Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems unit (KSM202)

Hobart

Introduction

In Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems you will be introduced to coastal and open ocean ecosystems from the tropics to the poles, covering water-column and benthic communities including reefs and the deep sea. The unit will cover fundamental concepts of marine and Antarctic ecology, including the importance of early life history stages of marine organisms; physical, other environmental and biological drivers of ecosystem dynamics; interactions between organisms; and the role of disturbances in driving the dynamics of populations, communities and the functioning of ecosystems. In the practical component of the unit you will be introduced to a variety of local marine species, communities and habitats, and have opportunity to develop skills in experimental design and data analysis, focusing on local marine ecosystems.

Summary

Unit name	Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems
Unit code	KSM202
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity|Fisheries and Aquaculture
Coordinator	Doctor Beth Strain
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	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

• Describe the processes of marine primary and secondary production, and marine microbial ecology.
• Identify key groups of marine algae, invertebrates, and fish using examples from local habitats.
• Describe the key physical, chemical and biological components of benthic and pelagic marine ecosystems ranging from the tropics to the poles.
• Solve problems in marine and Antarctic science by applying a range or practical skills.
• Conduct independent research of the scientific literature utilising library and web-based resources.
• Communicate knowledge using scientific writing skills and poster presentation.

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
019999	$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

KSA102 OR KZA161

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2x1-hr lectures, 4-hr practical weekly
Assessment	Scientific Poster (10%)|Report (25%)|Weekly Practical Tasks (25%)|Final Exam (40%)
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.