Biosecurity

Qualifications

BA (not a subject major or minor), BSc (as an endorsement)

Introduction

Biosecurity concerns the exclusion, eradication and effective management of threats to the economy, environment and human health which are posed by pests and diseases. New Zealand's economy and trade rely on a strong primary production base, and our freedom from major pests and diseases is critical to producing efficiently and trading freely. Ongoing global climate change and its effects on ecosystems make understanding biosecurity issues crucial. As our climate alters, organisms previously unable to survive in our environment may become a potential threat to our ecosystem.

100-level courses

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science with an endorsement in Biosecurity will study BIOL 111, BIOL 112, BIOL 113, and CHEM 112 or CHEM 114 in their first year.

200-level and beyond

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science with an endorsement in Biosecurity will study BIOS 201 Issues in New Zealand Biosecurity at 200-level (as well as other required courses listed in the Biosecurity endorsement schedule).

Bachelor of Arts students can take BIOS 201 as part of their degree, plus the Biological Sciences course BIOL 273 New Zealand Biodiversity and Biosecurity.

For information on courses at 200-level and beyond to the Enrolment Handbook.

Career opportunities

As an emerging issue of both national and international importance, biosecurity provides many career opportunities in government agencies, Crown Research Institutes and in ministries concerned with conservation, the environment, agriculture and forestry.

Contact

Dr Hamish Cochrane
School of Forestry
Telephone: +64 3 364 2121
Email: hamish.cochrane@canterbury.ac.nz