Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science (S6Z)

Overview  2021

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Years, up to a maximum of 3 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2

Commonwealth Supported places available

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Years
Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2

Tasmania is so beautiful, The environment here is really good. Nice people, nice place to study. It’s really quiet, really peaceful.

Audrey Daning Turzan – Marine and Antarctic Science student
Due to the ongoing response to COVID-19, online study may replace some or all of your on-campus classes. We'll be sure to keep you informed of any changes.

As a gateway to Antarctica and with a natural marine laboratory on your doorstep, the University of Tasmania provides an ideal base to study for a career in marine biology and the fisheries and aquaculture industries.

Our Graduate Diploma in Marine and Antarctic Science provides you with a solid coursework grounding in your chosen area of specialisation, and provides a pathway to move onto our Master of Marine and Antarctic Science.

This unique program combines marine science with a focus on the southern ocean and Antarctica. You’ll have access to industry-leading facilities at the Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and internationally recognised experts to help you kick-start your career.

The Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science provides:

  • Practical skills alongside theoretical studies to broaden your experience and give you the edge when it comes to employment
  • More than lectures, labs and tutorials with study trip units that take learning to the Southern Ocean and into Australia's largest fisheries, aquaculture and seafood industries
  • Contacts, work experience and research links in Australia's largest fisheries and aquaculture industries (based in Tasmania)
  • Access to our international partner organisations and internationally recognised marine science organisations based in Tasmania

You'll have the choice to study one of the following three streams: Marine Biology, Fisheries Management or Sustainable Aquaculture.

The course provides specialist coursework streams for students to pursue in-depth learning in a particular area of marine science. This is supported with two subjects all students undertake in research methodology.

This course provides students with in-depth knowledge in their chosen area of coursework through a focus on both the quantitative elements of marine and Antarctic science as well as the application and translation of science into industry practice and management.

The skills gained will assist graduates in contributing to world issues such as seafood production and security, climate change and marine stewardship.

Graduates can choose to continue their study and articulate into the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science, and pursue research in IMAS' key research areas of oceanography and cryosphere, fisheries and aquaculture, ecology and biodiversity, climate change, oceans and Antarctic governance and ocean-earth systems.

Your university learning experience goes beyond lectures, labs and tutorials.

IMAS has strong relationships with international experts and industry-leading facilities including the Australian Antarctic Division, CSIRO, CCAMLR and Institut Polaire plus, as the only university in Tasmania, we have prime access to the broad range of fisheries and aquaculture businesses in the State.

During your study, you'll gain hands-on experience in field research techniques and laboratory methods as a large number of the units in this degree include field trips to marine reserves, fishing expeditions or visits to commercial aquaculture businesses throughout Tasmania.

Career outcomes

The University's Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS) provides our students with access to some of the world's leading research facilities giving you the best career foundation.

With an annual value to Australia of approximately $40 billion and growing, graduates from the University of Tasmania are highly sought-after in a range of fields. The commercial fishing and aquaculture industry directly employs 7000 people in Australia and Tasmania is the country's largest commercial operator in this area.

We have graduates working across the world in a variety of positions and organisations.

Career opportunities (dependent on field of study)
  • Scientific Officer
  • Coastal Community Engagement Officer
  • Federal or State Government advisor (policy / environment)
  • Antarctic Researcher – Australian Antarctic Division
  • Marine Park Manager
  • Commercial Diver
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Marine Biologist
  • Australian Customs
  • Fish Health Officer / Fisheries Biologist
  • Aquarium Manager
  • Aquaculturist / aquaculture entrepreneur
  • Aquaculture farm manager
  • Ice Core Chemist
  • Climatologist
  • Glaciologist
  • Hatchery Technician
  • Fisheries Management Officer
  • Fishery Stock Assessment
  • Quota Licensing Officer
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Quality Assessment Technician
  • Researcher or University Lecturer
Further Study Opportunities

Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma in Marine and Antarctic Science, students can articulate into the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science.

The masters program provides a clear pathway for students who are interested in undertaking a research higher degree such as a PhD in their specialist area. IMAS is the perfect place to undertake further study, with supervisors who are international experts with global connections.

Course structure

All students undertake two core research units (Research Methods in Marine and Antarctic Science and Literature Review) and choose a stream from: Marine Biology, Fisheries Management or Sustainable Aquaculture and undertake six specialist units.

