Research Methods in Marine and Antarctic Science unit (KSA405)

Hobart

Introduction

KSA405 is a dynamic unit designed to immerse you in the interdisciplinary realm of marine and Antarctic research practices, preparing you for both the scientific technical workforce and advanced research endeavours at the Honours/Masters level and beyond. Throughout this unit, you will delve into critical evaluation of scientific literature, develop research acumen, hone your ability to identify knowledge gaps and design rigorous studies to address these gaps, and acquire experience in project management, crafting detailed plans tailored to tackle real-world challenges in marine and Antarctic research. Furthermore, you will develop skills in discerning impact and reliability of research outcomes and cultivate diverse communication techniques to articulate complex concepts within the field effectively. In addition to fostering analytical skills, this unit emphasizes practical competencies such as data management, visualization, and scientific writing, all vital for success in research and professional settings.

Your learning will be empowered by a variety of interactive, tailored to your needs, learning experiences, each offering unique insights and opportunities for skill development. By the end of the unit, you will emerge equipped with a robust toolkit of scientific communication, research planning, and project management skills, poised to excel in further academic pursuits or enter the scientific workforce with confidence.

Summary

Unit name	Research Methods in Marine and Antarctic Science
Unit code	KSA405
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity|Fisheries and Aquaculture|Oceans Ice and Climate
Coordinator	Doctor Sterling Tebbett
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Honours

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

• Critically evaluate scientific literature and scientific seminars to assess the impact of the scientific work and reliability of the research outcomes.
• Present complex concepts in Marine and Antarctic Science using a range of communication techniques.
• Construct a project management plan in response to Marine and Antarctic Science challenge.
• Design a research study to address a knowledge gap in Marine or Antarctic science.

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.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Two 1-hr in-person seminars weekly (apart from week 11). A 2-hr in-person practical workshop in the computer lab weekly (apart from week 1 and week 11). In week 11, oral presentations associated with AT3 will be delivered in-person during randomly allocated sessions.
Assessment	Analysis of the impact of a scientific article (20%)|Critical analysis of a scientific paper (20%)|Project pitch (20%)|Research Grant Proposal (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required Readings are those provided by your Unit Coordinator.
Recommended	Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator.

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