Key facts
UNE unit code: AGRO311
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
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 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The intensive school is mandatory for online students. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Final online invigilated exam covering all unit content. No.Words: 2000 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Final Examination – Assurance Task and the Oral presentation - Assurance Task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Online Quizzes | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Online quizzes covering practical content No. Words: 750 |
| Oral Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Oral presentation and responses to questions on the 'Management of a Pest'. Oral assessments will be done in real time either face to face (on campus) or via zoom/teams (off campus). No. Words: equivalent to 2000 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Final Examination – Assurance Task and the Oral presentation - Assurance Task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| 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. |
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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