Core units:

Note:  KSA405 needs to be completed before KSA702

This unit will equip students with skills necessary to join the scientific technical workforce or undertake a research project at the Honours or Masters level. It will include a range of skills such as: scientific communication (writing, presentation, stakeholder engagement…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit is a literature review that supports a student subsequently doing a research project. The student will use the scientific literature to write a review that includes: relevant background on the research topic; good coverage of important literature and…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

  

Specialist Stream (Choose One)

The unit will introduce to the student to the factors that influence the design of a range of commercial fishing gears and methods as well as the fishing vessels that are required for their effective operation to produce high-quality seafood.…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Environmental scientists increasingly need to deal with complex and large quantitative data sets collected from a variety of sources (i.e. remote sensing, moored instrumentation arrays and autonomous vehicles). As a result, computational and data analysis skills are highly desirable and…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit provides students with a detailed understanding of fisheries biology and population dynamics. Biological concepts include how morphology, behaviour, habitat preferences and life history strategies affect the exploitation of fisheries taxa. The unit also covers the logistical and quantitative…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit presents the fundamental building blocks of marine resource economics and the key objectives and components of major economic theories of marine resource management. Students will gain knowledge in basic resource economic theory as well knowledge of the economic…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Fisheries assessment is a critical component of monitoring and managing fishery harvests. This advanced unit provides students with a detailed understanding of the quantitative techniques employed in the assessment of fished stocks. The unit covers fishery dependent and fishery independent…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This advanced unit provides the student with the opportunity to apply strategic management and planning processes to a fisheries case-study. On the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to critically appraise issues for the management of a…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the practical and theoretical concepts involved in the production of current and future commercially important aquatic species (including molluscs, crustaceans and finfish). Students will be able to relate the biology of culture species…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit exposes students to a detailed examination of the physiology of aquatic organisms, with an emphasis on fish and crustaceans. Development, growth, respiration, osmoregulation excretion, reproduction, endocrinology and sensory physiology are discussed in relation to the effects of natural…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit provides students with understanding of aquatic animal health issues. Disease diagnosis and treatment are discussed with the main emphasis placed on health management. Host, environment and pathogen relationships are examined. The unit covers immunology of aquatic animals. Problem-solving…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit provides an overview of aquaculture recirculation, cage, pond, tank and raceway systems and their associated technologies such as aeration, water conditioning, biofiltration, fish pumps, graders, counters, feeding systems etc both in Australia and overseas; specifically their working principles,…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit will integrate knowledge about larval and early life history biology with the practices and processes that underpin hatchery operations for algal, molluscan, crustacean and finfish production. This unit will expose students to a range of practices across key…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

The unit provides students with a detailed understanding of aquatic animal feeds and nutrition from selection of ingredients to the impact of feeds on product quality. The relationships between nutrition and farming practice, feed formulation, physiology and biochemistry of aquatic…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

NOTE: Not available in 2020

     

This unit provides an overview to the underlying concepts of globalisation and globalism, specifically focussing on the pre-requisites of, requirements for and impediments to global trade.The syllabus includes understanding the concepts of globalism and globalisation, trade networks and market access,…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This unit introduces students to the principals of new product development and innovative technologies as applied to seafood. Students will learn about the utilisation of the catch/harvest and seafood by-products. They will be able to apply product development principles and…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This unit gives students a sound understanding of seafood processing and handling methods. Students will learn wet processing methods, high and low temperature preservation techniques, sashimi handling, MAP, Sous Vide as well as new and traditional preservation methods including smoking,…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This unit outlines quality assurance systems and the sensory and non-sensory evaluation of seafood. Topics will include key attributes of a quality system, system requirements, product attributes and measurement. The strengths and weaknesses of some quality systems will be reviewed…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Traditional approaches to food safety assurance are failing to keep up with the modern food industry. In response, and to harmonise international trade in food, food safety management is moving to a "risk-based approach that relies strongly on synthesis of…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Managing food safety hazards in supply chains is an increasingly important aspect of food systems, especially as they become more global. Risk management policies are moving from a prescriptive-basis, to ones focused on quantitative science-based outcomes, such as Food Safety…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

75 credit points from:

This unit introduces the latest approaches and innovative technologies used in polar marine phytoplankton. After a review of current methodologies and techniques, the theory and application of Electron Microscopy, Microelectrodes, Fast Repetition Rate Fluorometers, Pulse Amplitude Fluorometers, HPLC pigment analysis,…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit covers aspects of acoustic, radio and satellite telemetry along with archival tag technology. Specific examples will be drawn from satellite tracking of marine mammals, fish, sharks and birds in coastal Tasmania and the Southern Ocean. Acoustic telemetry will…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
Hobart5 Week Session Aug

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit explores the suite of molecular tools available to biologists and how they can be applied to questions concerning the biology, ecology, diversity, phylogeography and evolution of marine organisms. Topics covered include theory and practice of key molecular tools…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

The unit covers aspects of Antarctic and marine zooplankton including biodiversity, life cycles, physiology, spatial/temporal ecology and climate change issues. Practicals will involve laboratory identification and investigation techniques, and literature investigations of marine zooplankton research. Individual mini projects will be…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
Hobart11 Week Session Apr

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

The Southern Ocean encompasses all the waters from Australia to the Antarctic continent, and is home to a diverse range of seabirds and marine mammals. These animals play a significant role in marine ecosystems in southern Australia and the Antarctic.…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

The 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 will have the opportunity to attend two one day fields trips…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

The unit provides an overview and instruction in a broad range of topics related to the marine and Antarctic environments. In IMAS, study and research are both discipline-based and multi-disciplinary—the latter reflecting the true nature of collaboration and cooperation in…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
Hobart5 Week Session Mar

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit provides hands-on experience of field bio-telemetry in the Galapagos Islands, which is linked to ongoing collaborative research. Students will learn best practice ethical standards, along with multiple bio-telemetry deployment, retrieval and analysis methods that are suitable for a…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

75 credit points from

• There are currently many environmental and social problems confronting current and future generations• To address some of these issues there needs to be a focus on issues relating to sustainable development• Moves towards sustainable development and sustainability require relevant…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Unit Aim: To provide the student with the principles and practices necessary for the planning and management of marine protected areas. Within this unit students will study protected area management from a regulator’s perspective, covering the following broad concepts: 1.…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

The Southern Ocean encompasses all the waters from Australia to the Antarctic continent, and is home to a diverse range of seabirds and marine mammals. These animals play a significant role in marine ecosystems in southern Australia and the Antarctic.…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

The unit provides an overview and instruction in a broad range of topics related to the marine and Antarctic environments. In IMAS, study and research are both discipline-based and multi-disciplinary—the latter reflecting the true nature of collaboration and cooperation in…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
Hobart5 Week Session Mar

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

The Practicum provides students with an opportunity to gain the practical skills and deeper insight into the real world of environmental governance, such as by engaging in critical problem solving, testing of theoretical concepts, and collaborative learning in a teamwork…

Credit Points: 25

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2
HobartSummer school
HobartWinter school

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

The unit explores environmental governance in the context of areas of global concern and shared management – focusing on the polar regions, the oceans and the global climate. The concepts of sustainable development and the global commons are crucial ideas…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
Hobart5 Week Session Sep

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This course explores the legal and policy context in which some of Australia's most challenging environmental controversies arise. It introduces students to the framework for national and international environmental regulation using a range of topical issues and case studies. In…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

x…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to study the Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science you will need an Australian Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent qualification at a recognised tertiary institution with a major in life sciences (such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, zoology, plant science, marine biology, ecology etc).

International Students

All international applicants will need to meet the International General Entrance Requirements.

For those applicants who are nationals of and currently residing in a country where English is NOT the official language, evidence of an IELTS or TOEFL test must be provided. The Master of Marine and Antarctic Science requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0)

You will also need to meet any course specific requirements with recognised qualifications, or equivalent experience. More information is available at the international future students website.

Credit for appropriate equivalent studies completed in other university courses may be granted. You can apply for advanced standing as part of the application process.

Please contact us for further information.

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science can articulate into the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science with one year credit.

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): $37,950 AUD*.

Course cost based on a rate of $37,950 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

Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability.

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

Applications for most awards that commence in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.

International students

There is a large range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit the Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS) 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
Email
Course.Info@utas.edu.au
Online
Online enquiries

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