Program Overview

Introduction to Advanced Plankton Methods Unit

The Advanced Plankton Methods unit, coded as KSM719, is part of the Marine Biology specialisation within the Master of Antarctic Science Course (S7Z). This unit serves as a foundational course for quantitative research methods and technologies used in studying marine plankton physiology, ecology, and biogeochemistry. It introduces students to relevant approaches for quantifying and characterizing marine plankton, as well as determining physical and chemical properties of seawater.

Unit Details

• Unit Name: Advanced Plankton Methods
• Unit Code: KSM719
• Credit Points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• Institute: Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
• Discipline: Ecology and Biodiversity
• Coordinator: Doctor Nadine Lehmann
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Postgraduate

Sustainable Development Goals

The unit aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, though specific goals are not detailed in the provided information.

Availability

• Location: Hobart
• Study Period: Winter school (early)
• Attendance Options: On-campus
• Available To: Domestic and international students

Key Dates

• Study Period: Winter school (early)
• Start Date: 25/5/2026
• Census Date: 2/6/2026
• WW Date: 15/6/2026
• End Date: 5/7/2026

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Identify and execute basic techniques to determine physical, chemical, and biological parameters in seawater.
• Design and interpret results from an experiment with natural plankton communities.
• Assess the strength and weakness of quantitative methods and technologies used in the study of plankton.
• Evaluate the importance of zooplankton groups in the ecosystem using taxonomic and quantitative research methods.

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $2,862.00

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

Students cannot enrol in this unit and the following units simultaneously:

• KSA712 Advanced Phytoplankton Methods
• KSA715 Southern Ocean Zooplankton Ecology

Teaching

• Assessment:
  • Online Quiz (20%)
  • Microcosm experiment demonstration (40%)
  • Quiz (40%)
• Timetable: Available through the lecture and unit timetables.

Textbooks

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.