Key facts

UNE unit code: AGRO514

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Australia faces growing challenges in the area of plant biosecurity due to increasing trade, travel and tourism. The introduction of plant diseases, pests and weeds has potentially serious consequences for agricultural industries as well as natural ecosystems and our natural resources base.

This unit provides you with in-depth knowledge of contemporary issues relevant to biosecurity of plant-based industries, food security and natural ecosystems.

You will explore topics of critical importance to biosecurity in Australia and overseas in our increasingly globalised world. These include pathogens and bioterrorism, insect pests, noxious weeds, transgenic plants, quarantine, border security, phyto-sanitary regulations and risk assessment.

The unit also offers you the opportunity to focus on your area of interest by completing two case studies, honing advanced skills in critical analysis and scientific communication.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in a postgraduate award

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Craig Birchall

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the subject by identifying important issues surrounding plant biosecurity;
  2. analyse critically and assess risks attached to the introduction of plants and plant based products eg fruits, vegetables and flowers, and communicating the outcome to others using written and verbal formats;
  3. critically evaluate the options to regulate and manage the movement of plants, plant pests and pathogens and transmit this knowledge to others using verbal and written formats;
  4. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the subject by describing, in detail, biosafety issues related to food security; and
  5. demonstrate an ability to undertake research and apply established theories to a body of knowledge or practice within the discipline.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Case StudyYes50%All offerings

No. Words: 3000

Case Study 2Yes50%All offerings

No. Words: 3000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

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