Introduction to Marine and Antarctic Science B unit (KSA102)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces students to the science disciplines underpinning the study of marine and Antarctic environments and the application of science to solve problems in marine and Antarctic disciplines. It provides the foundational skills and knowledge for students in the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science for specialised study in years 2 and 3.

Topics that are covered include: 

•an understanding of Gondwana and geology of Antarctica, sub-Antarctic islands and the surrounding ocean;

•ice and climate studies;

•the physical and chemical nature of the Southern Ocean;

•the terrestrial and marine environment of the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and cool temperate areas, including flora and fauna of these regions; 

•the impact of humans on marine and Antarctic environments, including the study of global climate change.

The students will benefit from seminars delivered by experts in their field, including guest lecturers, and further develop their understanding through in-class tutorials and practicals.

Summary

Unit name	Introduction to Marine and Antarctic Science B
Unit code	KSA102
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity|Oceans Ice and Climate
Coordinator	Doctor Pier van der Merwe
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	05/07/2027	27/07/2027	30/08/2027	24/10/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify oceanographic process influencing spatial and temporal productivity in estuarine, coastal, open ocean and ice-covered environments.
• Explain the effect of southern high-latitude regions on the Earth’s climate, oceans and weather.
• Describe the role of ocean physics, chemistry, biology and geology through their connectivity in the natural system.
• Explain the critical components of food webs in (sub) tropical, temperate, sub-Antarctic and Antarctic marine ecosystems.
• Explain how marine organisms respond to natural and human-mediated environmental change.

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
050999	$1,235.00	$1,235.00	not applicable

• 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.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	3 hours of seminars per week 1 hour tutorial per week 1 hour of tutorial preparation, including a quiz, per week. Students are expected to attend all live tutorial sessions (in-person or online). Students are encouraged to attend all live seminar sessions to benefit from the interaction, polling and question time.
Assessment	Weekly quizzes (15%)|Final Exam (20%)|Tutorial and Workshop (20%)|New Research Horizons report (22.5%)|Scientific Poster Presentation (22.5%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Please see MyLO
Recommended	Please see MyLO

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