Aquatic Molecular Diagnostics and Health unit (KSM716)

Hobart

Introduction

The unit provides students with the latest techniques in molecular biology and their application in health diagnostics, and molecular studies of aquatic animals and seaweeds. The unit introduces students to ubiquitous and pathogenic organisms, explores current techniques and health management, in aquatic animal health and their role in the production of aquatic species in a range of environments. Students engage with applied learning experiences throughout the unit and will be encouraged to critically assess and use molecular experimental design, data and models. Students will gain advanced understanding of the scientific process and relate data collected to commercial and research applications.

Summary

Unit name	Aquatic Molecular Diagnostics and Health
Unit code	KSM716
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Fisheries and Aquaculture
Coordinator	Associate Professor Ivona Mladineo
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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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

• Explain the relationships between aquatic organisms and pathogens in their environments.
• Critically review molecular and traditional diagnostic methods to identify aquatic pathogens.
• Synthesise scientific data to assist in major disease diagnosis and management of aquatic organisms.
• Analyse global trends in commercial aquaculture disease management tools to inform their application to different species.

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	$3,435.00

• 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.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Weekly for 12 weeks, 2 hours seminars, 3 hours practicals
Assessment	Final exam (20%)|Mock media release (20%)|Prac demonstration and theory questions (20%)|Interaction in the topic debate (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

1. Anone, 2022. Field Sampling of Fish for Disease Investigation and Health Monitoring, Guidelines and Procedures Manual, Centre for Aquatic Animal Health & Vaccines Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, May 2022 2. Noga EJ, 2010. Fish disease: diagnosis and treatment/ Second Edition Edward J. Noga.—2nd ed. 3. Buchmann and Secombes, 2021. Principles of Fish Immunology, From Cells and Molecules to Host Protection, Springer

Recommended

Recommended readings are provided in MyLO

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