Go to Courses and units

Tasmanian Field Ecology unit (KPZ301)

eStudent Enquire

Unit year 2026

View 2025 unit information

View previous years unit information

Quick Help

2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Hobart

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

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Spring This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Term 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic 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
Spring 1/11/2026 16/11/2026 2/12/2026 2/1/2027
Term 1 1/2/2026 16/2/2026 11/3/2026 18/4/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
010905 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $3,575.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

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 UniConnect 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.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KPZ211 Population and Community Ecology OR KPA214 Plants in Action OR KPA210 Plants of Tasmania OR KPZ313 Plants of Tasmania

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Monday 30 November to Tuesday 8 December, inclusive; informal lectures through unit and 8 days of field work

AssessmentPortfolio (10%)|Public Communication (20%)|Report (20%)|Field notes / Report (50%)
TimetableView 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.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.