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Fisheries Biology and Population Dynamics unit (KSM314)

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

In this unit, you will study fisheries biology and population dynamics by exploring how age, growth, reproduction, and life history strategies affect the exploitation of fisheries species. The unit covers methods required for the biological investigation of population dynamics of a species, including computer exercises, and practical field and lab work. You will learn how to conduct fishery surveys, estimate stock abundance, investigate reproductive biology, determine the age of fisheries species, study climate change impacts, and conduct biological modelling, as well as hear guest lectures from specialists in these topics.

Summary

Unit name Fisheries Biology and Population Dynamics
Unit code KSM314
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline Fisheries and Aquaculture
Coordinator Doctor Alyssa Marshell
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

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic 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
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

  • Define life history components and natural processes that influence populations of aquatic taxa
  • Record, describe and explain morphological, anatomical and habitat characteristics of aquatic taxa in relation to the behaviour and exploitation of the organism
  • Collect and record biological data to quantify key population dynamic parameters of an aquatic species
  • Use Excel and R to manage and analyse biological data to present qualitative and quantitative descriptions of exploited species
  • Communicate research concepts and findings in fisheries science studies in a logical manner and a variety of formats used by professionals in the field.

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
050701 $592.00 $592.00 not applicable $3,382.00
  • 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

JFA207 OR KMA253|KZA161

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Per week: Seminar/Tutorial = 2 hours, Practical (wet labs and computer exercises) = 3 hours

Field Trip = One trip in Week 6 (4 hours)

AssessmentField trip report presentation (20%)|In-Person Discussions (20%)|Field trip report (25%)|Final Exam (35%)
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.

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