General Marine Systems unit (KSM722)

Hobart

Introduction

The unit covers fundamental building blocks (cell biology, biochemistry, genetics) and key processes (marine primary and secondary production, and marine microbial ecology) underpinning life in the ocean and introduces students to key organisms (marine algae, invertebrates, vertebrates) of local ecosystems. Students will learn about the dynamics of marine ecosystems and the role of oceanographic and biological drivers of change. The unit has a strong practical component (lab and field) where students will be introduced to a variety of techniques and local marine species. You will develop skills to measure key processes in the ocean, to design studies to assess contemporary marine science questions and how to access, analyse and interpret information for marine stakeholders (conservation, resource management or aquaculture).

Summary

Unit name	General Marine Systems
Unit code	KSM722
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity
Coordinator	Professor Jeffrey Wright
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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

• Describe biological mechanisms in marine organisms that determine their response to change
• Explain the relationships between marine organisms and their influence in structuring marine ecosystems
• Describe key organisms (marine algae, invertebrates, vertebrates) and their role in food web dynamics of marine ecosystems
• Plan, design and conduct field sampling of marine organisms in a local marine environment
• Interpret scientific data to provide information on key issues for stakeholders

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.

Teaching

Assessment	Project Plan (10%)|Group Presentation (20%)|Quiz (30%)|Scientific Report (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.