Bachelor of
Biosecurity Science

Intake Dates & Course Length

Career & Learning Outcomes

Entry and Academic Requirements

English Language Requirements

Applying

Pathways & Accreditation

Fees

Course Structure

BBS101Foundation Chemistry
6.0 points

78.0 hours


The unit will cover the principles of chemistry such as the periodic table, chemical reactions, atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, acids and bases, redox reactions, gas properties, and thermodynamics. Basic laboratory skills such as chemical substance handling, procedural protocol, analytical techniques and report writing are included. This unit will provide a basic body of knowledge in inorganic and organic chemistry that will facilitate understanding in higher-level animal and plant biological studies.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Assessment: Experimental logbook (20%); Assignments (15%); Mid-semester test (15%); Final Exam (50%)
BBS102Biology
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit will introduce the concepts of the differing characteristics of cell and organismal biology, in plants, animals, bacteria and viruses. The unit will consider the structure of multicellular organisms, cell function, cellular signalling and communication, and cell metabolism in preparation for more advanced studies of metabolic processes in BBS117 Plant Anatomy and Physiology and BBS118 Animal Anatomy and Physiology. The foundation of cell reproduction and development, and the role of DNA in heredity will be discussed to prepare students for the second year unit BBS215 Genetics. The unit will build practical skills and knowledge necessary to observe, record and analyse biological processes.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Assessment: Practical reports 30% Project 20% Final Exam 50%
BBS104Introduction To Biosecurity
6.0 points

52.0 hours


This unit introduces the principles of the biosecurity continuum, (onshore, at border and offshore), and the social and economic contextual framework as it applies to challenges involving biological threat to humans, flora, fauna and the environment. It will examine how policy, standards, delivery systems and risk management can reduce biosecurity threats and proactively prepare for emerging biosecurity challenges to ensure safety for plant and animal agriculture, food processing, environmental status, animal and human welfare and personal and corporate economic stability. The unit will also consider bioterrorism as a potential biosecurity threat.
Online subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x2hr tutorial

Assessment: Written report 20% Presentation 30% Final Project 50%
BBS106Research Methods And Statistics
6.0 points

52.0 hours


This unit provides foundational knowledge and skills in research, research methods, and analysis of research information and data. The unit topics will examine the importance of research in human health and biosecurity, and develop the basic skills to critically review research literature. It will introduce the statistical analysis techniques to interpret and apply research information necessary to meet professional responsibilities. Knowledge and skills acquired in this unit will provide foundation skills for other advanced units relevant to the biosecurity course including BBS321 Epidemiology and Biostatistics. The unit will develop the knowledge and skills to interpret research articles, conduct literature reviews, and develop research projects to expand students’ capacity in study design, data analysis, and writing scientific reports.
Online subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x2hr tutorial

Assessment: Report 30% Research project 30% Final exam 40%
BBS113Agriculture In The 21St Century
6.0 points

52.0 hours


This unit is designed to provide a holistic understanding of the major agricultural industries, and the global agricultural challenges of population increase, degraded natural resources and a changing climate. It will equip students to identify and describe the importance to society of industries such as livestock, dairy, poultry, broad-acre cropping, and horticulture and minor industries such as viticulture, cut flowers, apiary and aquaculture. The unit will cover the major social and environment issues facing agriculture and examine how these affect agricultural operations and the food supply chain. The unit complements studies undertaken in BBS104 Introduction to Biosecurity.
Online subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x2hr tutorial

