Science, Engineering and Technology

QMS514

2009  QMS514  Structure and Function of Marine Ecosystems

Unit Level:

Available as a Student Elective: No

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SPECIAL NOTE: 

Start and finish dates may change subject to staff availability, refer to the QMS website for further details. http://www.utas.edu.au/cms/qms/index.html

OFFERINGS

Unit Sem 1 Sem 2 Full Yr Spring Summer Winter QMS514 H Key Semester Dates Semester Note Start Date Census Date Final WW Date* End Date Winter Offering in H 06-JUL-2009 07-JUL-2009 10-JUL-2009 10-JUL-2009 *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 (see Withdrawal dates explained for more information). Offered in Courses: [ S5M] [ S6M] This unit can be taken in other courses About Census Dates

DESCRIPTION

Provides an introduction to the structure, functioning and dynamics of marine ecosystems, which is fundamental to informed management of marine natural resources, marine conservation, and assessment of the health, functioning and sustainability of marine systems. Introduce modelling of marine ecosystems, why it is important, and the challenges and limitations involved. The unit will cover trophic structure, flows of materials and energy, techniques to simplify ecosystem models, how to obtain suitable data for models, spatial considerations in ecosytem dynamics and optimum complexity in ecosytem models. A range of model formalisms and means of analyzing them will be introduced, including network analysis of material flux models, trophodynamic models, individual and agent-based models, combined oceanographic, trophic and biogeochemical models and qualitative models. Strengths and limitations of each will be discussed. Students will be introduced to a variety of modeling approaches and softwares for modelling, including EcoNetwrk, COMPETE, ECOSIM, ECOPATH, and agent-based and qualitative models.

WEIGHT:  12.5%

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment is based on 3 reports extending from exercises in laboratory classes (33.3% each).

TEACHING PATTERN: 1 week intensive course (5 days) consisting of lectures and tutorial classes.There will be 15 hours of lectures and tutorials, and ~20 hours of tutorial classes.

FLEXIBLE & ONLINE STUDY OPTIONS
Note: Class attendance may still be required

   Resource supported teaching & learning - H
Additional resources are provided for your optional use; e.g. audio taped lectures
About Flexible Study Options

TEXTS
Hobart Co-op Bookshop Website - Semester (Winter)

STAFF: Prof Craig Johnson (unit coordinator), other University staff and external lecturers from marine institutes

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.

Campus - H Hobart, L Launceston, W Burnie. Study Centre - V Sydney, R Rozelle. Distance units may also have a campus identifier of I Isolated, N Interstate, O Overseas. Units delivered in Transnational Education (TNE) Programs have a campus identifier of A Hangzhou, F Fuzhou, G Shanghai, J Indonesia, K KDU Malaysia, Q Kuwait or Z New Zealand.

Special approval is required for enrolment into TNE Program units - campuses A, F, G, J, K, Q and Z click here for more information.