Courses & Units
Marine Ecology KSM308
There is a Field excursion for this unit a week before Semester 1 begins. Enrolments close on Monday 6 February, 2023.
Introduction
In Marine Ecology you will learn about the fundamental features and processes of marine systems. The influence of physical processes on the ecology of marine organisms is highlighted. The following themes are developed: influences of physical variables at a range of scales on communities and productivity; ecology of feeding and predator–prey interactions of plankton and fish; the dynamics of estuaries; the ecology of flow; structuring forces of benthic communities and macroalgal habitats; biogeography of the sea; invasions by introduced species; marine conservation. Practical classes include fieldwork and the design of field programs. The major part of the practical component is a high-level research project conducted during a six-day field trip to Maria Island off the east coast of Tasmania. This incurs an extra charge to students. Students would find Quantitative Methods, Antarctic Ecology, Aquatic Botany and Introduction to Oceanography particularly useful additional units. The course is coordinated by A/Prof Jeff Wright (Rm 109A, Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, IMAS Waterfront Building, Ext 6965), and you should see him if you have any questions about the general running of the unit.
Summary
| Unit name | Marine Ecology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KSM308 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies |
| Discipline | Ecology and Biodiversity|Fisheries and Aquaculture |
| Coordinator | Doctor Rick Stuart-Smith |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Feb | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
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.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Week Session Feb | 5/2/2024 | 22/3/2024 | 15/4/2024 | 2/6/2024 |
* 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 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- be familiar with how physical ocean processes (from small- to large-scale) influence the horizontal and vertical structuring of marine ecosystems
- understand the dynamics of pelagic communities and the drivers of primary and secondary productivity
- be familiar with the range of factors that influence the structure and dynamics of temperate reef communities
- understand the major drivers of estuarine dynamics including the influence of anthropogenic activities
- understand the major conservation issues facing the marine environment at a global scale
- have developed skills for the design, execution and analysis of a major field project
- be practiced in written and oral communication of science
Fee Information
The 2024 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the domestic fee information as soon as we have more details.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KSM202 OR KZA211 OR KPZ211 OR KZA212 OR KPA215 OR KPZ215Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2x1-hr lectures each week, 3-hr practicals in weeks 2-5; a Field excursion to Maria Island in the week before Semester 1 begins |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Essay (10%)|Seminar (10%)|Major practical report from Maria Island (30%)|Final Exam (50%) |
| 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.