Year 3, Semester 1

This subject will examine the importance and practice of epidemiology and biostatistics in biosecurity. By considering current examples of disease in Australian animal and plant industries and their relevance to human health, students will develop an understanding of the difference between endemic, epidemic and pandemic outbreaks and the factors contributing to these outbreaks. Students will extend their knowledge from BBS106 (Research Methods & Statistics) and BBS212 (Biosecurity Surveillance and Monitoring) to apply research, surveillance and statistical skills to topics relevant to biosecurity and critically analyse and interpret epidemiological studies published in scientific literatures. Students will work individually and/or in groups to plan and undertake a small project to extend their capacity in developing observational and experimental study designs, and collection and analysis of epidemiological data.