Courses & Units
Birds and Mammals of the Southern Ocean KSA723
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
| Unit name | Birds and Mammals of the Southern Ocean |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KSA723 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies |
| Discipline | Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Coordinator | Professor Mary-Anne Lea |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Availability
This unit is currently unavailable.
Note
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* 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 (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2023 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2023 will be available from the 1st October 2022. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and ideas relating to conservation and management of birds and mammals in the Southern Ocean
- Understand trophic structure of the Southern Ocean ecosystem
- Appreciate contemporary research objectives in Southern Ocean science
- Develop and consolidate skills in written and oral scientific communication appropriate to scientific discourse
- Learn field skills in animal identification, behavioural observation and census techniques
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| not applicable |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
KSM723Teaching
| Assessment | Critical paper review and research proposal (15%)|Field identification of Southern Ocean birds and mammals (15%)|Short oral presentation (15%)|Lecture quiz (20%)|Research project report (35%) |
|---|---|
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.