Hobart
A core part of the unit is a field trip before Semester 1 begins. Self-enrolments will close after all places are filled. If you are unable to enroll, please email the unit coordinator rick.stuartsmith@utas.edu.au to request waitlisting for any places in the unit that become available after the limit is reached.
Field trip occurs in the week before Semester 1 starts, and runs for 5 days (mon-fri). In some years, two field trips are run to accomodate higher class numbers, which means you should be available for the two weeks prior to the semester start date unless you have been advised by the unit coordinator that only one trip is happening (which will be in the week before semester).
Once enrolled, please check your emails for instructions on how to provide your preferences for field trip dates and projects. Emails will usually come out soon after the New Year.
Introduction
In Marine Ecology you will learn about detailed ecological principles and processes in a variety of marine systems. These include varying primary production sources, trophic interactions and human influences across intertidal, shallow and mesophotic systems. You will also learn about ecological data collection, analysis and interpretation, and from case studies of applied ecology in practise.
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 Prof Rick Stuart-Smith (Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, Salamanca 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 |
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Half Year Period 1 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Year Period 1 | 25/01/2027 | 16/03/2027 | 08/04/2027 | 20/06/2027 |
* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- ILO1. Conduct ecological research in a marine field setting
- ILO 2: Synthesise and interpret the collected field data to communicate findings to a scientific audience
- ILO 3: Discuss the ecology of, and impacts on, marine ecosystems to highlight important topics for research, management and industry
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 | $1,235.00 | $1,235.00 | not applicable |
- 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 KPZ215Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2x1-hr lectures each week from weeks 1-8, 4-hr practicals in weeks 1-5; a 4-5 day field Field excursion to Maria Island before Semester 1 begins (Usually the middle of February) |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Seminar (10%)|Weekly in-class activities (10%)|Final Exam (40%)|Major scientific report from Maria Island Field trip (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. |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.