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Introduction to Marine and Antarctic Science B unit (KSA102)

Location: Hobart, Online

Hobart based students are encouraged to enroll internally (face-to-face). Online students should be advised that the 1-hour tutorials in this unit are a synchronous activity.  They must attend via Zoom at one of the multiple available times of the tutorials. At least one online tutorial will be outside of normal business hours to help students that work full time.   

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

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

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 4/7/2027 26/7/2027 29/8/2027 23/10/2027

* 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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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. 
AssessmentWeekly quizzes (15%)|Final Exam (20%)|Tutorial and Workshop (20%)|New Research Horizons report (22.5%)|Scientific Poster Presentation (22.5%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Please see MyLO

Recommended

Please see MyLO

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