Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:45 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:45 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Conduct an entomology research project
Conduct an entomology research project
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB807
AHCARB807
State Code
ODJ64
ODJ64
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/11/2020
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
13/11/2020
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct an entomology research project requiring the collection and documentation of insects affecting trees. Important research themes to be investigated include the interrelationships of insects on their environment, forests and trees and the impact they have on economics, health of trees and the control strategies employed to contain infestations.The unit applies to individuals with highly specialised advanced theoretical and technical knowledge for professional work and research in arboriculture. They exercise advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills and demonstrate complete autonomy, judgement and adaptability in research and analysis for complex problems.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Research insects
- 1.1 Investigate anatomical, morphological and taxonomic features of insects required for identification
- 1.2 Examine the interaction of insects with trees
- 1.3 Research annualised population and generational behaviour of insects
2. Construct professional resource collections
- 2.1 Develop and document a reference collection of insects
- 2.2 Create a database of tree pests and vectors
- 2.3 Compile and document host, climatic and geographic distribution data of insects affecting trees
- 2.4 Record and compile generational phenology of insects
3. Research and assess tree pest and vector interactions
- 3.1 Investigate and identify natural antagonists, predators and parasitoids of insects affecting trees
- 3.2 Investigate phytophagous and damaging insect–tree dynamics
- 3.3 Investigate the tree dynamics of symbiotic/beneficial and insects
- 3.4 Investigate physiological responses of tree resistance to insects
- 3.5 Investigate host–pathogen and pathogen–vector interactions
- 3.6 Evaluate conditions for selection of host trees by subcortical feeding insects and factors associated with attack
- 3.7 Investigate and assess insect transmission of disease
- 3.8 Evaluate multi-trophic interactions between host plant, pest and pathogen/parasitoids
4. Evaluate control systems
- 4.1 Determine economic costs of insect damage to trees
- 4.2 Evaluate insects as indicators of environmental health and condition
- 4.3 Determine insect biological hazards
- 4.4 Investigate impact and effects of control strategies on target and non-target organisms
- 4.5 Investigate insect resistance to pesticides
- 4.6 Investigate and evaluate biological agents for tree pest control
- 4.7 Investigate and evaluate tree health management options to manage insect infestation
5. Present results of research
- 5.1 Collect, tabulate, and analyse data from investigations
- 5.2 Determine relevance of results to arboriculture
- 5.3 Compile and communicate research and results into a research paper
- 5.4 Submit research paper for review according to standards of a professional technical peer-reviewed journal
- 5.5 Review feedback and amend according to reviewer comments
- 5.6 Prepare article or presentation to communicate key facts and conclusions to industry
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAT68 | AHCARB704 | Conduct an entomology research project | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BFG4 | AHC80120 | Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture | Qualification |