Bachelor of Biosecurity Science

Box Hill Institute, TAFE VIC

Type of institution: TAFE Institute
Level: Undergraduate
CRICOS: 02411J

With our biosecurity science courses, you can combine your interests in agriculture, animals and plants with science in a rewarding and practical career. This degree is the only dedicated undergraduate biosecurity course offered in Australia.You will gain the knowledge to help:protect our farms, livestock and crops from pests and diseasehelp prevent the attack of weeds and feral animalsprotect people and the community from zoonotic diseasesWe run the Bachelor of Biosecurity Science in association with our Biosecurity Centre of Excellence.Develop your skills and practical knowledge in the plant and animal sciences, and expand your understanding of the science and regulation of biosecurity. Begin your studies with a foundation in biology, microbiology, chemistry and research methods. Then your specialised subjects include:Plants and animalsanatomy and physiologyplant and animal productionanimal health and diseasesplant pests and diseasesepidemiologyBiosecuritysurveillance and monitoringrisk managementlegislation, regulation and policycompliance and enforcement.In your final year, you will complete a biosecurity industry project. During this two month industry placement, you will evaluate and report on biosecurity practice. None

Designed for

Applicants with higher education studyApplicants with higher education are those who have completed some or all of a higher education course as their highest level of study since leaving secondary education.  This includes study undertaken by applicants at non-university higher education providers or university, such as applicants seeking to transfer to Box Hill Institute from another education provider or applicants changing to a different course at Box Hill Institute.Applicants with higher education may be eligible for advanced standing and should mention any relevant qualifications in their application or during the interview with the course coordinator.You can apply to study with us through direct entry and must also have:achieved a score of at least 20 in English OR demonstrate an equivalent literacy standard successfully completed any maths at unit 3/4 level OR demonstrate an equivalent numeracy standardbooked and successfully completed an individual face-to-face selection interview of approximately 30 minutes durationcompetent computer skills for accessing subject resources, completing online tutorial tasks and submitting word processed assignments through StudentWebApplicants with vocational education and training studyApplicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those who have completed some or all of a VET course as their highest level of study since leaving secondary education. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider and applicants who have other qualifications such as Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.Applicants with diploma or higher qualifications may be eligible for advanced standing and should mention any relevant qualifications in their application or during the interview with the course coordinator. You can apply to study with us through direct entry and must also have:achieved a score of at least 20 in English OR demonstrate an equivalent literacy standard successfully completed any maths at unit 3/4 level, OR demonstrate an equivalent numeracy standardbooked and successfully completed an individual face-to-face selection interview of approximately 30 minutes durationcompetent computer skills for accessing subject resources, completing online tutorial tasks and submitting word processed assignments through StudentWebApplicants with work and life experienceApplicants with work and life experience are those that have left secondary education more than 2 years ago (i.e. applicants who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.Experience could include a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education. This includes mature age entry, professional experience, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped them to prepare for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.Applicants with relevant work and life experience may be eligible for advanced standing and should mention any relevant experience in their application or during the interview with the course coordinator.You can apply to study with us through direct entry and must also have:achieved a score of at least 20 in English OR demonstrate an equivalent literacy standard successfully completed any maths at unit 3/4 level OR demonstrate an equivalent numeracy standardbooked and successfully completed an individual face-to-face selection interview of approximately 30 minutes durationcompetent computer skills for accessing subject resources, completing online tutorial tasks and submitting word processed assignments through StudentWebApplicants with recent secondary educationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is based primarily on completion of Year 12 undertaken at school, TAFE or other VET or higher education provider (this includes Australian or international equivalent) that was completed (or will be) within the previous 3 years.You can apply through VTAC and must have:achieved a score of at least 20 in English OR demonstrate an equivalent literacy standard successfully completed any maths at unit 3/4 level OR demonstrate an equivalent numeracy standardbooked and successfully completed an individual face-to-face selection interview of approximately 30 minutes durationcompetent computer skills for accessing subject resources, completing online tutorial tasks and submitting word processed assignments through StudentWeb

Structure

You are expected to attend all lectures and practical activities. Tutorials are elective and you are encouraged to attend. Field trips are included as part of the assessable tasks in some subjects. Most subjects are timetabled for 4 - 6 contact hours per week (including practicals). You should expect to spend 12 hours per week per subject including personal study hours. Full time students should expect to commit 48 hours per week total workload for the length of the course. Completion of all 23 unit subjects (including a 7 week biosecurity industry project in the final year) is required to graduate.Class sizes are typically less than 16. 

Subjects

  • foundation chemistry
  • biology
  • introduction to biosecurity
  • research methods and statistics
  • agriculture in the 21st century
  • introductory microbiology
  • plant anatomy and physiology
  • animal anatomy and physiology
  • pathogens and parasites
  • biosecurity surveillance and monitoring
  • plant production systems
  • animal production and husbandry
  • genetics
  • plant pests and disease
  • animal health and disease
  • human biosecurity and public health
  • epidemiology and biostatistics
  • invasive plants
  • invasive animals
  • biosecurity risk management
  • biosecurity compliance and enforcement
  • biosecurity legislation, regulation and policy
  • biosecurity industry project

Standard entry requirements

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Recognition

This course is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the qualification is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 7 and Box Hill Institute Graduate Attributes. If you have successfully completed the Diploma of Laboratory Technology, you may qualify for advanced standing.Successful completion of the degree will enable you to apply for an Honours or Master's degree in a related field.  

Study pathways

Biosecurity OfficerBiosecurity ComplianceRegulatory OfficerBiosecurity Policy OfficerAgriculture Scientist

Study information

CampusFeesEntryMid year intakeAttendance
Lilydale Lakeside Campus International: $22,200 No

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