Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Biosecurity

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: A/Prof. Nathan Bott

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: Nathan.bott@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora

Course Coordinator Availability: By email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study

It is recommended to have satisfactorily completed the following course/s before you commence this course:

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Assumed Knowledge

At least one unit of Microbiology


Course Description

This course provides an overview of biosecurity, including key pathogens of environmental, economic and human health significance.  You will focus on biosecurity concerns of animal and plant production systems, the threat of zoonotic disease, vector biology and One Health which highlights the interconnection between humans, animals, plants and the environment.  Laboratory work will emphasise observation of key pathogens and modern ways to detect them. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This is not a core course and does not contribute to any specific Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs).


On completion of this course you should be able to:   

  1. Recognise features of key zoonotic infections and how they cause disease. 
  2. Classify symbiotic relationships to identify the fundamental differences and understand their roles in biosecurity contexts. 
  3. Analyse the interplay between humans, animals, plants and the environment within the One Health framework and evaluate its impact on human health.
  4. Evaluate the properties of key phyla to develop and assess their significance to biosecurity processes 
  5. Develop a biosecurity protocol to mitigate disease outbreaks  


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities in this course are: 

  • attendance and participation at scheduled activities; 
  • completion of practical exercises and quizzes, which will provide feedback on student progress and understanding; 
  • private study, working through the course learning materials and assignments. 

Weekly topic content is posted online in pre-recorded format for self-directed study, and a weekly tutorial on campus reinforces the learning objectives for the week. Short weekly online quizzes provide feedback to students on their learning progress. Laboratory practical activities teach hands-on skills in observing, identifying, and interpreting animal specimens with respect to course theory.  

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.  


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.  

A list of recommended books complementing the course material of this course is provided on Canvas.  

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.  


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Online Quizzes 
Weighting 20%  
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3  

Assessment Task 2: Practical Activities  
Weighting 35% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 

Assessment Task  3: End of Semester Report  
Weighting 45%  
This assessment task supports CLOs 4 & 5  

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.