Master of Biosecurity

Murdoch University

About

In a globally connected world where trade is ever-increasing, and people are moving around the globe at unprecedented rates, the risk of spreading exotic organisms is higher than ever.

Biosecurity is fundamental to managing the threat posed by pests and diseases, and is of vital importance to world trade, environmental protection, and agriculture.Learn how biosecurity measures such as risk analysis, quarantine and surveillance are used to stop the entry and spread of exotic organisms around the world.

You’ll gain an in depth knowledge of rapid emergency response to an exotic incursion, and how to manage pests and diseases if they become permanently established in a new region and start impacting trade.Biosecurity is a growing field of activity for many professionals involved in agriculture, the environment and international and domestic trade, to maintain agricultural and environmental integrity.

It is also becoming increasingly important for private industry and the general public, as biosecurity protects us and our economy from harmful organisms.3 reasons to study a Master of Biosecurity at MurdochStudy on your own terms – with the option to study full-time or part-time, you can upskill whilst you’re still earning.

Take advantage of scholarships such as the Murdoch University Academic Excellence Awards and Scholarships for Scientific Excellence.

This course was developed in consultation with representatives from Canada, United States, New Zealand and Australia, so the content covers international biosecurity requirements.Develop your skillsBuild essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals.

Topics you’ll cover include:the importance of surveillance for detecting pests and diseases how to effectively engage the community when there is an outbreak roles and responsibilities of governments and industry for maintaining biosecurity new and emerging technologies for pest detection and management.Your careerAfter completing this degree, you will be able to pursue careers in biosecurity, quarantine and pest management, acting in technical, research and administrative roles within organisations such as the State Departments of Agriculture, State and Federal Biosecurity Agencies, Plant Health Australia, Animal Health Australia and private industry, or their international counterparts.Careers could include:Biosecurity Manager Policy Officer Risk Analyst.Professional recognitionGraduates of this degree will be eligible to apply for membership to societies such as the Australian Entomological Society, the Australasian Plant Pathology Society, the Ecological Society of Australia, the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, the Australian Society of Horticultural Sciences and the Society for Risk Analysis.

Structure

Course Core 36 credit points

Required Units 21 credit points

Unit code Unit name Credit points
BIO629 Biosecurity Masters Research Dissertation 12
BIO639 Global Biosecurity 3
VET657 Risk Analysis from Farm to Fork 3
VLS683 Advanced Research Methods for Scientists 3

Specified Elective Units 15 credit points

Specified Elective Units Group 1 15 credit points

Required Unit 3 credit points

Unit code Unit name Credit points
MCM605 International Strategic Communication and Culture 3

Specified Elective Units 12 credit points

Unit code Unit name Credit points
VET641 Principles of Epidemiology 3
OR
VET640 Infectious and Emerging Diseases 3
OR
BIO537 Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics 3
OR
BIO606 Aquatic Biosecurity 3
OR
VET699 Epidemiological Studies: Design and Analysis 3
OR
VET603 One Health: Wildlife Perspectives 3
OR
VET655 One Health Management and Leadership 3
OR
ENV616 Environmental Policy for the 21st Century 3
OR
BIO607 Invasive and Pest Species Management 3
OR
OTH541 Biosecurity Plant Pests - Invertebrates (University of Queensland) 3
OR
OTH542 Biosecurity Plant Pests - Pathogens (La Trobe University BOT5BPP) 3

OR

Specified Elective Units Group 2 15 credit points

Required Unit 3 credit points

Unit code Unit name Credit points
OTH546 Community Engagement (Charles Darwin University SBI401) 3

Specified Elective Units 12 credit points

Unit code Unit name Credit points
VET641 Principles of Epidemiology 3
OR
VET640 Infectious and Emerging Diseases 3
OR
BIO537 Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics 3
OR
BIO606 Aquatic Biosecurity 3
OR
VET699 Epidemiological Studies: Design and Analysis 3
OR
VET603 One Health: Wildlife Perspectives 3
OR
VET655 One Health Management and Leadership 3
OR
ENV616 Environmental Policy for the 21st Century 3
OR
BIO607 Invasive and Pest Species Management 3
OR
OTH541 Biosecurity Plant Pests - Invertebrates (University of Queensland) 3
OR
OTH542 Biosecurity Plant Pests - Pathogens (La Trobe University BOT5BPP) 3

Entry requirements

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

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