A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science unit (KSM101)

Online

Introduction

Seventy percent of the planet is covered by ocean. This unit introduces students to Planet Ocean through four modules, covering key topics on marine life and the ecology of temperate and high latitude marine ecosystems (Module 1); the ocean system as interactions between physical, chemical, geological and ecological features (Module 2); the role of the oceans in climate change and how climate change affects ocean life and ocean processes (Module 3); and finishes up by considering the responsibilities of humans in the stewardship of the oceans; how human activity impacts the oceans and the challenges and approaches to ocean stewardship (Module 4). We cover the origins of life in the oceans, iconic and ‘weird’ marine life, ‘a day in the life’ of an oceanographer, and a number of topics highly relevant to modern society including technologies for ocean science, responding to climate change, threatened species, and sustainable management of marine resources including fisheries.

Summary

Unit name	A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science
Unit code	KSM101
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity
Coordinator	Doctor Angus Henderson
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Block 2
Online	Semester 2
Online	Summer

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
Summer	1/1/2026	12/1/2026	23/1/2026	14/2/2026
Block 2	26/4/2026	11/5/2026	20/5/2026	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 the diversity of marine life, with a focus on temperate/Antarctic ecosystems, and to recognise the values of marine ecosystems and the threats to them.
• Summarise the ocean as a driver of the Earth's system and explain some of the scientific tools and methods used to measure characteristics of the ocean.
• Identify key stressors on the ocean and assess the evidence for drivers of climate change.
• Outline approaches to sustainable management of the ocean to retain its critical values and functioning in the Anthropocene.
• Understand the principals of producing and critically evaluating scientific communication.

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	This unit is offered fully online.
Assessment	Discussion Posts (6%)|Quizzes (10%)|Critque (24%)|Essay (30%)|Final exam (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.