Course coordinator
Dr Kate Dutton-Regester
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
Biosecurity refers to the control and risk mitigation of hazardous biological agents. Issues relating to infectious diseases, invasive pests, biological control programs, and intentional misuse of biological agents mean that an understanding of biosecurity is an essential competence for those working in the biological disciplines. This course aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of what constitutes such biological hazards, the theory and practice of avoiding or controlling these hazards, the regulatory framework for managing biosecurity, and opportunities to explore topical examples of biosecurity issues. The course content will re-contextualise and complement material from other course material relating to infectious diseases, epidemiology, ecology and animal and plant science.
This course aims to bring together various disciplinary elements of biosecurity (e.g. animal and plant bioscience, microbiology, epidemiology, ecology) as well as socio-economic aspects of biosecurity practice to promote 'work-ready' competencies in graduates. Although ideal for graduates intending to undertake positions with significant biosecurity components within the regulatory, industry, research or related sectors, it also aims to provide essential competencies for all students intending career paths within the broader biosciences. The structure of this course is based on a series of modules that progress through theoretical and applied aspects of biosecurity practice. Modules comprise lectures and scenario-based tutorials and field tasks. Many topics and concepts will be supplied through external resources, including guest lecturers who are specialists in particular aspects of biosecurity. The course will consist of lectures (3 hours/week) and tutorials (3 hours/week).
Course requirements
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
VETS1030, ANIM1018, VETS2032
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
AGRC7052 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Kayvan Etebari
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Kate Dutton-Regester
Dr Kayvan Etebari
Guest lecturer
Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please check your course Blackboard site frequently for the latest Timetable information.
Please note that unexpected changes to the Timetable may occur throughout the Semester. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the course Blackboard site. Any updates to the timetable will be communicated to students via Blackboard Announcements.
Lectures: It is expected that students attend the lectures.
Tutorials: Please bring your own laptops/devices FULLY CHARGED.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of what constitutes biosecurity hazards, the theory and practice of avoiding or controlling these hazards, the regulatory framework for working with such hazards, and an opportunity to discuss topical examples of biosecurity issues.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Recognise, categorise and describe biological agents that constitute hazards, and the context of their threat risk.
LO2.
Individually build upon and re-apply your knowledge and skills in discipline areas such as epidemiology, infectious diseases, plant and animal biosciences to help understand and mitigate biosecurity threats
LO3.
Describe, and manage scenarios within, biosecurity regulatory and operational frameworks.
LO4.
Working as part of a team and individually apply specific skills (e.g. risk assessment, biosecurity auditing) in managing and communicating biosecurity hazards at international, national and local levels.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Tutorial Assessment 1 (Outbreak Investigation Report)
|
15% |
8/05/2025 12:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Tutorial Assessment 2 (Risk Assessment Report)
|
15% |
22/05/2025 12:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Biosecurity Stakeholder Communication
|
30% |
15/05/2025 - 29/05/2025 |
| Examination |
Theory Examination
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Industry Expert Panel Discussion - Participation
|
Pass/Fail |
10/04/2025 2:00 pm |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Online Biosecurity Modules
|
Pass/Fail |
27/02/2025 - 30/05/2025
Students may submit at any time during the semester between week 1-13. Class time will be scheduled in Week 1 to complete the task. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Tutorial Assessment 1 (Outbreak Investigation Report)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
8/05/2025 12:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Students will work individually or in groups during each tutorial session, engaging in scenario-based tasks and field activities. Each student must submit their tutorial sheets individually, and the final report will be recorded via Blackboard, with individual marks assigned accordingly. This assessment task is worth 15% of the final grade and will be evaluated using the rubric published on the course Blackboard site, with all rubric criteria assessed individually.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Assessment through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty or, after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time.
If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
Tutorial Assessment 2 (Risk Assessment Report)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
22/05/2025 12:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Students will work individually or in groups during each tutorial session, engaging in scenario-based tasks and field activities. Each student must submit their tutorial sheets individually, and the final report will be recorded via Blackboard, with individual marks assigned accordingly. This assessment task is worth 15% of the final grade and will be evaluated using the rubric published on the course Blackboard site, with all rubric criteria assessed individually.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Assessment through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty or, after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time.
If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
Biosecurity Stakeholder Communication
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
15/05/2025 - 29/05/2025
Task description
Students will collaborate in groups of 3–4 to design and deliver a 15–20-minute educational session tailored for high school students. The session may take the form of a seminar, classroom activity, or engaging presentation. The objective is to choose a significant biosecurity topic and create an informative, engaging session aimed at raising awareness and improving understanding of biosecurity issues.
Groups and topics will be established by the end of week 3 of the semester. This task promotes teamwork, creativity, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to a younger audience, while also building advocacy skills and promoting public engagement. While students are required to work as a team, each member must present for at least five minutes and contribute meaningfully to the development of PowerPoint slides or classroom activities.
Assessment will be based on individual performance, including both the presentation and the contribution to the learning materials. The presentations are planned to take place at a high school in the Gatton area during Weeks 11–13. Each group will be randomly assigned a presentation date within this period. Presentation materials (e.g., slides, activity plans) must be submitted to Blackboard by the due date.
Additionally, students must submit recorded videos of their presentations within 24hr of their scheduled presentation day via Blackboard. The assessment task aligns perfectly with Queensland and national biosecurity strategic plans, highlighting education, awareness, and community involvement as essential pillars for strengthening biosecurity resilience.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submissions independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Upload your learning resources and/or presentation recording to Turnitin on the AGRC3042 Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time.
If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
Theory Examination
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
The exam will use a combination of question styles (multiple choice, short essay) to assess students' knowledge of key concepts derived from lectures, tutorials and field visits.
Emphasis will be on conceptual understanding and problem solving rather than fact recall.
This examination will be a paper based on campus examination.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
Industry Expert Panel Discussion - Participation
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
10/04/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
An Industry Expert Panel Discussion will be held in Week 7, 10th April 2025. Invited guests from industry and government will explore one of the emerging challenges in biosecurity and its real-world applications within the course content. During the panel discussion and Q&A session, students are expected to actively engage with panel members and ask insightful questions. This will be graded on a pass or fail basis, assessed on the relevance and thoughtfulness of the question. The topic will be announced in advance to allow students to study and research the subject thoroughly. Students will need to submit their questions via Padlet by 8th April 2025, before the session. Submitted questions will be evaluated based on their relevance to the announced topic, the depth of understanding demonstrated, and their connection to course content or real-world biosecurity issues.
This session is examinable, and your final exam may include questions based on the discussion. This session is designed as a live, in-person tutorial, and we strongly encourage all students to attend on campus, with the opportunity to interact with panel members and learn about the the latest technology in biosecurity. Attending in person provides the added benefit of networking with the panel members during an informal discussion at the conclusion of the event. For those unable to attend, the session will be streamed live on Zoom and recorded as a backup.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
Students will need to submit their questions via Padlet by 8th April 2025, 2 days before the Panel Discussion session. Submitted questions will be evaluated based on their relevance to the announced topic, the depth of understanding demonstrated, and their connection to course content or real-world biosecurity issues.Submission guidelines
Upload your questions to Padlet.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Late submission
Late submission will result in a grade of FAIL for the course.
Online Biosecurity Modules
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
27/02/2025 - 30/05/2025
Students may submit at any time during the semester between week 1-13. Class time will be scheduled in Week 1 to complete the task.
Task description
Student must complete one of the following by the end of teaching week 13 (30th May 2025) and upload a completion certificate to Blackboard.
