Polar Observations and Modelling unit (KSA206)

Hobart

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

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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

• 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

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010907	$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

KMA152|KSA102

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On-Campus:¿¿Weekly 1-hour lectures/ Pre-recorded Videos and weekly a 3-hr Computer Practicals.
Assessment	Skeleton notebook (10%)|Glaciers notebook (30%)|Polar ocean notebook (30%)|Sea ice notebook (30%)
Timetable	View 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.