Topic outline

  • General

    Collapse all Expand all

  • Intro to Biosecurity

    • The following series of short presentations will give you an overview of what biosecurity is and what is covered in the Bachelor of Biosecurity Science. There are slides, videos and questions linked to the topic so you can self-check your understanding of biosecurity. 

      Click on the tabs to move between topics.

      Instructions: Select each tab to access the lectures, questions related to the lectures and links to resources. 

      Reveal tabs left
      1. What is Biosecurity

      This first lecture discusses 'What is Biosecurity?' Review slide pack 1, watch the You Tube video on Biosecurity and Trade and then answer the following questions. 

      Slides: 

      To review the PowerPoint slides download Slide Pack 1 - What is Biosecurity?

      Watch this video about Biosecurity and Trade:

      Reveal equation blinds
      What is the purpose of biosecurity?

      Biosecurity helps governments and industry:

      • Protect against the entry and spread of pests and diseases
      • Respond to biosecurity threats when they occur
      • Recover from biosecurity outbreaks.
       What is the most deadly animal? The mosquito. The mosquito is a vector for several of the world's most deadly diseases.
       Is climate change a biosecurity risk factor? Yes. Changing climatic conditions are already increasing biosecurity risks in many ecosystems and are predicted to worsen as global mean temperatures rise.
       Is biosecurity only relevant to agriculture?  No. Biosecurity is very important to agriculture but it is also critical to the environment and human health.
      2. The Biosecurity Continuum

      This second lecture is on the Biosecurity Continuum. Review Slide Pack 2 and then answer the following questions.

      Slides:

      To review the PowerPoint slides download Slide Pack 2 - The Biosecurity Continuum  

      What is biosecurity - CSIRO?

      What is meant by the biosecurity continuum

      The biosecurity continuum refers to biosecurity activities that occur off-shore (pre-border), at the our borders, and on-shore (post-border).
      What sort of biosecurity occurs pre-border
      • The identification and monitoring of exotic pest threats
      • Managing quarantine risks offshore
      • Undertaking offshore R&D where pests are endemic.
      What sort of biosecurity occurs at our borders

      •  Implementing effective quarantine for people, machinery, plants and goods
      • Establishing trapping and surveillance networks for pests that may bypass checkpoints.
       What sort of biosecurity occurs post-border

      •  Minimising risk to regions and property of the entry and establishment of pests and diseases.
      • Preparing for timely detection, minimize spread and rapid response to emergency pests.
      3. Pests and Diseases

      This third lecture is on Pests and Diseases. Watch this video and then answer the following questions.

      Slides:  

      To review the PowerPoint slides  download Slide Pack 3 - Pests and Diseases

      Reveal equation blinds
      Why is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) a biosecurity threat to Australia?

      FMD is one of Australia's greatest biosecurity threats. FMD is absent from Australia and would lead to a multi-billions dollar economic impact.
      What is an example of how FMD could enter Australia?

      Illegally imported meat products are one of the greatest risks for introduction of FMD into Australia.
       What is the worlds most destructive pest of fruit and vegetables?

       The Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica) is the worlds most destructive pest of fruit and vegetables.
      Why is Varroa mite a concern to bee keepers?

       Varroa mite is not present in Australia but is widespread throughout much of the rest of the world. Varroa destructor could kill much of Australia's honey bee population that are critical for pollination of many of Australia's agricultural crops.
      4. Why Study Biosecurity?

      This fourth lecture is about the Bachelor of Biosecurity Science at Box Hill Institute. Review the slides and if you have any further questions you will find additional information about enrolment, entry requirements, costs and subjects taught in the degree on the Box Hill Institute's Bachelor of Biosecurity webpage.

      If you still have questions please contact:
      Dr Mick Blake, Head BEC
      Email: m.blake@boxhill.edu.au
      Phone: +61 3 8892 2530

      Slides:

      To review the PowerPoint slides  download Slide Pack 4 - Why study biosecurity?

      How long is the Bachelor of Biosecurity?

      3-years full time. Full time means 4-days per week with 4-6 hours of contact time per day and 48 hours of total workload per week minimum.
      Is there an industry placement?

      Yes. In the final year there is a 7-week industry placement. Where you do that placement will be dependent on a conversation between you and the course manager. You may for example be interested in plant biosecurity in which case we will work together to find a relevant placement to suit your interests and career asperations.
      Can I work and study at the same time?

       Many students work at the same time as study, but your studies must come first. You must attend lectures and practical activities most of which are taught face-to-face.
       Where can I get more information?

       The Box Hill Institute's Bachelor of Biosecurity webpage.