Crop Protection and Biosecurity unit (KLA311)

Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit introduces the principles and practical skills used to manage agricultural pests, including weeds, insects and plant diseases. It provides a foundation for many of the core capabilities required in the day-to-day role of an agronomist, including weed identification, pest and disease monitoring, field-based decision making, and the responsible use of crop protection products. Students explore a range of pest management approaches, including host plant resistance, cultural control and biological control, and learn how these strategies are combined through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to effectively manage pest risks while reducing reliance on pesticides. The unit also examines the importance of biosecurity in preventing the introduction and spread of new agricultural pests.

Summary

Unit name	Crop Protection and Biosecurity
Unit code	KLA311
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline	Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator	Doctor Jonathan Finch
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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

• Apply weed science to identify and manage weeds in pasture and cropping systems.
• Determine appropriate pesticide handling and biosecurity practices using Australian crop protection regulations.
• Plan integrated pest and disease management systems using chemical, cultural, biological and host resistance controls.
• Evaluate factors affecting sustainable implementation of integrated pest and disease management in agricultural systems.

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
050100	$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	2 x 50 min seminars per week; 1 x 3 hr practical per week
Assessment	Theory quiz (10%)|Final exam (30%)|Pesticide test (30%)|Weed ID and weed collection (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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