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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 5 Week Session Feb B | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
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.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Week Session Feb B | 5/2/2024 | 6/2/2024 | 7/2/2024 | 9/2/2024 |
* 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
- Investigate marine and Antarctic ecosystem dynamics by analysing models.
- Explore marine and Antarctic ecosystem change using a range of models and practices.
- Appraise ecosystem and food web models by analysing strengths and limitations.
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.
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 |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.