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 2021
| Unit name | Structure and Function of Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems |
|---|---|
| Unit code | QMS514 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| Faculty/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies |
| Discipline | Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Coordinator | Dr Julia Blanchard |
| Teaching staff | Dr Julia Blanchard, Dr Beth Fulton (CSIRO), Dr Jeff Dambacher (CSIRO), Dr Rich Little (CSIRO), other University staff and external lecturers |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Available as student elective? | No |
| 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).
Fees
Requisites
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 1 week intensive course (5 days) consisting of lectures and tutorial classes. There will be 15 hours of lectures and tutorials, and ~20 hours of tutorial classes. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Assessment is based on 3 reports extending from exercises in laboratory classes (33.3% each). |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required | Information about any textbook requirements will be available from mid November. |
|---|---|
| Recommended |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.