Masters course at the University of Waikato

University of Waikato
University of Waikato

With a wave of interest in New Zealand's biosecurity, the University of Waikato believes it is timely to offer one of the first higher-level course on biosecurity in New Zealand, a Master of Science course in Biosecurity.

The course will be in two parts: a six-module distance learning component (beginning in March 2007) and a full-time three-day short course workshop (25–27 June 2007). These two components make up the MSc course in Biotechnology: Biosecurity (ENMP523-07Y). However, the short course is available as a stand-alone course. This year, a fourth day for the short course will also be available, a didymo workshop on 28 June 2007.

The aim of the MSc course is to provide participants with an understanding of aspects of biosecurity of particular relevance to New Zealand, but also of global significance. It uses directed reading, lectures, discussions and practical sessions to cover techniques and applications relevant to biosecurity.

There are four main focus areas, covered in both the MSc component and the short course:

  • environmental forensics (molecular methods for detection of sources and agents causing pollution/invasion of the environment)
  • detection technology (possibly including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray and sniffer dog detection techniques)
  • implementation of quarantine processes (concerning both New Zealand's imports and exports)
  • management of biosecurity.

These ideas will be shown in practice in case studies of the didymo and painted apple moth responses.

For further details on either the MSc course or the short course, contact the course coordinators, Dr Ian McDonald and Professor Craig Cary:

To register for the short course, contact Scott Gemmill:

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Page last updated: 30 April 2008