The units listed below may be core units or electives consigned to a specific award course or may be taken as interest only electives as part of an unrelated award course. An in-depth search is necessary to find a tailored course that includes a weed component. The Good Universities Guide is a comprehensive and independent information source about tertiary education pathways and may be useful for this purpose. The units below may potentially be undertaken as single subjects of interest without enrollment in an award course - contact the institution directly.
Postgraduate courses are listed as complete courses rather than single units and therefore not subject to the advice above.
Integrated Weed Management (AGRO422/522) University of New England This unit aims to give students an understanding of how weeds function so as to be able to exploit their weaknesses, and includes information on the latest techniques and ideas on weed management as applied to Australian ecosystems, whether they be crops, pastures or the natural environment. The topics covered include weed identification, weed ecology, weed management (including biological, cultural and chemical techniques) and integrated weed management, which combines all appropriate weed management methods. The unit has been designed to be taken by students studying in a range of degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level at various universities and is relevant to anyone who cares for a piece of land, whether its your back yard, roadside corridors, local bushland, a national park or farm. The unit can also be taken as a non-degree or professional course for a fee.
Weed and Pesticide Science (AGS301) Charles Sturt University A study of the biology, ecology and management of weeds in a range of environments (agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, and natural ecosystems) , plus the characteristics, technology, correct handling and application of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and animal health products as part of the integrated management of weeds, insects, plant pathogens and animal parasites.
Environmental Weed Management (ENVS8013) Flinders University The topic considers the process of biological invasion; environmental weeds; changes in invaded ecosystems; impacts of environmental weeds (including geomorphological, hydrological, soils, plant and animals impact); and weed management issues. An intensive field study and conference and written report are the major foci of assessment.
Crop Protection (AFNR5307) University of Sydney The focus of this unit is the development and adoption of integrated pest management to control weeds, insects and plant pathogens. The advantages and disadvantages of biological, cultural and chemical control methods are described using examples from agro-ecosystems. Students will develop a comparative case study of IPM for a particular crop that considers all three pest groups and present a seminar about this case study. Integrated Weed Management III Part 1 (Plant SC 3030AEX) University of Adelaide The impact of weeds on agricultural and natural ecosystems. Important characteristics of weed biology. Ecology of weeds. Methods of sampling and monitoring weed infestations. Biological, cultural and chemical methods for weed management. Integrating management techniques for weeds in a range of ecosystems, including: cropping enterprises, perennial pastures, national parks and recreation areas and horticultural systems.
Integrated Weed Management III Part 2 (Plant SC 3030BEX) University of Adelaide The impact of weeds on agricultural and natural ecosystems. Important characteristics of weed biology. Ecology of weeds. Methods of sampling and monitoring weed infestations. Biological, cultural and chemical methods for weed management. Integrating management techniques for weeds in a range of ecosystems, including: cropping enterprises, perennial pastures, national parks and recreation areas and horticultural systems.
Weed Science (PLNT3012) University of Queensland Provides a comprehensive introduction to weed science with special emphasis on weeds of Australia and their management measures. This course consists of five sections (General concepts, Weed systems, Weed management, Integrated weed management and Weed examples)
Graduate Diploma Plant Biosecurity Murdoch University Biosecurity is a growing field of activity for many professionals involved in agriculture, the environment and international and domestic trade. This growth is driven by the need to maintain agricultural and environmental integrity in a world where, due to ever increasing levels of trade and human movement, exotic plant-affecting organisms pose major and ongoing threats. Biosecurity is central to the management of these threats, with a continuum of activities involving risk analysis, quarantine and surveillance to stop the entry of exotic organisms, rapid emergency response in the event of an exotic incursion, and then the management of pest organisms if they permanently establish and impact on trade. This course has been developed in consultation with government representatives from Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia. Students graduating from the course can do so with the knowledge that their degree will meet the highest level of industry requirement.
Grad. Cert/Grad. Dip./Master of Plant Biosecurity Queensland University of Technology Biosecurity is a rapidly growing field of national and international importance. Recent high profile pest and disease incursions into Australia, such as equine influenza, citrus canker and red imported fire ant, highlight the threat of exotic organisms to our animal industries, plant industries and native environment respectively. While human and animal health issues often have a higher public profile than plant health issues, this does not mean that plant health issues are any less important. For example, should the exotic wheat disease karnal bunt ever enter and establish in Australia, it is calculated that it would cost the national economy $1 billion per year and fundamentally change our agricultural export sector.Agricultural Science, the Australian Society of Horticultural Sciences and the Australian Society for Risk Analysis.