Biosecurity safeguards our industries, our environment, our livelihoods, and our way of life. Yet we are constantly challenged by biosecurity risks which are dynamic and evolving in an ever-changing world. Risks that require us to innovate, integrate, and communicate across disciplines and perspectives. A significant biosecurity outbreak could for example decimate grain yields, impact export markets, and severely affect supply chains. In addition, it could have negative impact on land and sea that has important cultural and heritage values to Indigenous Australians.

This course provides a transdisciplinary approach to biosecurity integrating multiple disciplines (e.g. biology, epidemiology, public health, and science communication) and perspectives (e.g. government organisations, Indigenous knowledge frameworks, and the public). The course is delivered by staff from Research School Biology, the National Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, and the National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. It draws on relevant expert knowledge from government representatives, Indigenous rangers, industry researchers, and industry peak bodies.

This course starts off with providing an introduction to policies and legislation that frame the collective biosecurity discussions in Australia. It follows on with on country engagement with local Indigenous rangers that provide a unique perspective on biosecurity and caring for country. It moves on to introduce the science of plant pathogens that pose biosecurity risks and provides hands on experience with diagnosing plant diseases using various approaches. It explores novel technologies that improve detection and identification of organisms that pose biosecurity risks. The second half of the course dives into biosecurity in relation to public health and the One Health concept. It provides opportunities to learn and practice effective (science) communication skills. It introduces risk management frameworks that will be used to quantify biosecurity risks of specific real-world scenarios. It finishes off with a panel discussion of experts from academic, industry, and governments who provide the opportunity to explore future challenges of and employment opportunities in the biosecurity sector.

Honours Pathway Option (HPO)

Entry to this option will be subject to approval by the course convener. Students who take this option will have to attend two additional tutorials (one in week 4 and one in week 10) with a focus on primary research literature on biosecurity topics and journal club presentations thereof.

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Research and evaluate biosecurity information across multiple disciplines (e.g. biology, epidemiology, public health, and science communication) and perspectives (e.g. government organisations, Indigenous knowledge frameworks, and the public) with a specific focus on the biosecurity system's value to Australia.
2. Contrast the big picture principles and challenges that underly policies used to manage biosecurity risks in Australia.
3. Classify the biological, social, and environmental attributes that make feral animals, weeds, parasites and pathogenic micro-organisms a biosecurity risk.
4. Critically analyse the science and social aspects that contribute to our identification and classification of new biosecurity risks.
5. Apply hands-on problem-solving skills to real world biosecurity risk scenarios while making use of information across multiple disciplines and perspectives.
6. Effectively communicate complex solutions to real world biosecurity risks including multi-leveled mitigation strategies.
7. HPO students only: Summarize and critically evaluate primary literature that introduces new concepts and methods in biosecurity.

Research-Led Teaching

Each of the lecturers in this course is an active researcher, industry, or government representative with expertise in areas closely related to their lectures and tutorials. Their lectures and tutorials will draw on that expertise and include examples of their own expert knowledge to illustrate advances in our understanding and questions that still need to be answered around biosecurity.

The practicals are hands on mini-research projects directly related to biosecurity:

The first practical mini-research project #1 (week 2-7) revolves around plant pathogen diagnostics including classic visual assessments, culture dependent methods, and DNA sequence-based classification. This practical builds on prior molecular biology knowledge of enrolled students and introduces new concepts building on this foundation. Students will analyse and interpret their own data.

The second practical mini-research project #2 (week 9-11) revolves around Science Communication in a biosecurity context. The practical example will revolve around a One Health issue like the highly pathogenic influenza H5N1.

The critical essay on a biosecurity case study requires students to research and synthesise primary literature and web resources to address pressing and current questions around biosecurity threats.

Required Resources

Students will require access to their own computer including excel and other third party software. These will be required to analyse data obtained during the mini-research projects.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Honours Pathway Option (HPO)

