Overview 2021
Location
- What is an ATAR
- CRICOS: 092245F
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
Note: this degree is part of a 2+2 agreement for international students. Domestic students should look at the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Studies (P3L).
Learning Outcomes
Within the context of the marine and Antarctic environments, graduates of the BMarAntSci (PhysOcean) (Hons) will:
- Have a broad and coherent knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts of physical oceanography.
- Have the cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise their knowledge of physical oceanography.
- Be able to communicate a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas relevant to physical oceanography.
- Have gained experience of literature research methods and tools, data collection and analysis, and field and/or laboratory techniques relevant to physical oceanography.
- Gained sufficient research and/or technical skills to allow them to complete a research study in physical oceanography.
- Have the ability to plan and conduct a research project investigating a defined problem within the field of physical oceanography.
- Be able to communicate research concepts and findings in a logical manner, in a variety of written and oral forms commonly used by professionals.
Career outcomes
Physical Oceanography
Professional Recognition
Nil, at present. IMAS may seek accreditation from the Institute for Marine Engineers, Scientists and Technologists in the future.
Course structure
The course structure consists of majors in Physical Oceanography and Mathematics, and a minor in Physics. In Year 4, students will undertake one of two pathways, depending upon their GPA:
- Group Project (for students passing all units in Year 3 and attaining a GPA <5.0)
- Individual Project (for students passing all units in Year 3 and attaining a GPA of ≥5.0)
Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science (Specialisation) with Honours
Schedule: Physical Oceanography Specialisation
Physical Oceanography Major
KSA101 will provide a background to the science and management of the seas with focus on Antarctic and Southern Ocean. On the completion of this unit, students will demonstrate a knowledge and comprehension of the contemporary issues facing Antarctic, marine…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KSA101 Introduction to Marine and Antarctic Science A
This unit introduces students to the science disciplines underpinning the study of marine and Antarctic environments and the application of science to solve problems in marine and Antarctic disciplines. It provides the foundational skills and knowledge for students in the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KSA102 Introduction to Marine and Antarctic Science B
The purpose of the unit is to provide students with an introduction to the oceans, its environments and how they function, including a history of oceanography and its early development; basic properties of the oceans; physical processes of the ocean…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
The physical and living aspects of the global environment interact to produce the extraordinary variety of landscapes, ecosystems and species that occupy this planet. This unit highlights the interplay and conservation of controlling processes so that they continue to maintain…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
In Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems you will be introduced to coastal and open ocean ecosystems from the tropics to the poles, covering water-column and benthic communities including reefs and the deep sea. The unit will cover the fundamental processes of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Human induced climate change is arguably the most serious problem currently facing our planet. Detection and attribution of human induced climate change requires an understanding of the mechanisms of natural climate variability as well as trends in climate. Earth's climate…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit provides a more advanced course in oceanography, focused on biogeochemical and physical oceanography, and marine geoscience. It builds on the material presented in KSA205 Introduction to Oceanography. The biogeochemical oceanography part covers mechanisms involved in the carbon cycle…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Oceanographic Methods (KSA724) - Courses & Units - University of Tasmania, AustraliaThe goal of the unit is to introduce students to research at sea and provide hands-on exposure to standard methods and data in physical, chemical and biological oceanography. Students…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit provides an introduction to the geophysical fluid dynamics governing the ocean circulations with emphasis on the large-scale ocean circulation. The unit will give an overview of the structure and dynamics of the major ocean current systems that contribute…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Mathematics Major
Provides fundamental tools of one variable calculus that are essential in the application of mathematics in science, engineering and economics. Review of basic functions. Algebraic and order properties of the real number system. Limits and continuity of functions of a…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
KMA154 is a continuation of KMA152, with emphasis on the application of single-variable calculus to problems in the mathematical, physical, and biological sciences; economics; and engineering.Topics include: introductory linear and matrix algebra; solving systems of linear equations using Gaussian elimination…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit extends concepts from single variable calculus (KMA152 and KMA154) into the domain of several variables. Particular attention is given to the 3 dimensional Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinate systems. Topics include the analysis of general surfaces, quadric surfaces…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Covers use of calculus and applied linear algebra in solving problems that arise in the modelling of real-world situations in biology, physics, chemistry and engineering. Introduction to phenomena that involve continuous change with time; dynamical systems. Linear and non-linear differential…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KMA254 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
In today's world, the prevalent use of technology and automation have resulted in an explosion in the quantity of data, often referred to as "big data", accumulated by business and by researchers. Data warehouses have been used to set up…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Fundamental numerical processes for obtaining approximate but useful solutions to mathematical models. Topics include: errors in computations; solution of linear and non-linear equations arising from problems in the physical and biological sciences, commerce and engineering; approximation of functions; numerical integration…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Data Handling and Statistics 3 is the third applied statistics units offered by the School of Natural Sciences (Mathematics). It provides an extension of the concepts, methods and tools introduced in KMA253. It is a 'hands-on' course in which the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Introduction to partial differential equations that arise in applied mathematics, physics, biological science, commerce, and engineering. First-order PDEs: the linear wave equation, method of characteristics, traffic flow models, wave breaking, and shocks. Second-order PDEs: Classification of PDEs and characteristic curves;…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KMA354 Partial Differential Equations, Applications and Methods 3