- Animal Health Australia EAD online Module
OR
- Plant Health Australia online Module
Class time has been allocated to complete this task during week 1. Failure to complete one of these Modules will result in a FAIL grade for the course. In such instances, students whose final marks would have led to a passing grade (Grades of 4-7) will be given a grade of 3. Students whose final marks would have led to a failing grade (0-3) will receive the same grade their final marks would have allowed.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
A certificate of completion for either the Animal Health Australia or Plant Health Australia module must be uploaded before May 30th 2025 to pass this course.Submission guidelines
Completion certificates (PDF or screenshot image) are to be uploaded to the dedicated portal on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Late submission
In the absence of an approved Extension, failure to submit by 30 May 2025 will result in the student receiving a FAIL grade for the course.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0-34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 45-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85-100% |
Additional course grading information
To pass AGRC3042
- Students must gain at least 50% of available marks combined across all assessment tasks.
- Students must complete either the AHA or PHA online modules. Failure to do so will result in a FAIL grade.
- Students are required to submit a minimum of 2 questions to Padlet prior to the Industry Expert Panel Discussion. Failure to do so will result in a FAIL grade.
Grade Calculations
When rounding final marks for grade calculations, part marks of <0.5 will be ROUNDED DOWN to the nearest whole number, and part marks of >/= 0.5 will be ROUNDED UP to the nearest whole number.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Results
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, the results for progressive assessment tasks will be available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinators. Results and feedback will be available for collection at a place and time advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services
Harmonising study and life commitments and seeking help early when needed is essential for successfully navigating university studies. UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and UQU Student Advocacy and Support (SAS) offer numerous resources for BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students, including various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and promote overall physical and mental wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the UQ Counselling and Crisis Line on 1300 851 998 (available 24/7, 365 days a year).
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Tutorial |
Tutorials & field activities The field activities and tutorials within this course link scenario and real world application of biosecurity to each module. Field activities include a Invasive Fire Ant Lab session, Biosecurity and PPE, a visit to QASP (Queensland Animal Science Precinct), and the UQ dairy unit. Tutorials include exploring Biosecurity Regulation, Impacts of Biosecurity Threats, Outbreak Investigations and, Risk Assessment. An additional tutorial will involve a panel discussion with invited guests from industry and government to explore one of the emerging challenges in biosecurity and its real-world applications within the course content. During the panel discussion and Q&A session, students are expected to actively engage with panel members and ask insightful questions. This will be graded on a pass or fail basis, assessed on the relevance and thoughtfulness of the question. The topic will be announced in advance to allow students to study and research the subject thoroughly. Students will need to submit their questions via Padlet, with detailed instructions provided beforehand, at least two days before the session. Submitted questions will be evaluated based on their relevance to the announced topic, the depth of understanding demonstrated, and their connection to course content or real-world biosecurity issues. Additionally, students are required to analyse the panel discussion and submit a short report as part of their final grade. The report is assessed on a pass/fail basis, meaning submission is mandatory to pass the course—failure to submit will result in failing the course. This session is designed as a live, in-person tutorial, and we strongly encourage all students to attend on campus, with the opportunity to interact with panel members and learn about the the latest technology in biosecurity. Attending in person provides the added benefit of networking with the panel members during an informal discussion at the conclusion of the event. For those unable to attend, the session will be streamed live on Zoom and recorded as a backup. |
Lecture |
Lecture series Lectures from UQ staff members and specialist external guests. Includes some pre-recorded material that students access flexibly. Lectures are structured into 7 modules: - Introduction to Biosecurity - Biosecurity regulations - Biosecurity threats - On-farm Biosecurity -Biosecurity monitoring - Biosecurity risk and outbreak management - Biosecurity emerging topics |
|
Information technology session |
EAD Foundation Course Animal Health Australia offers an online course that will provide students with a solid understanding of national and international Emergency Animal Disease management. Completion of this or the Plant Health Australia modules is required to pass this course. A completion certificate MUST be uploaded via Blackboard. |
|
Information technology session |
Plant Health Australia modules Plant Health Australia offers an online course that will provide students with a solid understanding of national and international Emergency Plant Disease management. Completion of this or the Animal Health Australia modules is required to pass this course. A completion certificate MUST be uploaded via Blackboard. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.