Key facts
UNE unit code: AGRO311
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
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Pest organisms cost Australia billions of dollars annually and threaten our unique ecosystems. This unit offers you a broad understanding of the basic biology, ecology and management of the pest insects, diseases and weeds which attack plants in agricultural and environmental ecosystems.
You will explore the principles of ecological, physical, biological and chemical control techniques, with an introduction to the concepts of integrated pest management.
Topics include the main groups of plant pests and their economic impacts, economic thresholds, identification, biology and ecology. You will evaluate modes of action, application and detoxification of pesticides and management of pesticide resistance.
You will also have opportunities to examine established and emerging methods of biological control using natural enemies, pest management through environmental modification, use of resistant varieties including transgenic plants, quarantine and integrated pest management.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | Dates to be advised |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- by describing the impact of plant pests on agricultural industries and recognising a range of agriculturally important insects, diseases and weeds, the student will demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the subject;
- analyse and evaluate information in order to discuss the ecological basis for pest problems and their management;
- communicate the principles and practices of different techniques for managing pest organisms to others using verbal and/or written formats;
- analyse and evaluate information in order to describe to others the molecular basis for several important plant protection processes;
- analyse and evaluate information in order to describe to others the generation and value of genetically engineered plants; and
- synthesise this information into an understanding of integrated pest management systems and evaluate the status of integrated pest management in current Australian plant protection systems.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
Final Theory Examination | Yes | 45% | All offerings | |
Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
Practical Assessment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Disease Diagnosis No. Words: 500 |
Practical Assessment 2 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Insects and Weeds No. Words: 1000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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