Person

Brandon Joseph Horvath

Professor | Plant Sciences
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).
PLSC 233 - History and Impact of Turfgrasses
3 credit hour(s)

Investigation of the history and impact of the development and management of turfgrasses on society. Historical development of golf courses, suburban lawns, athletic fields, parks, and other turf areas and future trends in turfgrass management.

PLSC 241 - Turfgrass Management Lab
1 credit hour(s)

Laboratory addressing topics presented in PLSC 240.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2-hour lab.
(RE) Corequisite(s): PLSC 240.

PLSC 331 - Calling BS: Interpretation and Reasoning Using Data in the Modern World
1 credit hour(s)

Interactive course where students learn to detect the BS that surrounds them often cloaked in official sounding phrases like, "following the science". Students will use real-world examples where data and information are used to skew perspectives and outcomes. Students will learn how to detect such schemes and explain why they are BS, with a focus on using technical/ statistical/ logical reasoning to debunk or show claims to be misleading.

Recommended Background: 2 mathematics courses.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.

PLSC 438 - Turfgrass Pathogens and Management
2 credit hour(s)

Identification, classification, and management of turfgrass pathogens. Recommendations and development of management plans for golf course, athletic field, and home lawn turfgrasses. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 438 and PLSC 538. Recommended background: EPP 313.
Comment(s): Offered first session Spring.

PLSC 462 - Perspectives on Internship and Career Preparation in the Turfgrass Industry
1 - 2 credit hours

Interactive discussion course where students learn about important cutting-edge topics from those engaged in practicing in the field. A focus on available internship opportunities and techniques to improve potential job placement after graduation. Students will understand what skills and abilities are required to achieve success in the turfgrass science and management field.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 5 hours.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : PLSC 240.
Comment(s): Graduate standing or prior experience may satisfy prerequisite(s) with consent of instructor.

PLSC 466 - Turfgrass Strategies
3 credit hour(s)

Case studies of turfgrass management issues and discussion of their resolution with a focus on large scale environmental impacts. Development of problem solving skills in areas related to turfgrass management.

Comment(s): Offered first session Spring.

PLSC 469 - Teaching Practicum
1 - 2 credit hours

Supervised experience in teaching. May involve preparation of lectures and teaching aids, preparation and supervision of laboratory exercises, evaluation of student performance.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Pulte, Andy | Sorochan, John Charles | Walters, Kellie Jean | Spangler, Amanda Diane

PLSC 538 - Turfgrass Pathogens and Management
3 credit hour(s)

Identification, classification, and management of turfgrass pathogens. Recommendations and development of management plans for golf course, athletic field, and home lawn turfgrasses. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both 438 and 538.
Recommended Background: Introductory course in plant pathology or consent of instructor.

Picture of Brandon Joseph Horvath
112 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Sciences, General, Michigan State University, 2003

Brandon Joseph Horvath

Professor | Plant Sciences
Picture of Brandon Joseph Horvath image
112 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Sciences, General, Michigan State University, 2003
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).
PLSC 233 - History and Impact of Turfgrasses
3 credit hour(s)

Investigation of the history and impact of the development and management of turfgrasses on society. Historical development of golf courses, suburban lawns, athletic fields, parks, and other turf areas and future trends in turfgrass management.

PLSC 241 - Turfgrass Management Lab
1 credit hour(s)

Laboratory addressing topics presented in PLSC 240.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2-hour lab.
(RE) Corequisite(s): PLSC 240.

PLSC 331 - Calling BS: Interpretation and Reasoning Using Data in the Modern World
1 credit hour(s)

Interactive course where students learn to detect the BS that surrounds them often cloaked in official sounding phrases like, "following the science". Students will use real-world examples where data and information are used to skew perspectives and outcomes. Students will learn how to detect such schemes and explain why they are BS, with a focus on using technical/ statistical/ logical reasoning to debunk or show claims to be misleading.

Recommended Background: 2 mathematics courses.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.

PLSC 438 - Turfgrass Pathogens and Management
2 credit hour(s)

Identification, classification, and management of turfgrass pathogens. Recommendations and development of management plans for golf course, athletic field, and home lawn turfgrasses. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 438 and PLSC 538. Recommended background: EPP 313.
Comment(s): Offered first session Spring.

PLSC 462 - Perspectives on Internship and Career Preparation in the Turfgrass Industry
1 - 2 credit hours

Interactive discussion course where students learn about important cutting-edge topics from those engaged in practicing in the field. A focus on available internship opportunities and techniques to improve potential job placement after graduation. Students will understand what skills and abilities are required to achieve success in the turfgrass science and management field.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 5 hours.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : PLSC 240.
Comment(s): Graduate standing or prior experience may satisfy prerequisite(s) with consent of instructor.

PLSC 466 - Turfgrass Strategies
3 credit hour(s)

Case studies of turfgrass management issues and discussion of their resolution with a focus on large scale environmental impacts. Development of problem solving skills in areas related to turfgrass management.

Comment(s): Offered first session Spring.

PLSC 469 - Teaching Practicum
1 - 2 credit hours

Supervised experience in teaching. May involve preparation of lectures and teaching aids, preparation and supervision of laboratory exercises, evaluation of student performance.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Pulte, Andy | Sorochan, John Charles | Walters, Kellie Jean | Spangler, Amanda Diane

PLSC 538 - Turfgrass Pathogens and Management
3 credit hour(s)

Identification, classification, and management of turfgrass pathogens. Recommendations and development of management plans for golf course, athletic field, and home lawn turfgrasses. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both 438 and 538.
Recommended Background: Introductory course in plant pathology or consent of instructor.