Courses & Units
Structure and Function of Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems QMS514
Start and finish dates may change subject to staff availability, refer to the QMS website for further details. http://www.imas.utas.edu.au/qms/qms-unit-information
QMS units are designed for postgraduate students with a strong background in quantitative analysis, mathematics, physics and chemistry.
Introduction
The unit covers the structure, functioning and dynamics of marine ecosystems through a modelling approach. This knowledge of and approach to studying marine ecosystems is fundamental to informed management of marine natural resources, marine conservation, and assessment of the health, functioning and sustainability of marine systems. The unit will emphasise why modelling of marine ecosystems is important, and the challenges and limitations involved. The unit will cover trophic structure, flows of materials and energy, techniques to simplify ecosystem models, how to obtain suitable data for models, spatial considerations in ecosystem dynamics, optimum complexity in ecosystem models, and the importance of modelling the way in which humans interact with biophysical systems. A range of model formalisms and means of analyzing them will be introduced, including qualitative and quantitative network models, trophodynamic biomass, size-structured models, individual and agent-based models, with consideration of physical, biogeochemical and socio-economic processes. Strengths and limitations of each will be discussed. Students will be introduced to a variety of software packages for developing their modelling skills.
Summary
| Unit name | Structure and Function of Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems |
|---|---|
| Unit code | QMS514 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies |
| Discipline | Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Coordinator | Professor Julia Blanchard |
| Delivered By | |
| 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
- Explain how modelling is used to investigate marine and Antarctic ecosystem dynamics.
- Apply models to explore marine and Antarctic ecosystem change
- Describe the strengths and limitations of ecosystem and food web models
| 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.
Teaching
| Assessment | Qualitative Analysis (30%)|Ecopath (35%)|Mizer (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 |
|---|
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