A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science unit (UCP015)

Online

Introduction

Seventy percent of the planet is covered by ocean. This unit introduces students to Planet Ocean through four modules, covering key topics on marine life and the ecology of temperate and high latitude marine ecosystems (Module 1); the ocean system as interactions between physical, chemical, geological and ecological features (Module 2); the role of the oceans in climate change and how climate change affects ocean life and ocean processes (Module 3); and finishes up by considering the responsibilities of humans in the stewardship of the oceans; how human activity impacts the oceans and the challenges and approaches to ocean stewardship (Module 4). We cover the origins of life in the oceans, iconic and ‘weird’ marine life, ‘a day in the life’ of an oceanographer, and a number of topics highly relevant to modern society including technologies for ocean science, responding to climate change, threatened species, and sustainable management of marine resources including fisheries.

Summary

Unit name	A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science
Unit code	UCP015
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity
Coordinator	Doctor Angus Henderson
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Foundation or Enabling

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Block 2
Online	Block 4
Online	Summer

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
Block 2	25/4/2027	10/5/2027	19/5/2027	12/6/2027
Block 4	5/9/2027	20/9/2027	29/9/2027	23/10/2027
Summer	3/1/2027	11/1/2027	24/1/2027	13/2/2027

* 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

• Explain the diversity of marine life, with a focus on temperate/Antarctic ecosystems, and to recognise the values of marine ecosystems and the threats to them.
• Summarise the ocean as a driver of the Earth's system and explain some of the scientific tools and methods used to measure characteristics of the ocean.
• Identify key stressors on the ocean and assess the evidence for drivers of climate change.
• Outline approaches to sustainable management of the ocean to retain its critical values and functioning in the Anthropocene.
• Understand the principals of producing and critically evaluating scientific communication.

Fee Information

Unit fee information for 2027 will be available in September.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	This unit is offered fully online.
Assessment	Discussion Posts (6%)|Quizzes (10%)|Critque (24%)|Essay (30%)|Final exam (30%)
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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