A core part of the unit is a field trip before Semester 1 begins. Due to increased student numbers, two field trips will be run, and self-enrolments will close after 84 places are filled or on the 12th January 2025 - whichever comes first. If you are unable to enrol, 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 dates are 11-14th and 17-20th February 2025 (inclusive), and you must be available for at least one. Once enrolled, please check your emails on or soon after the 12th January 2025 for instructions on how to provide your preferences for field trip dates and projects.
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 |
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
- 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
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KSM202 OR KZA211 OR KPZ211 OR KZA212 OR KPA215 OR KPZ215Teaching
| 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) |
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| 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. |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.