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Introductory Entomology and Plant Pathology unit (KLA255)

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Unit year 2026

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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

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. 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

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
050101 $592.00 $592.00 not applicable $3,382.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

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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