Students who take this option will have to attend two additional tutorials (one in week 4 and one in week 10) with a focus on literature reviews on plant biosecurity risks and SARS-CoV2, respectively. HPO students will be assessed at a higher standard which will be reflected in a separate marking rubric for practical reports and the critical essay on biosecurity.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: Introductory lectures and tutorial on the importance of Biosecurity from a government perspective.	In person lectures and workshop are supported by a representative of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
2	Week 2: What does biosecurity mean, how is it implemented, and who are the main stakeholders?	This is a extensive reading week. The material will be presented in form of online videos, webpages, reports, and news articles. Prior study of the material is required for the workshop on Friday.
3	Week 2: Practical mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics.	In person practical.
4	Week 3: Biosecurity and the intersection with indigenous culture and knowledge.	This week will have one in person lecture on Monday 3 Mach 10 am. The workshop on Friday will be on country at Birrigai close to Canberra. This might require additional time to get there and back beyond the allocated workshop time.
5	Week 3: Practical mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics.	In-person practical.
6	Week 4: The foundations of Molecular Plant Pathology.	Lecture material will be provided as online on-demand lectures. The in-person workshop will focus on border biosecurity and be delivered by representative of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
7	Week 4: Practical mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics.	In-person practical.
8	Week 5: The foundations of Molecular Plant Pathology.	Lecture material will be provided as online on-demand lectures. The in-person workshop will focus on biocontrol and be delivered by representatives from CSIRO.
9	Week 5: Practical mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics.	In-person practical.Assessment #2 as practical report subsection with a focus on background and introduction.
10	Week 6: The foundations of DNA sequencing and its application in biosecurity.	Lecture material will be provided as online on-demand lectures. The in-person workshop will focus on high throughput sequence analysis in a biosecurity context and be delivered by representatives from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
11	Week 6: Practical mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics.	In-person practical.
12	Week 7: The foundations of DNA sequencing and its application in biosecurity.	Lecture material will be provided as online on-demand lectures. The in-person workshop will align with the lecture material and data analysis of mini-research project #1.
13	Week 7: Practical mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics.	In-person practical.
14	Week 8: Biosecurity threats and their risk assessment.	Lecture material will be provided as online on-demand lectures. The in-person workshop will align with lecture content and be delivered by a representative of AusVet.
15	Week 8: Practical mini-research project #2 on Science communication in a biosecurity context	In-person practical delivered in collaboration with CPAS and NCEPH.
16	Week 9: Epidemiology and test-trace-isolate-quarantine principles using a public health case study.	Lecture material will be provided as online on-demand lectures. The in-person workshop will align with lecture content and delivered by NCEPH.Assessment #3 as full practical report of mini-research project #1 due.
17	Week 9: Practical mini-research project #2 on Science communication in a biosecurity context	In-person practical delivered in collaboration with CPAS and NCEPH.
18	Week 9: Epidemiology and test-trace-isolate-quarantine principles using a public health case study.	Lecture material will be provided as online on-demand lectures. The in-person workshop will align with lecture content and delivered by NCEPH.
19	Week 10: Practical mini-research project #2 on Science communication in a biosecurity context	In-person practical delivered in collaboration with CPAS and NCEPH.
20	Week 9: Epidemiology and test-trace-isolate-quarantine principles using a public health case study.	Lecture material will be provided as online on-demand lectures. The in-person workshop will align with lecture content and delivered by NCEPH.
21	Week 11: Practical mini-research project #2 on Science communication in a biosecurity context	In-person practical delivered in collaboration with CPAS and NCEPH.Assessment #4 as Science communication multimedia submission due.
22	Week 12: Current challenges and opportunities in the biosecurity sector.	No lectures this week. Final in person workshop will include a round table discussion on employment opportunities in the Australian biosecurity sector. Panel members will include government and industry representatives.

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weekly online mini-quizzes	20 %	*	*	2,3,4
Practical report subsection with a focus on background and introduction for the mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics	6 %	19/03/2025	28/03/2024	1,3,4,5,6
Full practical report on mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics	19 %	28/04/2025	12/05/2025	1,3,4,5
Multimedia submission for mini-research project #2 on Science Communication in a biosecurity context	25 %	16/05/2025	30/05/2025	1,2,3,4,5,6
Critical essay on a biosecurity case study	30 %	30/05/2025	16/06/2025	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation in 80% of tutorials and 80% of practical laboratories are a course requirement. Submission of a critical essay on a biosecurity topic of choice is also a course requirement.

Assessment Task 1

Weekly online mini-quizzes

There will be eleven online mini-quizzes which are open-book conducted via Wattle. The mini-quizzes will be conducted in week 2 to 12. All mini-quizzes are worth 2 points except for week 4 and 12 which are worth 1 point only. They will cover the content of the previous week. Quizzes will be made available from Monday to Friday in each indicated week, but will only remain open for 50 minutes once initiated.

Quizzes will be made up of multiple choice and/or open ended questions. Results and feedback will be released the following week Wednesday.

Assessment Task 2

Practical report subsection with a focus on background and introduction for the mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics

Write a background and introduction subsection for the mini-research project on plant pathogen diagnostics. This subsection should introduce the background to the biology that is addressed in the mini-research project. It should include the theoretical background on the applied methodologies. It should finish by formulating the specific biology questions and aims addressed in the the research project. Start your subsection with a descriptive title. You should include a separate reference section with the heading References and these should reference primary literature provided and self-identified.

The value of this assessment task is to provide you with an initial opportunity to practice your scientific writing. We aspire to provide detailed in-depth feedback on this specific submission so you can incorporate our detailed feedback into future assessment tasks. We will provide detailed instructions on how to write this specific subsection of practical mini-research project report.

This assessment task can only be submitted as individual. This means each student has to submit their own work.

