Aquatic Botany unit (KSM305)

Hobart

Introduction

In Aquatic Botany (KSM305) you will be introduced to the biodiversity and phylogeny of marine algal groups including microalgae and macroalgae. The first half of the unit will focus on microalgae – the diatoms, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria – and will include algal taxonomy, phytoplankton ecology and physiology, harmful algal blooms. The second part of the unit will focus on seaweed ecophysiology, that is how seaweed growth and physiology are regulated by the environment, particularly temperature, desiccation, nutrients and hydrodynamics. Particular reference is made to studies in Australian, Antarctic and Southern Ocean waters. Applied phycological research and implications for environmental monitoring, climate change and aquaculture are emphasised.

Summary

Unit name	Aquatic Botany
Unit code	KSM305
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity
Coordinator	Doctor Fraser Kennedy
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

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

• Evaluate globally important microscopic algal phyla using microscopy.
• Evaluate the growth and physiological responses of algae to changes in their environment.
• Synthesise scientific concepts through written and verbal 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.

Requisites

Prerequisites

(KPA161 or (KSM201 and KSM202)).

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	12 x 2-h seminar 12 x 3-hr practical sessions
Assessment	Group oral presentation on seaweed project (10%)|Online quiz (10%)|Scientific poster - microalgae (20%)|Seaweed Scientific Report (20%)|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.
Recommended	Lee RE (2018). Phycology 5th Edition. Cambridge University Press.  Hurd CL et al. (2014) Seaweed Ecology and Physiology. Cambridge University Press

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