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Aquatic Botany unit (KSM305)

This is a quota restricted unit.  Enrolment places are limited.

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

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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

(KPA161 or (KSM201 and KSM202)).

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

12 x 2-h seminar

12 x 3-hr practical sessions

AssessmentGroup oral presentation on seaweed project (10%)|Online quiz (10%)|Scientific poster - microalgae (20%)|Seaweed Scientific Report (20%)|Final exam (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
  • Lee RE (2018). Phycology 5th Edition. Cambridge University Press. 
  • Hurd CL et al. (2014) Seaweed Ecology and Physiology. Cambridge University Press

 

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