Master of Biosecurity

In a globally connected world where trade is ever-increasing, and people are moving around the globe at unprecedented rates, the risk of spreading exotic organisms is higher than ever. Biosecurity is fundamental to managing the threat posed by pests and diseases, and is of vital importance to world trade, environmental protection, and agriculture.

Learn how biosecurity measures such as risk analysis, quarantine and surveillance are used to stop the entry and spread of exotic organisms around the world. You’ll gain an in depth knowledge of rapid emergency response to an exotic incursion or declaration of a pandemic, and how to manage pests and diseases if they become permanently established in a new region and start impacting trade.

Biosecurity is a growing field of activity for many professionals involved in agriculture, the environment and international and domestic trade, to maintain agricultural and environmental integrity. It is also becoming increasingly important for private industry and the general public, as biosecurity protects us and our economy from harmful organisms.

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available for this program. Domestic students who receive a CSP will have substantial proportion of their fees subsidised by the Australian government. You can find out more about Commonwealth Support Places here.

3 reasons to study a Master of Biosecurity at Murdoch

• Study on your own terms – with the option to study full-time or part-time from your home country, you can upskill whilst you’re still earning.
• This course was developed in consultation with representatives from Canada, United States, New Zealand and Australia, so the content covers international biosecurity requirements.
• Take advantage of Commonwealth Supported Places and scholarships such as the Murdoch University Academic Excellence Awards and Scholarships for Scientific Excellence.

What you'll learn

• The importance of surveillance for detecting pests and diseases
• How to effectively engage the community when there is an outbreak
• Roles and responsibilities of governments and industry for maintaining biosecurity
• New and emerging technologies for pest detection and management.

Your career

After completing this degree, you will be able to pursue careers in biosecurity, quarantine and pest management, acting in technical, research and administrative roles within organisations such as the State Departments of Agriculture, State and Federal Biosecurity Agencies, Plant Health Australia, Animal Health Australia and private industry, or their international counterparts.

Careers could include:

• Biosecurity Manager: Protect natural ecosystems and agriculture from pests and diseases by implementing surveillance, quarantine and eradication measures.
• Policy Officer: Shape biosecurity policies and regulations at the local, national, and international levels to strengthen biosecurity preparedness and response.
• Research Scientist: Conduct ground-breaking research to understand the spread of pests and diseases and develop innovative solutions to mitigate their impact.
• Risk Analyst: Assess the potential risks posed by pests and diseases to ecosystems, agriculture, and human health, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Emergency Response Coordinator: Coordinate rapid response efforts during biosecurity emergencies, such as disease outbreaks or pest incursions, to minimize their impact on ecosystems, agriculture, and public health.
• Wildlife Conservation Manager: Lead conservation efforts to preserve native biodiversity and ecosystems by managing threats posed by pests and diseases and invasive species.
• Biosecurity Educator: Educate communities, stakeholders, and the public about the importance of biosecurity and empower them to take action to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Professional recognition

Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership to societies such as the Australian Entomological Society, the Australian Plant Pathology Society, the Australian Ecological Society, the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, the Australian Society of Horticultural Sciences and the Australian Society for Risk Analysis.