Assessment: Report (20%); Report+Presentation (30%); Report+Presentation (50%)
BBS115Introductory Microbiology
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit will introduce the biology of microorganisms important to Australian biosecurity and their role in health and disease. It will focus on the diversity and classification of microbes and will introduce theory related to the structure, metabolism and genetics of prokaryotic organisms. The practical component of this unit will cover aseptic techniques, universal precautions and good laboratory practices, which will enable students to undertake practical experiments that will highlight the structure, metabolism and growth requirements of bacteria and selected eukaryotic microorganisms. Practical tasks will include the preparation of sterile bacteriological media and the isolation and identification of microorganisms using microscopic and biochemical testing methodologies. This knowledge and skill will be explored in greater depth in the second year unit BBS211 Pathogens and Parasites.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS102
Assessment: Practical reports 20%Practical exam 30%Final exam 50%
BBS117Plant Anatomy And Physiology
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit builds on the skills and knowledge obtained in BBS102 Biology to provide a solid foundation in plant anatomy and physiology. Theoretical and practical classes cover the structure and function of a broad range of plants and develop skills to classify plants into their broad taxonomic groups. The different metabolic processes to meet energy and nitrogen requirements will be considered for a range of different plant species. The lifecycle of plant species are examined and the key nutrient and environmental requirements for plant germination, growth, reproduction and senescence identified. The unit will explore the lifecycle and growth requirements of major Australian production plant species.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS102
Assessment: Practical reports 20%; Report+Presentation 30%; Final exam 50%
BBS118Animal Anatomy And Physiology
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit builds on the understanding of basic biology gained from BBS102 Biology and introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of farm and production animals including marine and aquaculture species. In a combination of theoretical and practical classes, the unit covers the major body systems in a variety of animals including cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, poultry, bees and fish. Skills and knowledge will be developed to identify the physiological differences in the systems of the major production animals, and explain the functional consequences of these differences in the growth requirements for different species.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS102
Assessment: Mid semester test 15%; Practical reports 35%; Final exam 50%
BBS211Pathogens And Parasites
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit will develop a detailed knowledge of microorganism-related diseases in plants and animals. Through a combination of lectures and supporting practical classes, it will build on knowledge acquired in BBS115 Introductory Microbiology. The unit will examine in depth the various transmission and virulence mechanisms of microorganisms as students research and prepare contrasting case-studies of microbial pathogens important to biosecurity. Biosecurity control measures that are put in place to limit the spread of microbial disease will be introduced in preparation for third year units.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS115
Assessment: Practical reports 20%; Case study 30%; Final exam 50%
BBS212Biosecurity Surveillance And Monitoring
6.0 points

52.0 hours


This unit builds on knowledge and skills acquired in BBS104 Introduction to Biosecurity, and introduces strategies and tools available to successfully monitor and respond to biosecurity risk agents. The unit will build a high level of understanding of surveillance and monitoring methodologies and will utilise this knowledge to develop a mock biosecurity case study. Students will be required to critically assess a possible biosecurity breach and using these developed knowledge and skills to develop a plan to control and monitor an identified disease, pest or invasive plant.
Online subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x2hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS104
Assessment: Report 20%; Presentation 20%; Report 20%; Final report 40%
BBS213Plant Production Systems
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit will introduce students to the vast range of plants grown for agricultural purposes, their structure, habit and function. The basic principles, practices and technology involved in plant production across the diverse agricultural plant industries will be covered. This unit will further develop the skills and knowledge gained from BBS113 Agriculture in the 21st Century and BBS117 Plant Anatomy and Physiology. Practical classes will take the form of field trips/on-farm visits for students to experience the operations of commercial farming enterprises.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS113,BBS117
Assessment: Plant Collection 20%; Essay 10%; Field report 30%; Final exam 40%
BBS214Animal Production And Husbandry
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit will introduce husbandry and management of the major production and recreational animal species in Australia, including cattle—beef and dairy, sheep, horses, pigs, poultry, and emerging industries. The unit builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in BBS113 Agriculture in the 21st Century and BBS118 Animal Anatomy and Physiology, exploring the growth, lifecycle and production of these animal species within the Australian agricultural industry. Through a combination of lectures, tutorials and field excursions, students will relate management practices to animal health and production, as well as explore biosecurity processes within and beyond the farm gate.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS113, BBS118
Assessment: Report 20%; Essay 10%; Field report 30%; Final exam 40%
BBS225Genetics
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit builds upon the genetic concepts introduced in BBS102 Biology, and will introduce the molecular basis of genes, genomes, heredity, and DNA replication. The technologies available to identify both species and genetic variants will be examined and applied at a fundamental level in a range of practical experiments. The unit will address the risks, benefits and ethical considerations of advanced molecular technologies in agriculture, and will include a case study to explore the social, environmental and economic consideration of one such technique.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS115
Assessment: Practical reports (30%); Presentation (20%); Final Exam (50%)
BBS226Plant Pests And Disease
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit will expand upon previous delivered knowledge of microbiology, plant anatomy and physiology to examine the major pests and diseases that threaten plant life in Australia. Skills will be developed to recognise signs of notifiable exotic and emerging plant pests and diseases, and investigate the impact that these have on the Australian environment and economy. Through a series of practical experiments and field exercises, students will learn how to collect and identify pest and disease specimens in accordance with biosecurity principles. The unit will further develop skills to communicate technical and scientific information to a lay audience through preparation of an information pack on a plant pest or disease for communication to a stakeholder group.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS117
Corequisites: BBS211
Assessment: Practical reports 20%; Plant collection and Report 20%; Community info. package 20%; Final exam 40%
BBS227Animal Health And Disease
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit will build upon knowledge gained in microbiology, animal anatomy and physiology to examine major pests and diseases that threaten animal and aquatic life in Australia. In a combination of lectures, tutorials and field trips, students will be required to apply checklists to recognise signs of adverse health in major Australian animal industries. Skills will be developed to recognise and report major notifiable pests and diseases and how to collect evidence of pests and disease according to biosecurity requirements. Through a poster presentation and group seminar, students will develop communication skills suitable for specialist audiences.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x3hr practical; 1x1hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS118,BBS211
Assessment: Assignment 10%; Poster presentation 20%; Report+Presentation 30%; Final exam 40%
BBS228Human Biosecurity And Public Health
6.0 points

