Masters in Plant Biosecurity

(GRADUATE DIPLOMA, PLUS A RESEARCH PROJECT EQUIVALENT TO FOUR UNITS OF STUDY)

Graduate attributes for award:

Technical

• Knowledge and understanding of plant biosecurity at levels that are internationally recognised and at the highest level of industry requirement, specifically, the ability to:
  • identify emergency plant pests (EPPs) and associate them with likely import pathways and hosts
  • implement surveillance, detection, triage diagnosis and reporting of EPPs
  • effectively develop and implement plant biosecurity procedures and regulations if delegated to, and/or employed to do so by an appropriate regulatory body
  • research, synthesise, organise and present information using a range of technologies
  • apply analytical and critical skills in statistics, computing, applied methodology and problem solving.

Generic

• Ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from scientific and regulatory sources, and apply effective solutions to problems within changing contexts
• Acquisition of the capacity to learn and maintain commitment to continuous learning in order to maintain professional standards
• Commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour
• The ability to set appropriate goals and capacity to communicate effectively and to work both independently and cooperatively
• Proficiency in the use of appropriate technologies within a plant biosecurity context
• An awareness of ethical, social and cultural contexts and their importance in the exercise of professional practice and responsibilities
• Numeracy and literacy skills of the highest order
• The ability to argue from evidence and communicate effectively in technical reports, essays, and in oral presentations.

Unit requirements:

• Six month research project (equivalent to 4 units); or
• Twelve month research project (equivalent to 8 units), depending on qualifications at entry.