Advanced Plankton Methods unit (KSM719)

Hobart

Introduction

Advanced Plankton Methods is a unit within the Marine Biology specialisation of the Master of Antarctic Science Course (S7Z). This unit forms a foundation for quantitative research methods and technology used in studying marine plankton physiology, ecology, and biogeochemistry. This unit provides an introduction to some of the most relevant approaches for quantifying/characterising marine plankton as well as determining physical and chemical properties of the seawater they live in.

Summary

Unit name	Advanced Plankton Methods
Unit code	KSM719
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity
Coordinator	Associate Professor Lennart Bach
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Winter school (early)

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
Winter school (early)	24/5/2026	1/6/2026	14/6/2026	4/7/2026

* 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

• Identify and execute basic techniques to determine physical, chemical, and biological parameters in seawater.
• Design and interpret results from an experiment with natural plankton communities.
• Assess the strength and weakness of quantitative methods and technologies used in the study of Plankton.
• Evaluate the importance of zooplankton groups in the ecosystem using taxonomic and quantitative research methods

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

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KSA712 Advanced Phytoplankton Methods and KSA715 Southern Oceann Zooplankton Ecology

Teaching

Assessment	Online Quiz (20%)|Microcosm experiment demonstration (40%)|Quiz (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.