Biosecurity: Diagnostics and Detection

This graduate-level subject offers a comprehensive introduction to the methods deployed when screening for and verifying invasive species and organisms of biosecurity risk, including plants, fungi, pathogens, and animals. Students will learn how to broadly identify organisms to relevant taxonomic levels using trait based diagnostic keys and molecular data. Students will gain experience in extracting, processing, and analysing different types of diagnostic data as it relates to prevention and mitigation of invading species. Students will learn key techniques and characteristics for rapid – triage – diagnosis of pests and their related damage (organismal or ecosystem), design optimal organism validation protocols, and prioritize management actions based on economic analyses.