University of Tasmania, Australia

This unit will explore the need for, and promotion of, wise, informed and sustainable Antarctic resource utilisation through integration of informed governance and decision making with scientifically based environmental conservation. It will focus on promoting a synergetic and iterative approach to Antarctic conservation and governance by enhancing communication and understanding in the fields of Antarctic science, law, policy and sustainable management. Emphasis is given to scientifically based Antarctic conservation, protection and management at both national and international level. The approach is globally unique and aims to develop academic flexibility, independence and freedom.

Face to face seminars and tutorials will form the basis for teaching, demonstrations and practical applications.

The scope of this field program is dependant on opportunities and logistic support at the time of offering. This field study may involve either participating in a Southern Ocean/Antarctic research voyage, working on an Antarctic/sub Antarctic or other high latitude field station, or undertaking a local field or laboratory project. Research conducted in the field will include a mix of analytical projects and interpretative exercises and sessions. The duration of this field study is subject to shipping, and/or other logistical schedules. A high level of fitness is usually required for Antarctic field work.

The unit covers aspects of Antarctic zooplankton including biochemistry, physiology, habitats, spatial/temporal ecology and applied fisheries management issues. Practicals will involve laboratory identification and investigation techniques, and current and historical literature investigations of Southern Ocean zooplankton research.

This unit introduces the latest approaches and innovative technologies used in polar marine phytoplankton. After a review of current methodologies and techniques, the theory and application of Microelectrodes, Fast Repetition Rate Fluorometers, Pulse Amplitude Fluorometers, HPLC pigment analysis, Flow Cytometry and fluorescent staining are introduced. Tutorials will discuss recent publications in these fields. Laboratory sessions will allow personal operation and practice with many of these techniques.

This unit covers aspects of acoustic, radio and satellite telemetry along with archival tag technology. Specific examples will be drawn from satellite tracking of marine mammals and birds in the Southern Ocean. Acoustic telemetry will cover specific examples of continental scale tracking programs including the Pacific Ocean Shelf Tracking program in North America and the Ocean Tracking Network.

This unit will give Masters of Antarctic Science students an understanding of the historical, geographic and political background of Antarctica. It also includes an introduction to the scientific processes at work in the biological, physical and chemical environment of the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean. Students will be asked to use this information to analyse current polar issues.

This unit is a written report of a research project. Projects may be field, laboratory or literature-based depending on the area of study Reports shall describe and analyse original research. For candidates in the MAntSc this report will normally be associated with a field project. Students will be expected to use the scientific literature to put their project into context and to interpret their results with respect to the most recent published interpretations.

This unit explores the suite of molecular tools available to biologists and how they have been, or can be, applied to questions concerning the biology, evolution, ecology and conservation of Antarctic marine organisms. Topics covered include population genetics, phylogeography, barcoding and dietary analysis. Laboratory sessions will provide students with hands-on experience using key molecular tools such as PCR and DNA sequencing, as well as an understanding of data types and analysis approaches.

The program consists of a combination of required and elective coursework, followed by field or laboratory research. An introduction to the Antarctic environment establishes the historical, geographic and political background needed to provide context for further study.  This course also introduces students to the scientific processes at work in the biological, physical and chemical environment of the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean. A second core unit prepares students to do their own research by providing the techniques and tools needed for collecting, processing, analysing and presenting quantitative information.

The MAntSc program culminates with the opportunity for students to do independent research. This may include participation in a Southern Ocean or Antarctic research voyage, experience at an Antarctic or subantarctic field station, or work on a local field, laboratory or literature-based project.

The degree program was developed as part of the International Antarctic Institute (IAI). The IAI is a global consortium of universities that currently includes 20 diverse institutions in 13 countries. Students in the MAntSc course may choose to take some of their elective courses at one of the partner universities and may draw upon the expertise available through the IAI consortium while undertaking their research projects.

Prof Andrew McMinn

Tel: +61 3 6226 2980

Andrew.McMinn@utas.edu.au

and

Dr Patti Virtue

Tel: +61 3 6226 7470

Patti.Virtue@utas.edu.au