Infectious disease and biosecurity are two of the most pressing scientific issues facing society. Global change is a driving force for emerging infectious disease. A growing human population, increased global connectivity, urbanisation, climate change and intensive farming practices are examples of changes that create a greater connection between people, animals, plants and the disease agents each carry. These connections create opportunities for emergence of infectious disease. Biosecurity is how we prevent and control for emerging infectious disease, and is a means to protecting the planet’s resources.

This major explores the effects of human activity and global change as drivers of emerging infectious diseases, and will equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle these major issues. You’ll study the significance of the intersection between humans and the environment, wildlife and domestic animals in disease dynamics, and how this is relevant to health biosecurity. You’ll develop skills in applying disease transmission theory to epidemiology, in the lab and in devising a biosecurity response plan. And your ability to communicate infectious disease and biosecurity concepts competently in a range of modes will boost your career prospects. 

Key Features

• You’ll have access to modern labs designed to foster collaboration and cutting-edge scientific research.
• You’ll acquire skills in detection, diagnosis, pathogen discovery and surveillance in the context of notifiable diseases in Australia, and you’ll develop your understanding of emerging global threats such as Ebola, avian influenza and antibiotic resistance.
• This major – designed in consultation with industry, and past and current students – offers a choice of study areas that are relevant and on the cutting-edge of medical science research.
• Our industry partnerships will give you access to medical and health industry professionals from your first year.
• In your final year, you’ll have opportunities for industry placements, independent research projects, engaging with Aboriginal communities and contributing to the annual Indigenous Science Experience.
• A dedicated careers fair will provide you with networking opportunities with potential employers, including diagnostic labs, clinical trial scientists, and allied health and biotechnology companies.
• Macquarie is home to the Biosecurity Futures Research Centre – one of Australia’s leading biosecurity initiatives promoting research into the environmental, economic and human impact of pests and pathogens to guide management of biosecurity threats, and for effective quarantine and border security.
• Macquarie is ranked number one in Sydney for teaching quality and overall graduate satisfaction in science (QILT, 2017).

• Biosecurity officer
• Health researcher
• Histologist
• Hospital scientist
• Infectious disease adviser
• Medical researcher
• Scientific officer with pathology and pharmaceutical companies