Summer Enrollment is Open! Courses begin June 23, 2025.

Grading and Drainage

ARCH X 472.12A

Using graphic conventions and calculations, grading and drainage techniques used in every landscape architecture project are applied to grade a complex site while considering public health, safety, and welfare.

View Course Options
READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Fall
Hybrid
Starting at $1,069.00
As few as 12 weeks
4.0
View Course Options

What you can learn.

  • Understand contour signatures ­and the ability to utilize them in grading design through the manipulation of contour lines
  • Use the three basic grading formulas to calculate grade, length, and vertical difference in elevation
  • Use the cross slope formula to design plane surfaces to a specific cross slope
  • Design drainage systems
  • Understand and apply stormwater management design concepts, including the design of retention and detention basins and erosion control
  • Use cut and fill calculations using common methods of determining soil volumes

About this course:

This course covers the basic grading and drainage techniques used in every landscape architecture project. Students learn the skills necessary to grade a site of moderate complexity while considering public health, safety, and welfare. Instruction covers contour signatures and contour manipulation by cutting and/or filling and stormwater management techniques including low-impact design, bioretention, and detention and retention areas. Basic grading formulas and cut and fill calculations are presented. The course also introduces landform grading and erosion control together with road and path layout and alignment for pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
Prerequisites
ARCH X 472.4D Design Graphics I: Drafting and Drawing of the Built Environment, ARCH X 471.1B Landscape Design 2: Site Design Basics, ARCH X 493.992 AutoCAD 1 - or equivalent as determined by the program office.

Fall 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Sunday, Monday, Saturday
Future Offering (Opens July 28, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Robert Collings, Nicholas Decker
404603
Fee:
$1,069.00
Hybridformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom , UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood , Field Trip
Updating...
See Details
Notes

Attendance at in-person meetings is mandatory per the LATC credentialing of this program.
No class meeting on Nov 17, 24; Dec 8
In-person class meeting on Nov 2, 15
Nov 2 class meeting: Phil and Nell Soto Park, Pomona.
International Students: This hybrid section is not considered in person for immigration purposes. 
Internet access required. Materials Required.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after October 05, 2025
Course Requirements
Book: Site Engineering for Landscape Architects
ISBN 9781118090862
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Lecture
Mon Sep 22, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Sep 29, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Oct 6, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Oct 13, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Oct 20, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Oct 27, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Off-Site
Sun Nov 2, 2025
9:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Field Trip
Discussion
Mon Nov 3, 2025
6:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Nov 10, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Sat Nov 15, 2025
8:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 204CD
Lecture
Mon Dec 1, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Sat Dec 13, 2025
8:30AM PT - 11:30AM PT
Remote Classroom

Contact Us

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

Landscape Architecture
landscape-architecture-ce0594
Ready to start
your future?
Keep up to date on the latest news and offerings in Landscape Architecture
By signing up, you agree to UCLA Extension’s Privacy Policy.

vector icon of building

Corporate Education

Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

Learn More

vector icon of building

Donate to UCLA Extension

Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

Innovation Programs

Student Scholarships

Lifelong Learning

See More