KSM101 is taught as a 7-week unit. For the 11 Week April session all online content and tutorials will be available from 5 April 2021. For the Semester 2 offering the content will be available from 12 July 2021, with a final exam in mid-September (date to be advised).
Introduction
Seventy percent of the planet is covered by ocean. This unit introduces students to Planet Ocean through four modules, covering key topics on marine life and the ecology of temperate and high latitude marine ecosystems (Module 1); the ocean system as interactions between physical, chemical, geological and ecological features (Module 2); the role of the oceans in climate change and how climate change affects ocean life and ocean processes (Module 3); and finishes up by considering the responsibilities of humans in the stewardship of the oceans; how human activity impacts the oceans and the challenges and approaches to ocean stewardship (Module 4). We cover the origins of life in the oceans, iconic and ‘weird’ marine life, ‘a day in the life’ of an oceanographer, and a number of topics highly relevant to modern society including technologies for ocean science, responding to climate change, threatened species, and sustainable management of marine resources including fisheries.
**KSM101 is taught as a 7-week unit. For the 16 Week April session all online content and tutorials will be available from 5 April 2021. For the Semester 2 offering the content will be available from 12 July 2021, with a final exam mid-September (date to be advised).**
Summary 2021
| Unit name | A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KSM101 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| Faculty/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies |
| Discipline | Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Coordinator | Scott Ling |
| Level | Introductory |
| 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).
Learning Outcomes
1. | Explain the diversity of marine life, with a focus on temperate/Antarctic ecosystems, and to recognise the values of marine ecosystems and the threats to them. |
2. | Summarise the ocean as a driver of the Earth's system and explain some of the scientific tools and methods used to measure characteristics of the ocean. |
3. | Identify key stressors on the ocean and assess the evidence for drivers of climate change. |
4. | Outline approaches to sustainable management of the ocean to retain its critical values and functioning in the Anthropocene. |
Fees
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit is offered fully online. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | ATT1. Test or quiz (20%) ATT2. Discussion posts (online) (5%) ATT3. Critique (15%) ATT4. Essay 1000 Words (30%) ATT5. Examination (30%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required | None |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.