52.0 hours


This unit covers the risks, impact and spread of human diseases and explores the role of vaccination and the theory of herd immunity in preventing the spread of human disease. In a combination of lectures and tutorials, the impact of human diseases on health, society and the economy will be considered and a review of literature relating to a disease of current biosecurity interest undertaken. The major areas of risk to human biosecurity offshore, at border and onshore will be examined along with the control measures in place to manage these risks. By undertaking a case-study of a bioterrorism threat, students will investigate the potential impact and the control mechanisms in place to prevent occurrence. At the conclusion of this unit, students will have a broad understanding of the risks to human biosecurity and how these are managed in a highly complex environment.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x2hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS211
Assessment: Mid semester test 30%; Literature review 20%; Presentation 10%; Final exam 40%
BBS321Epidemiology And Biostatistics
6.0 points

52.0 hours


This unit will examine the importance and practice of epidemiology in human health and biosecurity. By considering the current examples of diseases in Australian population, animal and plant industries, the unit will foster an understanding of epidemiological and biostatistical principles in disease occurrence in the community, and the difference between, and factors contributing to endemic, epidemic, and pandemic disease outbreaks. The unit will extend knowledge gained from BBS106 Research Methods and Statistics to apply research and statistical skills to population health and biosecurity relevant datasets, and critically analyse and interpret epidemiological findings from scientific literatures. Students will work individually to plan and undertake a small research project to extend their capacity in epidemiological study design, data collection and statistical analysis relevant to human health and biosecurity.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x2hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS106,BBS212
Assessment: Tutorial exercises 20%; Research Report 40%; Final exam 40%
BBS322Invasive Plants
6.0 points

78.0 hours


This unit builds upon knowledge gained in BBS212 Biosecurity Surveillance and Monitoring to develop a detailed understanding of how invasive plants impact upon the Australian environment. Through the lecture and practical delivery component of the course, knowledge and skills will be developed to recognise weeds of current national significance and apply this knowledge during field excursions in the local environment. An appreciation for the process and understanding of student’s role to assist in maintaining biosecurity will be developed by reporting identified noxious weeds to the appropriate government agency. To further develop skills in communication with key biosecurity stakeholders, students will prepare an information package about an invasive plant targeted to the agricultural community.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x3hr lecture; 1x3hr practical

Prerequisites: BBS212
Assessment: Info package 10%; Report 20%; Report+Presentation 30%; Final exam 40%
BBS323Invasive Animals
6.0 points

