Building capacity in plant biosecurity through formal postgraduate degree qualifications

Bayliss, K.L.ORCID: 0000-0002-4431-3389 (2015) Building capacity in plant biosecurity through formal postgraduate degree qualifications. Acta Horticulturae (1105). pp. 291-294.

Abstract

The demand for people with knowledge and skills in plant biosecurity is broad, from government to private industry, and non-government organisations and mining companies. However to our knowledge, there is only one formal postgraduate qualification in this field, a Masters of Plant Biosecurity that is offered by a consortium of five Australian universities. Our graduates obtain an in-depth understanding of the international principles underpinning plant biosecurity, and the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesis information from scientific and regulatory sources, to apply effective solutions to plant biosecurity problems. Launched in 2010, the program offers a Masters of Plant Biosecurity, with early exit options of a Certificate or Diploma in Plant Biosecurity. All graduates receive an internationally recognised tertiary degree. Subjects covered within the course include Detection and Diagnostics, Policy Framework Obligations, Plant Biosecurity Pests (pathogens, weeds and invertebrates), Community Engagement, Invasion Biology, Risk Analysis and a small research topic. Some subjects may be taken individually by students who are enrolled elsewhere but who may wish to supplement their degree with specialist information. The Masters of Plant Biosecurity is offered entirely online so students do not need to travel to Australia to study. Graduates are already employed within or will be able to pursue careers in biosecurity, quarantine and pest management, acting in technical, research and administrative roles, with agencies such as Departments of Agriculture, Trade Organisations and private industry.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Publisher:	International Society for Horticultural Science
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/30936

Item Control Page