Word limit:

This task has an upper word limit of 600 words. You will receive penalties if your answers is over 10% longer than the word limit. The word count includes all words provided in main section but not the reference section. The penalties will be applied in 10% increments.

•            10-20% over the word limit -> 10% penalty.

•            20-30% over the word limit -> 20% penalty.

•            30-40% over the word limit -> 30% penalty.

•            … and so on.

For example, the word limit is 600 and your answer is 746 words long. This means you are 24% [146/800*100] over the word limit. If your normal score for the question would have been 4, you now received a penalty of 20% and your final score for this answer is 3.6.

Assessment task return:

We aspire to return your submission within 2 weeks.

Late penalties:

Late submissions are allowed but will be penalized as outlined below.

Assessment Task 3

Full practical report on mini-research project #1 on plant pathogen diagnostics

Write a full practical report on the mini-research project and submit your detailed laboratory notebook as PDF. Students are expected to consider feedback received previously on assessment tasks 2.

The full practical report should contain the following subsections:

• Title
• Background and Introduction. Approximate word count 600 and weighting of 25%.
• Concise methodology. Approximate word count 400 and weighting of 13%.
• Results. This section should describe the results obtained in the mini-research project and include figures and tables as appropriate. Figures and table legends are not included in the word count. Approximate word count 600 and weighting of 25%.
• Discussion. This section should include interpretation of the results in the context of the learned course content so far. In addition, it should incorporate provided and self-identified scientific literature. It should also clearly highlight the limitation of the study and propose a small set of alternative approaches or future directions. Approximate word count 600 and weighting of 30%.
• Reference list. Weighting of 2% for appropriate style only.

Students are also requested to submit the laboratory notebook as PDF version. No word limit. Weighting 5%.

The value of this assessment task is to incorporate previous detailed feedback to improve the overall mini-research project report. This assessment task provides student with the opportunity to summarise the mini-project concisely and discuss results critically. We will provide detailed instructions on how to write each specific subsection of the practical mini-research project report. We will provide overall feedback on the report and marks for each subsection.

This assessment task can be submitted as individual or as lab group. Students will have to select one or the other and clearly indicate their choice during submission. If student select group submission, all students in the group will receive the same feedback and mark.

Word limit:

This task has an upper word limit of 2200 words. You will receive penalties if your report is over 10% longer than the word limit. The word count includes all words provided in main sections but not the reference section and figure/table legends. Do NOT use legends to present information that is not part of the figure/table. The penalties will be applied in 10% increments.

•            10-20% over the word limit -> 10% penalty.

•            20-30% over the word limit -> 20% penalty.

•            30-40% over the word limit -> 30% penalty.

•            … and so on.

Assessment task return:

We aspire to return your submission within 2 weeks.

Late penalties:

Late submissions are allowed but will be penalized as outlined below.

Assessment Task 4

Multimedia submission for mini-research project #2 on Science Communication in a biosecurity context

Students will have the choice to submit a multimedia science communication piece of their choosing covering a One Health topic. Submissions can include a report, presentation, short-video, podcast, and similar.

Assessment task return:

We aspire to return your submission within 2 weeks.

Late penalties:

Late submissions are allowed but will be penalized as outlined below.

Assessment Task 5

Critical essay on a biosecurity case study

Students will be able to select topic from an up to date list of ~20 current biosecurity issues provided by the convenors in week 1 of the course.

The essay should include the following subsections:

• Title.
• Background and Introduction. This includes the biology of the organism and its potential impact.
• Risk assessment and potential entry pathways.
• Actual or likely outcome of the incursion.
• Potential response to an incursion.
• Science communication and media coverage.
• Lessons learnt.
• References.

The value of this assessment task is to perform extensive online and literature searches on the case study of your choice. This is followed by critical evaluation and extraction of the most important information before providing an comprehensive, concise, and forward looking summary. We will provide detailed instructions on how to write each specific part of the case study. We will provide overall feedback on the case study.

This assessment task can only be submitted as individual. This means each student has to submit their own work.

Word limit:

This task has an upper word limit of 2500 words. You will receive penalties if your report is over 10% longer than the word limit. The word count includes all words provided in main sections but not the reference section and figure/table legends. The penalties will be applied in 10% increments.

•            10-20% over the word limit -> 10% penalty.

•            20-30% over the word limit -> 20% penalty.

•            30-40% over the word limit -> 30% penalty.

•            … and so on.

Assessment task return:

We aspire to return your submission within 2 weeks.

Late penalties:

Late submissions are allowed but will be penalized as outlined below.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned via Wattle. Feedback will be provided on Wattle and general feedback applicable to the whole class will be provided in class and via short explainer videos.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Re-submissions of assignments is not possible for this course. However, students are encouraged to consider feedback obtained on the different assessment tasks (e.g. task 2 and 3) and to act on it in future assessment tasks (e.g task 3 and 4) as appropriate.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students