52.0 hours


This unit will build upon knowledge gained in BBS212 Biosecurity Surveillance and Monitoring to develop a detailed understanding of how invasive animals impact the Australian land and aquatic environments. Skills and knowledge to recognise invasive land and aquatic animals of importance to Australian biosecurity will be developed and applied including factors that contribute to their establishment and spread. The effectiveness of different strategies to control invasive animals will be explored in depth for a range of species and used as a basis to develop a threat abatement plan in a localised and isolated setting.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x2hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS212
Assessment: Literature review+Presentation 30%; Threat Abatement Plan 20%; Community Info Package 10%; Final exam 40%
BBS324Biosecurity Risk Management
6.0 points

52.0 hours


This unit will develop a comprehensive understanding of risk, risk assessment and risk management as it applies to the biosecurity continuum. Skills are further developed to perform and interpret risk assessments for a range of products and processes relevant to the biosecurity industry. By engaging with a relevant local business, students will examine a real-world scenario of biosecurity risk and apply their knowledge to conduct a risk assessment and create a risk management plan for the improvement of biosecurity in that setting.
Subject contact hours (per week):
1x2hr lecture; 1x2hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS212
Assessment: Risk analysis 20%; Essay 40%; Risk Management Plan 40%
BBS326Biosecurity Compliance And Enforcement
6.0 points

48.0 hours


This unit will build upon the skills and knowledge gained in BBS212 Biosecurity Surveillance and Monitoring as students explore how compliance with biosecurity legislation and regulation is managed. The unit will explore the functions of biosecurity enforcement officers in a range of industries, and develop an appreciation not only for the challenges these officers face, but the range of job roles they may encounter in the industry. Through a series of case studies designed to address the spectrum of non- compliance incidences faced by enforcement officers, the consequences of non- compliance with biosecurity regulations will be considered. In each case, students will be required to predict the likely administrative or criminal response. Finally, the unit will explore in depth the incidence of non-compliance within an industry, and develop the skills and knowledge to write a proposal to improve compliance.
Subject contact hours (per week for 6 weeks):
4hr lecture; 4hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS212
Assessment: Essay 20%; Presentation 40%; Report 40%
BBS335Biosecurity Legislation, Regulation And Policy
6.0 points

48.0 hours


This unit will provide the legal and regulatory framework for biosecurity in Australia from a local, state, national and international perspective. It will explore how policy, legislation and regulations are made with regard to international protocols and agreements, and will develop the skills to be competent in locating and understanding relevant Australian biosecurity legislation and regulations. The importance of strategic planning to support a national approach to biosecurity practice will be explored comparing and contrasting approaches taken internationally and domestically. Students will apply skills and knowledge to develop a biosecurity policy for a relevant business or association and present it to a peer audience.
Subject contact hours (per week for 6 weeks):
4hr lecture; 4hr tutorial

Prerequisites: BBS226,BBS227,BBS322,BBS323,BBS324
Assessment: Report 30%; Essay 30%; Report+Presentation 40%
BBS337Biosecurity Industry Project
12.0 points

210.0 hours


This double-credit point capstone unit is designed to provide the opportunity to apply the advanced skills and knowledge that has been developed throughout the course in a real-life industry workplace. Of special relevance are the BBS324 Biosecurity Risk Management, BBS335 Biosecurity Legislation, Regulation and Policy and BBS326 Biosecurity Compliance and Enforcement units which will enable students to prepare themselves with a detailed grasp of the relevant biosecurity legislation, regulations, industry codes, the relevant industry biosecurity plans and the relevant workplace policies and procedures.
Students will work with supervisors from both the workplace and Box Hill Institute and will engage in biosecurity related activities as directed by the industry supervisor. They will apply their skills and knowledge to undertake a relevant workplace project. The findings of this project will be presented to both the workplace and a peer audience.
This is a 12 credit point (30hr/wk) industry-based subject undertaken in the final 7 weeks of the course.

Prerequisites: All units up to the commencement of Year 3, Semester 2
Assessment: Review 20%; Workplace performance 20%; Workplace project 10%; Report+Presentation 50%

Admissions Data & Indicative Enrolments