Provides grounding in theoretical physics, for students interested in doing Honours in Theoretical Physics or Applied Mathematics. Topics covered include: Introduction to the state of stress in a continuum. Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions of motion. Conservation laws for mass and…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Physics Minor
Dynamics, special relativity, electromagnetism and electrical circuits are studied in depth. Topics in dynamics include vectors, Newton's Laws, energy and momentum conservation, friction, rotational motion and torque. Special relativity covers time dilation, length contraction, Lorentz position and velocity transforms, relativistic…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The unit is designed for students who expect to major in physics, as well as for those who will major in other physical sciences, mathematics and computer science. Physics from the fields of: atomic physics, oscillatory phenomena, properties of matter,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Waves topics include oscillatory systems, the wave equation for vibrating wires, acoustic waves, electrical waves in coaxial cables or transmission lines. The Schrodinger wave equation and Fourier techniques for wave analysis will also be studied. Kinetic theory topics include molecular…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit is designed to extend the knowledge of statistical data analysis. It builds on the concepts of regression and ANOVA introduced in Data Handling & Statistics 1 and introduces analyses using multiple explanatory variables, mixed-effects models and generalized linear…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Additional Requirements
Additional Advanced Units: Stream 1 Group Project
Geodesy is the study of the Earth's dynamic shape, size and gravitational field. Modern space geodetic observations underpin not only our ability to determine precise location on Earth and in orbit, but a broad number of scientific fields that address…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KGG307 Geodesy: Observing Our Changing Planet
The unit is designed to develop knowledge and skills in research oriented towards marine science. Students will be taught how to work collaboratively in groups and then will prepare a research plan, present an introductory seminar, then conduct a group…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Summer school | ||||
View all details for KSM428 Marine and Antarctic Research Project (Part 1 of 2)
The unit is designed to develop knowledge and skills in research oriented towards marine science. Students will be taught how to work collaboratively in groups and then will prepare a research plan, present an introductory seminar, then conduct a group…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KSM429 Marine and Antarctic Research Project (Part 2 of 2)
Quantitative skills are fundamental to many areas of biology and ecology. With massive increases in the availability of ecological and other kinds of biological data, skill in developing models to describe and understand relationships in data and extrapolate beyond existing…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Introduction to partial differential equations that arise in applied mathematics, physics, biological science, commerce, and engineering. First-order PDEs: the linear wave equation, method of characteristics, traffic flow models, wave breaking, and shocks. Second-order PDEs: Classification of PDEs and characteristic curves;…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KMA354 Partial Differential Equations, Applications and Methods 3
Provides grounding in theoretical physics, for students interested in doing Honours in Theoretical Physics or Applied Mathematics. Topics covered include: Introduction to the state of stress in a continuum. Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions of motion. Conservation laws for mass and…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Additional Advanced Units: Stream 2 Individual Research Project
Geodesy is the study of the Earth's dynamic shape, size and gravitational field. Modern space geodetic observations underpin not only our ability to determine precise location on Earth and in orbit, but a broad number of scientific fields that address…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KGG307 Geodesy: Observing Our Changing Planet
The program is designed to develop knowledge and skills in research oriented towards physical oceanography, beyond those gained in undergraduate courses. Students will first complete a literature review, prepare a research plan and proposal, and present an introductory seminar, then…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Summer school | ||||
View all details for KSM405 Physical Oceanography Honours (Part 1 of 4)
The program is designed to develop knowledge and skills in research oriented towards physical oceanography, beyond those gained in undergraduate courses. Students will first complete a literature review, prepare a research plan and proposal, and present an introductory seminar, then…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Summer school | ||||
View all details for KSM406 Physical Oceanography Honours (Part 2 of 4)
The program is designed to develop knowledge and skills in research oriented towards physical oceanography, beyond those gained in undergraduate courses. Students will first complete a literature review, prepare a research plan and proposal, and present an introductory seminar, then…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Summer school | ||||
View all details for KSM407 Physical Oceanography Honours (Part 3 of 4)
The program is designed to develop knowledge and skills in research oriented towards physical oceanography, beyond those gained in undergraduate courses. Students will first complete a literature review, prepare a research plan and proposal, and present an introductory seminar, then…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Summer school | ||||
View all details for KSM408 Physical Oceanography Honours (Part 4 of 4)
Introduction to partial differential equations that arise in applied mathematics, physics, biological science, commerce, and engineering. First-order PDEs: the linear wave equation, method of characteristics, traffic flow models, wave breaking, and shocks. Second-order PDEs: Classification of PDEs and characteristic curves;…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KMA354 Partial Differential Equations, Applications and Methods 3
Provides grounding in theoretical physics, for students interested in doing Honours in Theoretical Physics or Applied Mathematics. Topics covered include: Introduction to the state of stress in a continuum. Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions of motion. Conservation laws for mass and…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
Physical Oceanography
Minimum university entrance requirements plus pre-tertiary studies in Mathematics (MTM415117 or MTS415114, or equivalent) and Physics (PHY415115 or equivalent).
For who are nationals of and currently residing in a country where English is NOT the official language, English language requirements of IELTS (Academic) of 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5), or equivalent, is required.
Articulation from
Ocean University China
Articulation to
All graduates of the BMarAntSc(PhysOcean) honours degree will be eligible to apply for entry to a research a research higher degree (Masters or PhD) at IMAS.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $143,097 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $33,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries