In the face of global climate change, a growing human population and the threat of global pandemics and bioterrorism, pests and diseases are an increasingly important threat to human, animal and plant biosecurity and ultimately global food security. This course examines the biology of major threat organisms including feral animals, weeds, parasites, pathogenic micro-organisms and viruses, with a focus on threats to Australian health and agriculture. The social, economic and environmental impact of pests and diseases and the regulatory, biological and biotechnological measures used to control pests and diseases will also be examined.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Research biosecurity information and online biosecurity resources.
- Discuss and present biosecurity information verbally, visually and in writing.
- Understand the biological attributes that make feral animals, weeds, parasites and pathogenic micro-organisms a biosecurity threat.
- Understand the principles underlying regulatory frameworks used to manage biosecurity and ability to navigate and use these frameworks.
- Critically analyse the science underpinning our understanding of the emergence of new biosecurity threats.
Other Information
Participation in 80% of case studies is a course requirement. Submission of an essay and presentation of a case study are also course requirements.
Please email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au to request a permission code to enroll in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Quizzes (10) [LO 3,4]
- Essay (20) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Case-study seminar (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Two written exams (50) [LO 3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face or online component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per week (total 36 hours) and up to 22 hours of guest seminars and student case study presentations.
- Approximately 72 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Nil
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $4200 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4202 | 20 Feb 2023 | 27 Feb 2023 | 31 Mar 2023 | 26 May 2023 | In Person | View |
