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Literature Review unit (KSM724)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

In this unit, you will learn how to plan, conduct and communicate a comprehensive literature review. You will develop a focused review topic or question, identify and critically evaluate relevant literature, and synthesise the available evidence to establish what is currently known and its significance for research or professional practice.

You will complete your review in one of two streams. Students in the research stream will produce a critical literature review, normally aligned with their Master's research project, that examines the current state of knowledge and identifies key findings, differing perspectives and gaps in knowledge. Students in the professional stream will produce an evidence review addressing a professional, management or policy topic, accompanied by a professional briefing that summarises the key findings and their practical implications for the intended audience.

Throughout the unit, you will develop your review through a series of assessments, including a review proposal, evidence matrix and critical appraisal. In the final weeks, you will complete an individual oral examination in which you explain and defend your review, including the decisions, interpretations and conclusions you have made.

Summary

Unit name Literature Review
Unit code KSM724
Credit points 25
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline Ecology and Biodiversity
Coordinator Doctor Fraser Kennedy
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 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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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/02/2027 16/03/2027 19/04/2027 13/06/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop and justify a clear approach to searching for and selecting literature relevant to a focused review question or topic.
  • Critically evaluate the quality, relevance and limitations of literature relevant to the review topic.
  • Synthesise evidence from diverse sources to develop an original, well-supported argument about the current state of knowledge in a field.
  • Communicate the findings and significance of a critical literature review to a scholarly or professional audience.
  • Explain and defend the decisions, interpretations and conclusions made in their review

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 $2,470.00 $2,470.00 not applicable
  • 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

KSA405, KSA726, KSM721, KSM722 and 4 specialisation units: KSM601, KSM606, KSM608, KSM609 (Fisheries Management) OR KSM610, KSM614, KSM716, KSM717 (Sustainable Aquaculture) OR JFA533, KSM703, KSM714, KSM715 (Governance and Policy) OR KSA714, KSM718, KSM719, KSM723 (Marine Biology)

Mutual Exclusions

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

KSA702 Literature Review

Teaching

Teaching Pattern
  • 1 x 60 minute Seminar, weekly (weeks 1-6)
  • 1 x 60 minute Tutorial, weekly (weeks 1-6)
  • 1 x 120 minute workshop, weekly (weeks 6-12) 
  • Delivered on-campus (IMAS Salamanca) 
AssessmentReview protocol and scoping pitch (15%)|Evidence matrix and appraisal (20%)|Review defence (20%)|Major literature review (research stream) or evidence review & briefing (professional stream) (45%)
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.

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