Introduction to Oceanography unit (KSA205)

Hobart

Introduction

In this unit you will receive an introduction to oceanography- the interdisciplinary science of the oceans. You will learn about the physics of the ocean, including the forces that drive the movement of water and aspects important to the coastal oceans including tides and estuaries; the biogeochemistry of the ocean including the role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle and the factors that regulate the productivity of marine ecosystems; the geology of the oceans including the formation and morphology of the seafloor, and the study of marine sediments to uncover past ocean history; and finally, the various ways these disciplines interact in the ocean and how the ocean interacts with climate. By participating in computer-based practicals, wet labs and a field trip you will gain skills in scientific programming, data visualisation, and methods of seawater analysis. This unit will prepare you for more advanced units in oceanography and climate science and provides foundational knowledge useful for many careers in marine, environmental and climate science.

Summary

Unit name	Introduction to Oceanography
Unit code	KSA205
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Oceans Ice and Climate
Coordinator	Professor Peter Strutton
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

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
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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

• Explain key concepts in geological and physical oceanography
• Explain key concepts in chemical and biological oceanography
• Outline how the geological, physical, biological and chemical aspects of the ocean interact, and how the ocean interacts with climate
• Apply theoretical and practical knowledge to solve problems
• Analyse, interpret, and report results based on oceanographic data

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
010713	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,862.00

• 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

KSA102 OR 37.5 credit points of KSA, KSM, KRA, KEA, KMA or KYA units

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	13 recorded lectures, 13 in-person seminars (lectures), 13 in-person tutorials, 12 practicals
Assessment	Field report (20%)|Region poster (20%)|Question sets (25%)|Final exam (35%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Please see MyLO
Recommended	A recommended reading list and PDFs will be available through MyLO.

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