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Antarctic Ecology unit (KSA307)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart

A solid background in animal and plant biology, and a fundamental understanding of related scientific disciplines including chemistry, physics, and data visualisation and analyses are recommended for this unit. Good scientific writing skills plus an interest and ability to undertake personal research using published scientific literature and other scientific resources are also advised.

Introduction

This course will provide you with fundamental knowledge about Antarctic ecology from the terrestrial system, through the Antarctic marine systems, to the subantarctic system. Emphasis is placed on understanding the links between the physical environment and its influence on biological assemblages. Integral to this goal is understanding the challenges that species face in a changing Southern Ocean environment, including physiological impacts, habitat changes, altered food webs, range shifts, and emerging pressures such as disease outbreaks. This unit emphasises experiential learning and you will undertake laboratory work centred on collections of specimens from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, as well as computer-based labs analysing these valuable data.

Summary

Unit name Antarctic Ecology
Unit code KSA307
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline Ecology and Biodiversity
Coordinator Doctor Sophie Bestley
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

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

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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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 2 06/07/2026 28/07/2026 31/08/2026 25/10/2026

* 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

  • Critically evaluate and discuss data and literature relating to Antarctic and Southern Ocean ecosystems.
  • Apply experimental techniques in a safe laboratory environment.
  • Produce a scientific report by analysing and interpreting data, applying scientific literacy skills, and incorporating experimental design.
  • Develop grant proposals and supportive materials to secure scientific grants.

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 $3,382.00
  • 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

KSM202 OR KZA211 OR KPZ211 OR KZA212

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

2 hour weekly face to face seminars 

2 hour weekly practicals, mix of wet lab and computer lab experiences 

AssessmentThe Pitch - group assessment (10%)|The Pitch - individual assessment (10%)|On-line quizzes (20%)|Prac notes (20%)|Major scientific report: K-Axis (40%)
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.
Recommended

Recommended Readings are shown in the MyLO weekly content pages.

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