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Herpetology
Herpetology 100 Hours Certificate Course

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Learn About Herpetology
Herpetology Courses
Our online distance learning herpetology course examines the biology and ecology of reptiles and amphibians and their importance to the planet. Herpetology is a branch of zoology and is concerned with the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians.
This online course will help you develop your ability to understand the biological and ecological characteristics of reptiles and amphibians. The course also covers conservation issues and as well as learning how to keep them at home.
The ADL Herpetology Certificate Course has been developed over a number of years and remains one of our most popular courses. It is ideal for anyone working with, or wishing to work with reptiles and amphibians in various situations including:
- Exotic Pet Shops
- Zoos
- Wildlife Conservation
- Adventure tourism and ecotourism
- Keeping reptiles and amphibians at home.
- Reptile and amphibian biology and zoology.
This course is endorsed by TQUK -Training Qualifications UK, an OFQUAL awarding body.
Lesson Structure: Herpetology BEN209
There are 9 lessons in this course:
- Introduction to Herpetology
- Herpetology Defined
- Introduction to Reptiles
- Animal Taxonomy
- Classification of Reptiles
- Characteristics of Reptiles
- Testudine Characteristics (Turtles)
- Squamata Characteristics (Snakes and Lizards)
- Rhynchocephalia Characteristics (Tuatara)
- Classification of Amphibians
- Amphibian Characteristics
- Building Resources and Developing Networks
- Terminology
- Class Reptilia (Reptiles)
- Reptile Classification
- Water Conservation
- Reproduction
- Order Chelonia (Testudines); Turtles
- Order Crocodilia; Crocodilians
- Order Squamata
- Scaled Reptiles; Lizards (Suborder Sauria) and Snakes (Suborder Serpentes)
- Reptile Biology
- Reptile Anatome
- Skeleton
- Scales and Skutes
- Ectothermal Regulation
- Coloration
- Respiration and Metabolism
- Food and Digestion
- Senses
- Locomotion
- Class Amphibia (Amphibians)
- Order Anura (Frogs and Toads)
- Order Apoda (Caecilians)
- Order Urodela (Salamanders and Newts)
- Amphibian Biology
- Amphibian Skeleton
- Skin
- Ectothermal Regulation
- Colouration
- Respiration and Metabolism
- Branchial
- Buccopharyngeal
- Cutaneous
- Pulmonic
- Food and Digestion
- Senses
- Locomotion
- Reproduction
- Ecology of Reptiles
- Species Richness
- Constriction
- Injected Venom
- Inertia Feeding
- Biting and Grasping
- Suction Feeding
- Reproductive Strategies
- Viviparity
- Oviparity
- Nest Building
- Habitat Use; Aquatic and Terrestrial
- Basking
- Hibernation
- Ecology of Amphibians
- Use of Habitat
- Temperature Relationships
- Feeding
- Vocal Communication; Advertisement calls, Territorial calls, Release calls, Distress calls
- Social Behaviour
- Dealing with Predators
- Reproduction and Parental Care
- Conservation Issues
- Habitat change
- Edge Effects
- Pollution; especially water pollution
- Environmental Acidification (Acid Rain)
- Pesticides
- Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
- Spread of disease
- Invasive Species
- Climate Change
- Spread of Disease
- Disease in Wild Populations
- Trade in Reptiles and Amphibians
- Conservation
- Conservation Genetics
- Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
- Keeping Reptiles and Amphibians
- Introduction
- Legal Issues
- Special conditions for Amphibians
- Special Conditions for Reptiles
- Preventing Spread of Disease from Reptiles to Humans
- Housing
- Reptile Captivity Problems
- Reptile Feed and Feeding
- Amphibians and Reptile Species that are in Captivity
- Feeding Amphibians
- General Care
- Common Ailments in Reptiles and Amphibians
- Parasitic Diseases
- Fungal Diseases
- Viral Diseases
- Metabolic Bone Disease
- Thiamine Deficiency
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the academy, marked by the school’s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Learning Goals: Herpetology BEN209
- Discuss the nature and scope of reptiles.
- Identify credible resources, and begin to develop networking with organisations and individuals involved with the study of reptiles around the world.
- Describe a range of different reptile species, including distinguishing characteristics, their needs (eg. environmental, food, etc) and behaviour.
- Identify and explain the anatomy and physiology of reptiles
- Discuss the nature and scope of amphibians
- Identify credible resources, and begin to develop networking with organisations and individuals involved with the study of amphibians around the world.
- Discuss the nature and scope of amphibians
- Identify credible resources, and begin to develop networking with organisations and individuals involved with the study of amphibians around the world.
