Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Production of fibre, feed and food in fields, greenhouses and forests requires environmental manipulation to optimise production. At the same time, these manipulations may favour population growth of organisms, which can become economically important pests. That is, they may be able to take advantage of the production system we have created. A production system should be designed to balance two somewhat opposing requirements: (1) safeguarding the production against pests; and (2) maximising productivity. These two requirements are considered antagonistic, because one typically reduces the other. For instance, a very high yielding variety is typically more susceptible to pests and diseases. Also, applications of pesticides may increase safeguarding against pests, but it lowers productivity due to higher input costs. This unit focuses on successful safeguarding of crops against pests, and that requires in-depth understanding about the driving ecological factors and the biology of the organisms involved. Students discuss and explore the concepts of 'pests' and 'pest management' in agricultural systems with particular reference to agricultural systems in Western Australia. However, they also cover case stories from other parts of the world and discuss integrated pest management (IPM) in an international context. The unit should be considered relevant to students with interests in production systems, natural resource management, environmental risk assessment, food security and environmental/ecological modelling.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) understand the common characteristics of the major pest groups that contribute to their development as pest organisms; (2) explain the economic, environmental and societal costs of the major pest groups; (3) describe approaches to biosecurity; (4) describe major pathways and barriers to pest invasion; (5) describe basic processes of insect functioning and how these relate to pest status; (6) describe the economic injury level and its importance in an IPM program; (7) identify the major techniques used for pest monitoring and surveillance; and (8) identify, compare and evaluate pest management tactics.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) a theory quiz; (2) a paper developing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan; and (3) preparation of an insect collection. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit rules
- Incompatibility
- SCIE3351 Integrated Pest Management, SCIE8351 Integrated Pest Management
- Contact hours
- 5 days (1 day per fortnight). The total workload for the unit is 150 hours.
- Text
-
New, T. R. Insects and Pest Management in Australian Agriculture: OUP 2002
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.