1 Learning Outcome: Select and design appropriate and functional solutions to 
mitigate stormwater quality degradation and the increased rate and volume of runoff 
on a site due to development

Measurement: Exercises, exams, and applied project

2 Learning Outcome: Given a prescribed development program, model a watershed’s 
hydrologic conditions (including pre and post development runoff) and generate a 
site plan that minimizes increased runoff

Measurement: Exercises and applied project

3 Learning Outcome: Use and identify standard notational and graphic conventions 
for grading and stormwater management plans

Measurement: Exercises, exams, and applied projects

4 Learning Outcome: Properly size, grade, and diagram stormwater management 
structures

Measurement: Exercises, exams, and applied project

5 Learning Outcome: Demonstrate the use of horizontal and vertical alignment 
criteria and formulae for road design

Measurement: Exercises and exams

6 Learning Outcome: Demonstrate the use of horizontal and vertical alignment 
criteria and formulae for road design

Measurement: Exercises and exams

Manipulating the earth results in changes that are both 
quantitative and qualitative; implications of landscape 
engineering choices are addressed.  Landscape forms and flows 
have both functional and aesthetic properties; this course 
focuses on the functional aspects, but aesthetics are presented 
and discussed for further application in the design studio 
sequence.

At the conclusion of this course, students with a passing grade 
will be able to 
1) determine site watershed stormwater rates and volumes, 
managing them using a variety of techniques, 
2) manipulate landforms in applied landscape architectural 
projects to achieve functional, environmental, and aesthetic 
goals, 
3) properly integrate required structures (pavements, 
buildings, roads, etc.) into a site landscape, 
4) respond to required site structures and earthwork volumes as 
constraints upon site grading.

As an applied skill, landscape engineering is both intuitive 
and analytical. It is near the core of applied landscape 
architectural skills.  Landscape engineering is considered an 
essential component in your landscape architectural training, 
in the professional licensure exam and in professional 
practice.  This course provides the essential skills and 
knowledge necessary for the landscape architect to begin to 
shape the landscape.  Achieving sustainability in landscape 
design is the product of careful and practiced application of 
these skills and knowledge.

Most class sessions will consist of exercises to prepare 
students for exams and applied design projects that will be 
graded.  In addition, homework that consists of similarly 
important exercises will be assigned frequently.  Students are 
advised to do class work both during the studio session and at 
other times in the building where they can learn from other 
students. 

I.	 Landscape Level  (Weeks 1-4)

A.	Visualizing the Landscape
1.	Mapping, scales & units
2.	Topography: contours
3.	Plan, Section & Profile

B.	Landscape Structure
1.	Landforms
2.	Watersheds
3.	Water bodies

C.	Landscape Function
1.	Components & Interactions
2.	Hydrologic Cycle and Water Balance
3.	Systems of Flows – example: soil loss

D.	Landscape Quantification
1.	Determining area, distance & slope
2.	Determining watershed water balance (Thornthwaite 
method)
3.	Determining watershed runoff volume and rate
  a.	Rational Formula
  b.	Modified Rational Formula
  c.	SCS Method (WinTR-55)


II.	Site Level  (Weeks 5-15)

A.	Volumes
1.	Grading Basins and Ponds
2.	Grading Berms and Dams
3.	Point and Contour Interpolation
4.	Storage Volume & Earthwork

B.	Infiltration and Runoff Volume Management
1.	Soils and Infiltration rates
2.	Rain gardens, bioswales and subsurface infiltration
3.	Infiltration Modeling

C.	Surface Conveyance and Runoff Velocity Management
1.	Grading Swales and Channels
2.	Velocity and Erosion Control
3.	Sizing Swales and Channels

D.	Structural Pads, Walkways and Foundation Walls
1.	Grading Pads & Warped Pads
2.	Grading Foundation Walls
3.	Incorporating Drainage Swales
4.	Earthwork

E.	Subsurface Conveyance
1.	Grading for Pipes
2.	Piping Systems
3.	Plan & Profile
4.	Pipe Sizing
a.	Inlet control
b.	Outlet control

F.	Detention and Runoff Rate Management
1.	Sizing Detention Basins
2.	Outlet Structure Devices
3.	Grading Detention Basins
4.	Grading Emergency Spillways
5.	Temporary Sediment Basins

G.	Vehicular Pavements
1.	Grading Parking Lots
2.	Roads and Rights of Way
3.	Horizontal and Vertical Alignment
4.	Plan & Profile
5.	Earthwork

H.	Staking Plans
1.	Grid Staking
2.	Base Line
3.	Radial Staking
4.	Coordinates
5.	Stationing