- Describe the ecological requirements, reproduction and lifecycles of amphibians
- Describe the behaviour of a range of different amphibian species.
- Explain conservation issues that are impacting upon populations of reptiles and amphibians.
- Explain the management of reptiles and amphibians in captivit
REPTILE ANATOMY
The major anatomical feature that differentiates reptiles from other animals is their skin covering of scales or scutes. They are tetrapods, either having four limbs or descending from animals with four limbs.
SKELETON
A reptile skeleton shares the same general components of most other vertebrates: a bony skull, a column of vertebrae enclosing a spinal chord, and a framework of limbs
Snakes do not have limbs as such; but they do have remnants of hind limbs, presumably from their ancestors,
Marine dwelling dinosaurs (eg. Ichthyocaurs) had significantly reduced limbs on the skeleton (to support a flipper for swimming rather than legs for walking).
- Reptile skulls are different to an amphibian skull in several ways:
- Reptiles do not have an otic notch (i.e. indentation at the back of the skull)
- Reptiles lack several small bones at the back of the top of the skull
- Reptile skulls are also different to mammal skulls in a number of ways, including:
- Reptiles have several bones in the lower jaw; but only one of these bones has teeth.
- Teeth of reptiles are all relatively unspecialised (unlike the diverse specialisation into molars, incisors etc, that is found in mammals). Lizards have conical or blade-like teeth.
SCALES AND SKUTES
All reptiles are covered by either scales or skutes.
- Snakes and most lizards are covered by scales
- Crocodilians, turtles and some lizards (Heloderma) are covered by skutes
Scales are made of Keratin. They can be plate like or tubercular in shape, and overlap each other (i.e. are imbricate). Scales are formed from the epidermis of the animal (lizards and snakes have scales).
A skute (also referred to as osteoderm) is a bony external plate that covers part or all of an animal’s body. Examples of a skute include the shell on a tortoise or turtle; and the skin of a crocodile or alligator. Skutum (plural) can also be found on the feet of some birds, the tails of some mammals, and on parts of some insects. The skin of an Armadillo is also described sometimes as a skute.
Skutes are formed from a lower layer of the animal’s skin together with the epidermis. The epidermis is only the outer layer of the skute. In crocodilians and some lizards, the skutes fuse with elements of the skull to form a rigid skull cap.
Turtles have the unique carapace (shell) which is the fusion of the skutes and vertebrae with the ribs. The lower shell of the turtle is the fusion of the skutum and sternum. All limbed reptiles with functioning digits have claws. The tips of these claws are covered by a keratinous sheath. The outermost layer is formed by rigid beta-keratin.
The upper and lower jaw sheaths of turtles are keratinous structures. These replace teeth to cut and crush food. Hatchling turtles, crocodilians and the tuatara are all born with an egg tooth (or caruncle) to assist with hatching.
Moulting or shedding of scales (also known as “ecdysis”) occurs in lizards and snakes.
Moulting removes old tissue, and at the same time can help remove parasites (eg. ticks) that may be attached. Lizards generally shed their scales in flakes, but snakes generally shed their scales as one complete layer. All Lepidosaurs share the same sequence of epidermal growth and shedding. They have distinct resting and renewal stages for shedding and sloughing. This cycle is repeated at regular intervals when food is of abundant supply. The renewal (growth/shedding) stage requires about 14 days. The resting phase can range from a few days to many months.
Many reptiles (especially the lepidosaurs) have many small, epidermal sense organs. These are usually minute, appearing as pits or projections. These organs are not shed during the renewal phase. These organs are believed to respond to tactile stimulation. The sea snake has light-receptors on the tail which suggests a larger range of receptors on reptiles. Sensory organs on the skin are generally concentrated on the head of the animal, but can be widespread across all parts of the body.
ECTOTHERMAL REGULATION
Reptiles and amphibians are both ectotherms. They rely on external environmental factors to regulate their body temperature or thermal energy. These animals can gain or lose energy through different pathways such as solar radiation, thermal (infrared radiation), convection, evaporation, conduction and metabolic heat production. By adjusting the flow through different pathways the animal can warm itself or cool down.
COLORATION
In general, reptiles have two types of colour manufacturing cells. These are melanophores and chromatophores. The melanophores are found throughout the basal layer of the epidermis (outer layer). These send out pseudopodia that transfer melanin into the differentiating keratocytes during the renewal phase of shedding. Chromatophores are found in the outer portion of the dermis (below the epidermis). These are absent in reptiles that are unable to change colour. The presence, density and distribution within each layer will vary between species and individuals within the same species. Chromatophores enable animals to produce different colours and colour patterns
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit. - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice