Marine Predator Diversity and Ecology unit (KSM723)

Hobart

Introduction

From the poles to the tropics, marine predators influence marine ecosystem structure through top down and bottom-up processes. Marine predators including tuna, turtles, sharks, seabirds, and marine mammals, range widely across global oceans. Often feeding at the top of marine food webs, they integrate ecosystem signals and are indicators or sentinels of prey distributions, ecosystem structure and health. This unit outlines the morphology, ecology and behaviour, diversity, and distributions of key marine predator taxa. You will develop an understanding of the roles of marine predators in different oceanic ecosystems across global oceans, and how physical characteristics of these oceans underpin marine predator distributions. You will learn about and use innovative techniques for researching the behaviour and ecology of marine predators above and below the ocean’s surface. Many species of marine predator are highly migratory, and you will explore migratory connectivity and cotemporary Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction discussions. Finally, you will evaluate techniques used to quantify human effects on marine ecosystems with marine predators as indicators of ecosystem productivity and health.

Summary

Unit name	Marine Predator Diversity and Ecology
Unit code	KSM723
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity
Coordinator	Associate Professor Stuart Corney
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

• Analyse morphometric and behavioural traits of marine predators in ecosystems across the global oceans.
• Critically evaluate research methods used to study marine predator behaviour.
• Design and conduct basic research in marine predator ecology using current analytical techniques
• Use a range of communication skills to synthesise key aspects of marine predator ecology research.

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:

KSA713 and KSA723

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2 seminars each week. Alternating tutorials or laboratory sessions each week. Single day field trip in week 9.
Assessment	Predator conservation passion project (24%)|Prac session summaries (36%)|Field 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.

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