ALS 6166 Exotic Species and Biosecurity Issues

Description

Study of U.S. policies and programs affecting agricultural biosecurity. Attention is devoted to current agricultural and extension and regulatory programs. Emphasis is on the policies and procedures involved in detecting and reporting non-indigenous species. Students will develop the analytical capabilities to assess the consequences of agricultural biosecurity threats.

Prerequisites

• Integrated Principles of Biology 1 and Laboratory (BSC 2010 and 2010L) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 and Laboratory (BSC 2011 and 2011L) or equivalent.

Course Format

Location: Online

Course Goals

From the lecture and course assignments, students will gain an understanding of the following agricultural biosecurity concepts:

1. An awareness of the importance of invasive species to U.S. agricultural and natural areas.
2. An awareness of trade issues and their relevance to agricultural biosecurity.
3. An understanding of the foundation principles and basic practices of pest exclusion, eradication, and management tactics for invasive species issues.
4. An ability to assimilate information on invasive species, and develop inferences from case study examples.
5. A perspective on the research, extension, and regulatory components of invasive species issues.
6. An appreciation of early detection and correct identification of new and emerging pest problems.
7. An awareness of news and developments reported in the popular and scientific media on issues affecting the subject matter of this course.
8. An awareness of the importance of insect vectors to animal and human health.
9. An awareness of the importance of exotic animal disease threats to agriculture.