Faculty of Food and Agriculture

Advanced Certificate in Plant Quarantine 

The Advanced Certificate in Plant Quarantine, comprises of a single certificate which spans a total period of six (6) months of study, building upon foundational knowledge, this certificate delves into advanced topics such as risk assessment, emerging threats, and international trade compliance. Successful candidates will gain specialized skills in pest diagnostics, surveillance methodologies, and strategic planning for effective plant quarantine measures. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, this certificate prepares its graduates to lead and innovate in the field of plant quarantine. Moreover, the Certificate allows all successful candidates to matriculate into the Diploma in Agriculture and exemption from certain courses within the degree and Masters in Crop Protection. 

PROGRAMME GOALS

In-depth Knowledge: Gain advanced knowledge of plant quarantine principles, legislation, and international agreements governing the movement of plants and plant products.

• Advanced Risk Assessment: Learn to conduct advanced pest risk assessments, considering factors like environmental impact, economic consequences, and trade implications.

• Emerging Threats and Biosecurity: Analyze emerging threats to plant health and develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with novel pests and diseases.

• Diagnostic Techniques: Acquire specialized skills in pest identification and diagnostics, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and taxonomic tools.

• Surveillance Strategies: Explore advanced methodologies for pest surveillance, including remote sensing, molecular techniques, and GIS applications.

• Policy Development and Compliance: Understand the process of policy development in plant quarantine, ensuring alignment with international standards and trade regulations.

• Strategic Planning for Plant Quarantine Programs: Learn to formulate and execute strategic plans for plant quarantine programs, considering resource allocation and stakeholder engagement.

• Crisis Management and Response: Develop expertise in crisis management, including rapid response protocols, contingency planning, and coordination with relevant authorities.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

The overall objectives of this programme(s) are to produce graduates who: 

1. Understand the Importance of Crop Protection and Plant Quarantine.

2. Possess In-Depth Knowledge of Invasive Alien Species.

3. Are Proficient in Risk Assessment and Management.

4. Competent in Plant Quarantine Procedures.

5. Understand International Plant Health Standards.

6. Apply Emerging Technologies and Innovation.

7. Develop Comprehensive Plant Quarantine Strategies.

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

The programme of study for the Advanced Certificate in Plant Quarantine is outlined below:

SEMESTER 1

Module 1 Foundations of Plant Quarantine.

Unit 1 Introduction to Plant Quarantine: Overview and Review of Plant Quarantine Basics Course

Unit 2  Importance of Plant Quarantine in Modern Agriculture.

Unit 3  Role of Plant Quarantine in Biodiversity Conservation.

Unit 4  Role of Plant Quarantine Personnel in Biodiversity Conservation.

Module 2 Legislative Frameworks and International Agreements.

Unit 1  Overview of National and International Legislation.

Unit 2  Compliance with International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Standards.

Unit 3  Role of Trade Agreements and Treaties in Plant Quarantine.

Unit 4  Harmonization of Legislative Frameworks in Regional and Global Contexts.

Module 3 Pest Identification and Diagnostics.

Unit 1  Principles of Pest Identification: Morphology and Behavior.

Unit 2  Common Pests and Diseases Affecting Plants.

Unit 3  Introduction to Pest Diagnostics: Tools and Techniques.

Unit 4  Advanced Surveillance Techniques and Methodologies.

Unit 5  Data Collection, Analysis, and Management in Pest Surveillance.

Unit 6  Criteria for Inclusion on Pest Lists.

Unit 7  Regional vs. National Pest Lists: Development and Maintenance.

SEMESTER II

Module 4 Surveillance Techniques.

Unit 1  Overview of Pest Surveillance: Purpose and Methods.

Unit 2  Field Surveys and Monitoring.

Unit 3  Technology Applications in Pest Surveillance

Module 5 Port Guidelines and Infrastructure.

Unit 1  Overview of Port Guidelines for Plant Quarantine.

Unit 2  Port Infrastructure: Inspection Facilities and Laboratories.

Unit 3  Integration of Plant Quarantine in Overall Port Operations.

Module 6 Inspection Procedures and Certification (lab).

Unit 1  Phytosanitary Inspection Protocols and Procedures at ports of entry.

Unit 2  Certification of Plants and Plant Products for Import/Export.

Unit 3  Technology Applications in Inspection: Challenges and Opportunities.

DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The period allowed for completion of the Certificate shall normally be 6 months. 

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA:

To engage in the Advanced Certificate in Plant Quarantine, you must satisfy the lower-level matriculation requirement of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the following specific subject requirements: 

Passes in a minimum of five (5) GCE O’Level or CSEC (CXC) General Proficiency Level examination at Grades I, II or since 1998, Grade III, including English Language and Mathematics

AND: Certificate in Plant Quarantine Basics.