This is a quota restricted field-based unit. It requires students to be available from 30 November until 8 December 2026, inclusive.
Whilst enrolment priority is given to those completing the unit as a core requirement of the Ecology major, students wanting to complete this unit as an elective may also be considered where pre-requisites have been met, and where numbers allow.
Please access this form for more information and to submit your application for enrolment in KPZ301 Tasmanian Field Ecology in the Spring semester of 2026.
Introduction
In this unit, you will experience the major natural ecological communities in Tasmania and the key processes shaping them. You will be introduced to the diversity of organisms found in environments from near sea level moorlands to exposed alpine heaths, from rich basalt soil to ancient, weathered quartzite, and from sites ravaged by clear felling and burning to ancient cool, temperate rainforest. The first five days of the course are based in the spectacular National Parks of Central and Western Tasmania, including a strenuous walk along the Tarn Shelf, over Newdegate Pass & back along the Rodway Range. Students who are not physically fit must seek the advice of the unit coordinator before enrolling. Alternative fields sites may be used at short notice, subject to availability and/or access to field sites. The second part of the course uses three days of field studies and some laboratory-based work to introduce demographic techniques, conservation strategies & practice.
Summary
| Unit name | Tasmanian Field Ecology |
| Unit code | KPZ301 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Biological Sciences |
| Coordinator | Professor Mark Hovenden |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Differentiate the major types of ecological communities found in Tasmania
- Accurately identify many Tasmanian species
- Explain the ecological factors affecting species distributions, including the role of climatic, edaphic, topographic and disturbance factors
- Assess a community via analysis of field observations and data collected in the field
- Communicate effectively in a range of formats
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KPZ211 Population and Community Ecology OR KPA214 Plants in Action OR KPA210 Plants of Tasmania OR KPZ313 Plants of TasmaniaTeaching
| Teaching Pattern | Monday 30 November to Tuesday 8 December, inclusive; informal lectures through unit and 8 days of field work |
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| Assessment | Portfolio (10%)|Public Communication (20%)|Report (20%)|Field notes / Report (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. |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.