Go to Courses and units

Polar Observations and Modelling unit (KSA206)

Introduction

This unit will train you in big data analytics and scientific methods used every day by Antarctic researchers. You will learn how to explore, prepare, transform and display scientific data using open-source Python software assisted by generative AI. You will be introduced to Jupyter notebooks and fundamental computing skills, which are in high demand in the private sector as well as in research organisations. The course instruction will be done primarily through in-person practicals, with lectures used mostly to introduce each topic. You will be provided with real world examples of how to analyse, interpret and display data from Antarctic glaciers, sea ice and the Southern Ocean.  You will also learn how to develop research questions and hypotheses, some of which will require you to set up and run a numerical model. Hands-on learning will give you the experience of an Antarctic researcher who uses polar observations and scientific programming to investigate polar environments.

Summary

Unit name Polar Observations and Modelling
Unit code KSA206
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline Oceans Ice and Climate
Coordinator Professor Poul Christoffersen
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

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

  • Use Python programming to mManage Antarctic scientific data
  • Design experiments with a numerical model to determine the sensitivity of polar environments.
  • Develop conclusions from a scientific data analysis.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KMA152|KSA102

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On-Campus:¿¿Weekly 1-hour lectures/ Pre-recorded Videos and weekly a 3-hr Computer Practicals.

AssessmentSkeleton notebook (10%)|Glaciers notebook (30%)|Polar ocean notebook (30%)|Sea ice notebook (30%)
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.