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Introductory Entomology and Plant Pathology unit (KLA255)

Location: Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit introduces you to the disciplines of entomology and plant pathology. It explores the classification, diversity, structure, function and general biology of insects and examines the concepts of plant disease and diagnostic procedures for plant pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes). A collection of insects is a required component of the unit.

Summary

Unit name Introductory Entomology and Plant Pathology
Unit code KLA255
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator Professor Calum Wilson
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 21/2/2027 15/3/2027 18/4/2027 12/6/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the biology of insects in relation to form and function
  • Describe the major classes of plant pathogens in relation to the diseases they induce
  • Apply scientific skills to enable diagnosis of plant diseases and identification and curation of insects

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

on-line materials (equivalent to 2 hours reading per week); 1 x 1-hour tutorial, 1 x 3-hour practical per week. 

AssessmentDiagnostic exercise (2.5%)|Quiz (2.5%)|Insect spot-tests (x2) (5%)|Insect collection (25%)|Plant Pathology Diagnostic Case Report (25%)|Examination (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

None

Recommended

Insects:

Gullan, P.J. & Cranston, P.S. (2014) The Insects: An outline of entomology. 5th ed. Wiley-Blackwell , Oxford.

Plant Pathology:

Tronsmo, A.M. et al. (2020) Plant Pathology and Plant Diseases. CABI Press. ISBN 13: 9781789243178 

Wilson, C.R. (2014) Applied Plant Virology. CABI Press. ISBN 13: 9781780644257

Lane, C.R., Beales, P.A., & Hughes, K.J.D (2012). Fungal Plant Pathogens. CABI Press. ISBN 13: 9781845936686

Kado, C.I. (2010). Plant Bacteriology. APS Press. ISBN 13: 9780890543887

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