Hobart
This unit has been discontinued.
Students participating in this unit are required to pay a levy of $300 per student to cover field costs.
This unit combined with KSM302 is subject to a quota of 24.
Introduction
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. The history of exploitation of the large whales in particular, is likely to be a major factor in the way this system functions today, and how it may respond to future environmental challenges. In this unit we explore the diversity of birds and mammals in the Southern Ocean, including their taxonomy, physiology and biogeography. We also investigate the important role that these animals play in the marine ecosystem and how physical oceanography and ocean productivity influences their distribution, feeding and reproductive biology. The course has particular emphasis on the conservation and management of seabirds and marine mammals, examining current issues such as fisheries by-catch, the potential for competition with fisheries and the current whaling controversy.
We are fortunate in having a range of internationally renowned Southern Ocean biologists in Hobart, and a key premise of this course is to ensure that you are given the most up to date information on each subject as possible. To this end we will draw on this expertise in both the practical and lecture components of course, and you will have a chance to interact with scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division, CSIRO and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.
Summary 2020
Unit name | Birds and Mammals of the Southern Ocean |
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Unit code | KSA723 |
Credit points | 12.5 |
Faculty/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies |
Discipline | Ecology and Biodiversity |
Coordinator | Mary-Anne Lea |
Teaching staff | Mark Hindell |
Level | Postgraduate |
Available as student elective? | Yes |
Breadth Unit? | No |
Availability
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Special approval is required for enrolment into TNE Program units.
TNE Program units special approval requirements.
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (see withdrawal dates explained for more information).
Fees
Requisites
Teaching
Teaching Pattern | 15 days intensive, with 20 lectures and a 5-day field course to Bruny Island in week 2. Several assignments will be due in post-course dates. |
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Assessment | Essay (2500 words) 35%;quizzes 10%; major practical report 35%; oral presentation 20%. Several assignments will be due in post-course dates. |
Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
Required | |
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Recommended |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.