Traditional approaches to food safety assurance are failing to keep up with the modern food industry. In response, and to harmonise international trade in food, food safety management is moving to a "risk-based approach that relies strongly on synthesis of scientific evidence to generate inferences and conclusions that can be drawn from it to assist in developing more effective food safety...

In this unit we study the principles behind the management of agricultural pest insects, weeds and diseases. The unit includes modules on (1) Biosecurity, (2) Weeds, (3) Pest & disease monitoring and decision making, (4) Chemicals in crop protection,(5) Cultural control and host plant resistance, (6) Biological control, and (7) Integrated pest and disease management. This unit, and related units...

These units are designed to develop knowledge and skills in research oriented towards food safety, beyond those gained in undergraduate courses. Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through an individual research project focussed on ‘real-world' or 'industry relevant’ problems, or issues. Students will be taught by a range of experts with outstanding research and...

This unit contains a series of case studies, selected from different areas of agriculture,for example, horticulture, animal production, post-harvest processing, vegetablecropping, dairy, water policy. Within each case study, the student will considercomplex problems from an industry perspective, taking on the role of a consultant toprovide practical recommendations for addressing the presented...

The focus of this unit is on advanced topics of plant disease biology and management. Concepts will be illustrated with diseases caused by viral and virus-like agents, phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi in agricultural and horticultural systems. Topics include infection biology, host resistance, disease transmission, disease epidemiology and detection of pathogens. Practical sessions are...

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. ...

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms- how they work and their role in our world. Microorganisms encompass huge diversity and include bacteria, viruses, fungi and single-celled animals and algae. Although not visible to the naked eye, microorganisms have a profound effect on our world. They are fundamental to the basic nutrient and biogeochemical cycles that underpin life on Earth; they...