Agricultural Biosecurity Research Graduate Certificate
Program Description
The 12-credit hour Agricultural Biosecurity Research Graduate Certificate is designed to foster the development of research scientists to safely plan and execute research in a variety of biosafety level environments (BSL-3, BSL-3 Ag, and BSL-4). This interdisciplinary certificate will instill common biosafety, containment, and regulatory compliance knowledge and skills that are required to work in high and maximum containment research facilities. The certificate will also provide a deeper understanding of the agents and toxins which are frequently studied in these facilities.
The Agricultural Biosecurity Research Graduate Certificate is offered through the College of Veterinary Medicine to non-degree and degree seeking graduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students who plan to work in high and maximum containment facilities. Students will develop an appreciation, and necessary skills, for the exacting performance standards required in these complex and demanding work environments.
Students with a graduate standing and a 3.0 GPA or higher in the field of biological, agricultural, or related sciences or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the DVM curriculum are eligible to enroll in this program. Possible exceptions can be made upon the approval of the Agricultural Biosecurity Research Graduate Certificate Coordinator in consultation with associated faculty.
Courses available through this certificate may be included in the student’s graduate program of study with approval from the student’s major professor and advisory committee. Course credit from other related programs or institutions may be substituted for credit in this certificate program with approval from the Agricultural Biosecurity Research Graduate Certificate Coordinator in consultation with associated faculty.
Core Courses (10 credits)
DMP 690 - Essential Practices for BSL-3 Research Settings Credits: 1
DMP 691 - Introduction to High Containment Laboratory Topics and Techniques Credits: 3
DMP 813 - Select Agent Studies Credits: 3
DMP 846 - Foundations of Biosecurity Credits: 3
Elective Courses (2 credits)
DMP 770 - Emerging Diseases Credits: 3
DMP 855 - Disease Detection, Surveillance and Risk Assessment Credits: 3
DMP 871 - Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases Credits: 3
DMP 893 - Principles of Biosafety and Biocontainment Credits: 3
FDSCI 730 - A Multidisciplinary Overview of Food Safety and Security Credits: 2
FDSCI 731 - Food Protection and Defense–Essential Concepts Credits: 2
FDSCI 753 - Risk Assessment for Food, Ag, & Vet Med Credits: 3
Please note that other classes may be approved by the program director and associated faculty.
Total Required Hours: 12
Program Requirements
To qualify for admission into the Agricultural Biosecurity Research graduate certificate program, students must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have an undergraduate degree in the field of biological sciences from an accredited institution. The last 60 hours of your undergraduate degree will be reviewed and must average 3.0 or higher ("B") on a scale of 4.0.
- Be enrolled at K-State in a graduate or DVM program. Students must be in good standing with their program at the time of application. Students not enrolled in a graduate or DVM program must be admitted to a graduate program as a non-degree seeking student.
Application Procedures
- Complete and submit an Online Graduate Application Form. In the Academic Information area, select Manhattan Campus as to where you will be completing the majority of the coursework. Then choose Graduate Certificate. The program you select will be Agricultural Biosecurity Research under the College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Please be prepared to upload the following information when completing the online application.
- Statement of Objectives: State your academic objectives, giving specific reasons for the selection of your field of study, contemplated research areas, and professional plans. Most statements are three to four paragraphs in length. The objectives allow faculty to:
- Determine that your expectations of the Agricultural Biosecurity Research certificate program are congruent with what the program provides.
- Review a sample of your writing skills.
- Transcripts:
- Provide transcripts for each college or university where you received your bachelor's degree or completed any advanced course work or degree.
- Failure to list any colleges or universities from which you received a degree or enrolled in graduate course work may result in dismissal from the University. (Transcripts become part of your records at Kansas State University and cannot be returned.)
- Students whose transcripts are not in English must furnish a translation by an appropriate authority.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two Letters of Reference from supervisors, advisors, or professors that can address your ability to succeed in Graduate School. You will provide names and e-mail addresses during the online application process and the online system will e-mail them a submission link.
- GRE Scores are not required, but are recommended.
- International Students: International Study Applicants should provide TOEFL scores with their application forms.
- A $50 application fee is required for U.S. citizens and residents, or $75 for international applicants.
- Statement of Objectives: State your academic objectives, giving specific reasons for the selection of your field of study, contemplated research areas, and professional plans. Most statements are three to four paragraphs in length. The objectives allow faculty to:
Faculty Contact
Dr. Dana Vanlandingham Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology
College of Veterinary Medicine
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas 66506
Office: 1041 Pat Roberts Hall
Phone: 785-532-1333
Email: dlvanlan@vet.k-state.edu
Staff Contact
Natalia Costa Ball
Research Assistant Professor
Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas 66506
Office: 1041 Pat Roberts Hall
Phone: 785-532-1333
Email: nataliacball@bri.ksu.edu
More information can be found at: