BIOS201-17SU2 (C) Summer Nov 2017 start

Issues in New Zealand Biosecurity

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 20 November 2017
End Date: Sunday, 24 December 2017
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 24 November 2017
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 8 December 2017

Description

This course will establish a scientific, legal and practical definition of biosecurity and pursue the ramifications of breaches to the systems in place to protect New Zealand from such affronts to our security.

New Zealand's status as a ‘clean-green’ destination and safe and secure agricultural country is constantly under threat from established and new pests and pathogens. Incursions of Queensland fruit fly, Psa (causing kiwifruit vine disease), varroa mite, tomato/potato psyllid and its associated Liberibacter pathogen, didymo and even snake sightings are just a few examples of biological threats. In addition there is an ongoing struggle with established pests such as possums, rabbits, mustelids, numerous weeds and more recently kauri dieback disease, which is slowly devastating iconic native forest.

This course will establish a scientific, legal and practical definition of biosecurity and pursue the ramifications of breaches to the systems in place to protect the New Zealand environment, economy and way of life. Sources, types and impacts of biosecurity threats will be examined. Emphasis will also be placed on the systems in place to protect New Zealand from unwanted organisms, the economics of biosecurity and the public perception of biosecurity management. The course is intended to present relevant information from an interdisciplinary group of academics and experts in terrestrial, freshwater and marine biosecurity.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will have an appreciation and understanding of the diversity of biosecurity issues faced by New Zealand;
  • Students will have an appreciation and understanding of the way in which biosecurity affects interest groups and New Zealand society in general;
  • Students will have an appreciation and understanding of management procedures and agencies involved in dealing with biosecurity threats;
  • Students will have been assessed via a range of assessment media;
  • Students will be engaged in a problem-based learning environment to build their knowledge and skills in the area of biosecurity management.

Prerequisites

60 points at 100-level

Restrictions

BIOS101

Timetable Note

This course comprises a block of lectures taught over three weeks and additional independent research. As this is a block course students should attend every contact day during the teaching period. In addition to lecture material, essential information on assignments or any changes to the class schedule may be provided. Two tests worth 20% each will be conducted during the teaching period. You must be present at the specified time to sit these tests, alternative times will not be granted without a valid pre-arranged Special Consideration application.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Tara Murray

Course Administrator

Jeanette Allen

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
InClass Test 1 30%
InClass Test 2 30%
Research Report 40%
Media Assignment This is a participatory assignment. While not graded, failure to participate will incur 10% deduction in the final grade.
On-Line Multi-Choice Optional assessment providing regular feedback


Course assessment includes two in-class tests, an in-class assignment and a long report researched and submitted in the third and fourth weeks of the course. There will also be additional ungraded on-line multi-choice tests and in-class exercises for students to test their knowledge and understanding throughout the course.

Notes

To add this course to your enrolment, please go to your current MyUC enrolment year and add BIOS201-17SU2 to your courses. Draft lecture schedules will be available from the beginning of November.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $732.00

International fee $2,975.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

Limited Entry Course

Maximum enrolment is 250

For further information see School of Forestry .

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