• Murdoch University logo

Global Biosecurity for One Health

Learn about the drivers, activities and collaborative networks that protect human, animal and environmental health.

7,709 enrolled on this course

a man spraying crops
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    6 hours
  • Digital upgrade

    Free
This course is part of the program Global Biosecurity, which is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in One Health and All Murdoch Programs. Find out more.

Discover the environmental, economic and social impacts of pests and diseases.

In a world where global trade and human movement is increasing, pests and diseases pose a major threat to agriculture, trade and the environment. Biosecurity is central to the management of these threats.

In this course, you will learn from experts in a country that is at the forefront of biosecurity research and practice. However, it is not just the involvement of experts that is important. You will be asked to consider your role and the shared responsibility of communities, industry and governments in protecting against pests and diseases.

This course is part of our Study with Australia collection, with free upgrades and digital certificates supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission until 31st July, 2020. Explore more courses from leading Australian education providers.

Skip to 0 minutes and 10 seconds The worst has happened. An infectious disease previously only found in animals has made its way to humans. It is spreading fast. And its impact is devastating. People and animals are rapidly infected and not responding to treatment. Roads are closed to prevent spread of the disease. But this affects food and medical supplies. For those who are well enough, what will they eat? For those that are infected, how will they be treated? The impact is felt by all. So what happens next? Learning about biosecurity can help us answer this question. Not only does biosecurity protect our plants, animals, and environment, it is essential for our economy and ensures continued global trade and market access.

Skip to 0 minutes and 57 seconds By taking this course, you will become more aware of the frameworks and activities that protect us from pests and diseases, from established issues, to new, unforeseen threats. Using real life case studies, you will explore the importance of biosecurity as everyone’s business, the potential impact of an outbreak, the role of government, industry, and community in biosecurity. Australia leads the world in understanding the need for protection from pests and diseases, and providing ways for the world to achieve this. At Murdoch University, we have hands-on experience in working with pests and diseases of biosecurity importance. We work closely with government departments, industry partners, and the community to innovate for a new biosecurity problems. Join us.

Skip to 1 minute and 48 seconds Learn from those at the forefront of global biosecurity about protecting our world. Trailer footage is (c) Getty Images

What topics will you cover?

  • What is biosecurity
  • Why we need biosecurity
  • What drives biosecurity
  • Terminology
  • Impact of outbreaks
  • One Health and biosecurity
  • Citizen scientists
  • Promoting biosecurity in the community
  • Government and industry approaches to biosecurity
  • Communicating incursions and outbreaks

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe key biosecurity concepts and terminology
  • Explain the environmental, economic and social drivers that underpin biosecurity
  • Collect and analyse information on the impact pests and diseases are having around the world
  • Describe common biosecurity activities
  • Discuss the relationship between biosecurity and global trade
  • Summarise how biosecurity can protect human, animal and environmental health

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at those who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills around protecting human, animal and environmental health.

What do people say about this course?

A highly interesting course. Thank you to the team for providing this.

"A highly interesting course. Thank you to the team for providing this."

An excellent introduction to this topic.

"An excellent introduction to this topic... The course allowed us to look at the international implications of disease or pest outbreaks but also how we can be active at a local or personal level."

Who will you learn with?

I am a plant pathologist and have worked on plant diseases affecting many crops. My current interests are plant pathogens on postharvest fruit and vegetables, and the threat to food security.

Who developed the course?

Murdoch University

Murdoch University is a public university in Perth, Western Australia.

  • Established

    1973
  • Location

    Perth, Western Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 410Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

What's included?

Murdoch University are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Tests to validate your learning
  • A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible
  • Learning on FutureLearn

    Your learning, your rules

    • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
    • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
    • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

    Join a global classroom

    • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
    • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
    • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

    Map your progress

    • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
    • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
    • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

    Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

    Learner reviews

    Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.

    Advance your career with a degree

    Since 2017 you have been able to take a degree on FutureLearn. This free course is a bit like a starter course for a degree — it should give you a flavour of the degree subject but can also be your first step towards a degree qualification.

    If you enjoy this course you can apply to join the program it’s part of to start working towards a degree on FutureLearn.

    Don’t worry, you can still take the course without doing a full degree!

    Do the free course
    Join and complete the program
    Get academic credit for an online degree from Murdoch University
    This course is part of the program Global Biosecurity, which is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in One Health and All Murdoch Programs.

    Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...