Marine Ecology unit (KSM308)

Hobart

Introduction

 

In Marine Ecology you will learn about the fundamental features and processes of a variety of marine systems. These include the influence of physical processes (at a range of scales) on communities and productivity; ecology of feeding and predator–prey interactions of plankton and fishes; the dynamics of estuaries; the ecology of flow; structuring forces of benthic communities and macroalgal habitats; biogeography of the sea; invasions by introduced species; and marine conservation.

The major practical component is a high-level research project conducted during a multi-day field trip to Maria Island off the east coast of Tasmania (which incurs an extra charge). Weekly practical sessions then involve using the data collected by each group during the field trip in preparation for the seminar and major report.

You would find Quantitative Methods, Antarctic Ecology, Aquatic Botany and Introduction to Oceanography particularly useful additional units. The course is coordinated by A/Prof Rick Stuart-Smith (Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, Taroona Building).

Summary

Unit name	Marine Ecology
Unit code	KSM308
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity|Fisheries and Aquaculture
Coordinator	Professor Rick Stuart-Smith
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Half Year Period 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Half Year Period 1	25/1/2026	16/3/2026	8/4/2026	20/6/2026

* 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

• be familiar with how physical ocean processes (from small- to large-scale) influence the horizontal and vertical structuring of marine ecosystems
• understand the dynamics of pelagic communities and the drivers of primary and secondary productivity
• be familiar with the range of factors that influence the structure and dynamics of temperate reef communities
• understand the major drivers of estuarine dynamics including the influence of anthropogenic activities
• understand the major conservation issues facing the marine environment at a global scale
• have developed skills for the design, execution and analysis of a major field project
• be practiced in written and oral communication of 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.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KSM202 OR KZA211 OR KPZ211 OR KZA212 OR KPA215 OR KPZ215

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2x1-hr lectures each week, 4-hr practicals in weeks 7-11; a Field excursion to Maria Island before Semester 1 begins (either 11-14th or 17-20th February 2025)
Assessment	Seminar (10%)|Weekly Seminar Attendance and Discussion Posts (20%)|Major practical report from Maria Island (30%)|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.