Key facts
UNE unit code: ANSC514
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Australia’s animal industries are vulnerable to a variety of diseases. Maintaining biosecurity is essential to ensure continued productivity and economic stability.
Biosecurity refers to the combination of different measures implemented to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of disease agents. These measures are implemented at different levels such as country, region, herd or flock and individual animal. Biosecurity is important both in controlling exotic and endemic diseases, particularly in Australia which is free of many diseases. Improving biosecurity, and by consequence reducing infection pressure, results in improvements in animal production and reduced antimicrobial use.
This unit covers how biosecurity is managed in different animal industries, including farm, aquaculture and research facilities. Strategies to prevent, detect and respond to biosecurity risks will be covered, and you will develop the skills required to produce biosecurity plans.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
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:
- demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of important and complex issues surrounding animal biosecurity;
- critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise information to facilitate assessing risks attached to the introduction of animals and animal-based products into Australia;
- demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of regulations and permit procedures for movement of animals and animal pathogens. Interpret and transmit this knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- demonstrate an advanced and complex knowledge of biosafety issues related to animal food security; and be able to interpret and transmit these to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
- demonstrate autonomy by applying advanced specialised skills in the design , construction and management of physical containment level 2 (PC2) facilities or developing profound biosecurity strategies for certain scenarios.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study Presentation | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Oral presentation on a selected topic. Duration: approximately 20 mins. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Short answer questions on risk management, biosecurity strategies, emergency animal disease response plans, etc. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this 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. |
| Written assignment 1 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | A report on risk identification and the development of a biosecurity strategy for a selected animal-based enterprise. No. Words: 2000 |
| Written assignment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | A report on the development of a response plan for an emergency animal disease. No. Words: 2000 |
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.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Invasive Species
ISBN: 9780521146746
Robinson, A.P., Walshe, T., Burgman, M.A., and Nunn, M., Cambridge University Press 1st ed. 2017
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)
Biosecurity in Animal Production and Veterinary Medicine
ISBN: 9789463443784
Dewulf, J. and Van Immerseel, F. (eds), ACCO 1st ed. 2018
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)
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