 - Sustainable Cities and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

Examine the ecology of urban systems. Overview of basic ecological principles, how the emergence of cities has impacted natural systems and how this impact has accelerated. Focus on solutions, most notably the various ways that cities can be designed to reduce human impacts. The ultimate goal is to design cities to meet human needs while reducing the human footprint by increasing ecological functions.

GEOL 590 - Special Problems in Geology
1 - 3 credit hours

Student- or instructor-initiated course offered at the convenience of the department, with focus on specialized topics in the geological sciences.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

LAR 435 - Ecological Design: Theories and Methods II
3 credit hour(s)

Provides instruction on the practical design, implementation, and management of living systems as fundamental elements of multifunctional infrastructures and operative landscapes at a range of scales and contexts. Planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and professional communication methods are exercised through a series of project scenarios. Schedule Type: LL;
Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture plus 1 hour lab
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : LAR 434 Registration Restriction: Minimum level junior or consent of instructor.

LAR 535 - Ecological Design: Theories and Methods II
3 credit hour(s)

Provides instruction on the practical design, implementation, and management of living systems as fundamental elements of multifunctional infrastructures and operative landscapes at a range of scales and contexts. Planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and professional communication methods are exercised through a series of project scenarios.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : LAR 534. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both LAR 535 and LAR 435.

LAR 598 - Master of Landscape Project
3 - 6 credit hours

Students develop a thesis independently in consultation with their Master of Landscape Project (MLP) committee, which reviews the work on a systematic basis. Students present the work publicly and prepare documentation for archive in the UTK libraries. The Committee Chair serves as the primary critic and is responsible to confirm that the requirements of the MLP are met.

Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 24 hours.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : LAR 580.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

PLSC 180 - Landscape Design/Performance/Function
3 credit hour(s)

The imprint of human influences on the landscape is a reflection of culture, technology, values, and societal attitudes towards nature. This course provides an overview of these influences: throughout history, examines the ways through which today’s society impacts landscape systems, and surveys contemporary strategies through which landscape planners and designers seek to address grand challenges. Couse will explore landscape dynamics in a range of territories including those that are intensely urban, agronomic, protected wildernesses, and all places in-between. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (AH)

Other Instructors: Bates, Gary Edward

PLSC 280 - Fundamentals of Sustainable Landscape Design
3 credit hour(s)

Introduction to contemporary principles and processes of landscape design including site analysis, concept development, and design representation. Theoretical understanding and practical knowledge are exercised through site planning and design projects that explore topography, hydrology, ecology, and the materials of designed landscapes. Course will include analog and digital workflows including components of computer aided landscape design.

Contact Hour Distribution: Two 3-hour labs.

PLSC 311 - Management of Landscape Systems
3 credit hour(s)

Theories and practices of managing designed landscapes as integral components of communities and their contextual environment. This course will explore sustainable, ecological, and adaptive management approaches with an emphasis on site-scale practices, system-scale thinking, and holistic solution development.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours and 1 lab.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : PLSC 210 or consent of instructor.

PLSC 380 - Advanced Sustainable Landscape Design
3 credit hour(s)

Advanced design development and representation methods for sustainable landscape practices. Deployment of the designed landscape as a place, idea, and strategy to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Course will include analog and digital workflows including components of computer aided landscape design.

Contact Hour Distribution: Two 3-hour labs.

PLSC 455 - Advanced Sustainable Landscape Construction
3 credit hour(s)

An overview of green infrastructure history, contemporary theory and application through study of design precedents. Detailed investigation into construction of sustainable landscape assemblies and management practices as a context for a focused design/ prototype/ build project.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture; with embedded experiential learning projects. Credit Restriction: Undergraduate credit only. Students cannot receive credit for both PLSC 455 and PLSC 555. Comments: offered Spring semester.

PLSC 480 - Sustainable Landscape Design Synthesis and Application
4 credit hour(s)

Comprehensive application of design, construction, and management knowledge, as well as contemporary representation skills to develop sustainable landscapes. Projects address a variety of site and contextual challenges at a range of scales. Advancement of professional practice skillsets as they relate to client engagement and project management. Course will include analog and digital workflows including components of computer aided landscape design.

Contact Hour Distribution: Two 4-hour labs.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : PLSC 280 and PLSC 380.
Comment(s): Graduate standing or prior experience may satisfy prerequisite(s) with consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Wayman, Clint

PLSC 491 - International Study: History and Culture of International Gardens and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

International travel experience will provide opportunities to learn how historic estates, gardens, and arboreta reflect the climate, topography, history, philosophical social structure, art and politics at the time of their creation. Course will focus on observation of local plant material, study of different garden and landscape design styles, and will foster an appreciation of international cultures. Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (CC) (WC)
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : ENGL 102 or ENGL 132 or ENGL 290 or ENGL 298.

Other Instructors: Pulte, Andy

PLSC 555 - Advanced Sustainable Landscape Construction
3 credit hour(s)

An Overview of green infrastructure history, contemporary theory and application through study of design precedents. Detailed investigation into construction of sustainable landscape assemblies and management practices as a context for a focused design/ prototype/ build project.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture. Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both 455 and 555. Comments: Offered Spring semester. Lectures will include embedded experiential learning projects.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - Graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of Instructor.

PLSC 569 - Teaching Practicum
1 - 3 credit hours

Supervised experience in teaching. May involve preparation of lectures and teaching aids, preparation and supervision of laboratory exercises, evaluation of student performance, and for second-year graduate students, responsibility for course delivery.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 3 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Klingeman III, William E | Butler, David M. | Pulte, Andy | Sorochan, John Charles | Walters, Kellie Jean

PLSC 591 - History and Culture of International Gardens and Landscapes
3 credit hour(s)

International travel experience will provide opportunities to learn how historic European estates, gardens, and arboreta reflect the climate, topography, history, philosophical social structure, art and politics at the time of their creation. Course will focus on observation of local plant material, study of different garden and landscape design styles, and will foster an appreciation of international cultures.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours. Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both 491 and 591.

Other Instructors: Pulte, Andy

PLSC 593 - Problems in Plant Sciences
1 - 3 credit hours

Independent study. Current topic related to technology, science or design.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours. Credit Restriction: For MS students, a maximum of 6 hours may be applied to the major. For PhD students in PSI, a maximum of 9 hours may be applied to the major.

Other Instructors: Klingeman III, William E | Bates, Gary Edward | Stewart, Neal | Sorochan, John Charles | Walters, Kellie Jean | Pantalone, Vince | Millwood, Reggie | Sams, Carl E | Richmond, Mitchell Dale | Pedreira, Bruno C.