A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science
UndergraduateTAS-KSM1012024
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science
About this subject
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student should be able to:
- 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.
- Module 1: Marine Life
- Module 2 - The Ocean System
- Module 3: Climate Change and Multiple Stressors
- Module 4: Stewardship of the Oceans
Seventy percent of the planet is covered by ocean. This subject 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.
- Test or Quiz (10%)
- Final Exam (30%)
- Discussion Posts (Online) (6%)
- Critique (24%)
- Essay (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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