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Crop Protection and Biosecurity unit (KLA608)

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

This unit develops understanding of the principles and practical skills used to manage agricultural pests, including weeds, insects and plant diseases. The unit builds capabilities relevant to the day-to-day role of an agronomist, including weed identification, pest and disease monitoring, interpreting field observations, and making evidence-based crop protection decisions, including the safe and effective use of pesticides. Students examine a range of pest management strategies, including host plant resistance, cultural control and biological control, and how these approaches are integrated within modern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. The unit also explores the role of biosecurity systems and import regulations in preventing the introduction and establishment of new agricultural pests.

Summary

Unit name Crop Protection and Biosecurity
Unit code KLA608
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator Doctor Jonathan Finch
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

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 2 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 2 06/07/2026 28/07/2026 31/08/2026 25/10/2026

* 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, analyse and manage weeds in pasture and cropping systems.
  • Determine appropriate pesticide handling and biosecurity risk assessment practices using Australian crop protection regulations.
  • Plan integrated pest and disease management systems using multiple chemical, cultural, biological and host resistance controls.
  • Analyse multiple 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
059901 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 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 3hr practical per week.

AssessmentTheory quizzes (5%)|Biosecurity exercise (7.5%)|Weed ID and collection (27.5%)|Final exam (30%)|Pesticide test (30%)
TimetableView 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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