Program Overview

Introduction to Crop Protection and Biosecurity Unit

The Crop Protection and Biosecurity unit, denoted as KLA311, is a comprehensive course that delves into the principles behind the management of agricultural pest insects, weeds, and diseases. This unit encompasses various modules, including:

• Biosecurity
• Weeds
• Pest and disease monitoring and decision making
• Chemicals in crop protection
• Cultural control and host plant resistance
• Biological control
• Integrated pest and disease management

This unit, in conjunction with related units on pest and disease biology, prepares graduates to manage plant pests, disease, and weed risks in agricultural and horticultural vocations. It also aims to help students understand the implications of this management for the broader community.

Unit Details

Summary

• Unit Name: Crop Protection and Biosecurity
• Unit Code: KLA311
• Credit Points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• Discipline: Agriculture and Food Systems
• Coordinator: Doctor Jonathan Finch
• Availability as an Elective: Yes
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The unit aligns with specific UN Sustainable Development Goals, though the exact goals are not specified in the provided context.

Availability

The unit is available in:

• Hobart: Semester 2
• Launceston: Semester 2

Key Dates

• Study Period: Semester 2
• Start Date: 6/7/2026
• Census Date: 28/7/2026
• WW Date: 31/8/2026
• End Date: 25/10/2026

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Apply weed science to identify and manage weeds in pasture and cropping systems.
• Determine appropriate pesticide handling and biosecurity practices using Australian crop protection regulations.
• Plan effective integrated pest and disease management systems using chemical, cultural, biological, and host resistance controls.
• Evaluate factors affecting the sustainable implementation of integrated pest and disease management in agricultural systems.

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $592.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $592.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $3,382.00

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern: 2 x 50 min seminars per week; 1 x 3 hr practical per week
• Assessment: Theory quiz (10%), Final exam (30%), Pesticide test (30%), Weed ID and weed collection (30%)

Textbooks

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.