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Marsupials Biology and Management

Marsupials Biology and Management 100 Hours Certificate Course

Course Code:

BEN303

Level:

Start:

Anytime

Finish:

Anytime

Study From:

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Learn About Marsupials Biology and Management

Learn the biology of marsupials, understand the management of these animals in the wild and captivity, and marsupials in general.

This Marsupial online course is especially suited for people working in a wildlife management position or those wishing to work with animals.

As part of this Marsupial course, you’ll learn how to identify and describe the biology, behaviour, and care of other marsupials, specifically from the taxonomic orders Didelphimorphia, Microbiotheria, Notoryctemorphia and Paucituberculata.

In order to better understand the management of individual animals or populations of species in the wild, or in captivity, it is of fundamental importance that persons involved in the study of marsupials fully understand their biology, diversity, behaviour, and their overall wellbeing.

Metatheria is a biological subclass of mammals which is more closely related to marsupials than placentals. Metatheria include Orders from Australia and America.

There are in fact over 330 described species of marsupials with 235 identified as ranging from Australasia, continental Australia, and its coastal islands.

A further 95 are attributed to the New World of South, Central and North America. These numbers vary upon discovery of new species through phylogenetic analysis which is the evolutionary development of species together with field studies and surveys.

Marsupials are without doubt the most dominant terrestrial and arboreal mammal across the whole of Australia, with placental mammals represented by rodents, bats, shoreline seals and sea lions found in southern Australia.

Lessons

Lesson Structure: Masupials Biology and Management

There are 10 lessons:

1. Introduction

Evolution
Taxonomy
Compare the Diversity
External Morphology
Compare different marsupial feet

2. Anatomy and Physiology

Neural Systems and Intelligence
Vision
Dentition
Digestion
Skelton
Reproduction
Basl Metabolism

3. Behaviour

Social Behaviour
Thermoregulation, Torpor and Hibernation
Communication
Feeding and Diet
Den Sites and Nests
Predation and Predators

4. Health & Disease

Pathogens and Parasites
Cancer
Parasites and other Pathogens
Marsupials as Disease Vectors
Non-Infectious Health issues in Marsupials
Marsupial Health Care

5. Marsupial Carnivores

Dasyuridae: Quolls, Devils and their relations
Numbats, Myrmecobiidae
Thylacine, thylacinideae

6. The Diprotodontia -Kangaroos

Macropodidae, Kangaroos, Wallabies, and their relatives
Taxonomy
Other Important Genera
Overview of Dendrolagus Species
Rock Wallabies
Quokka

7. Other Diprotodontia

Koalas
Wombats
Ringtail Possums
Brush-Tailed Possums and Cusus
Gliders and Striped Possums
Pygmy Possums
Feather-Tailed Possums
Potaroos and Relatives

8. Peramelemorphia

Family Peramelidae: Bandicoots and Echymiperas
Family Thylacomyidae: Bilbies
Family Chaeropodidae: the Pig-footed Bandicoot

9. Other Marsupials

Order Natoryctemorphia
Order Didelphimorphia
Order Microbiotheria
Order Paucituberculata

10. Marsupial Conservation and Management

Sustainable Management
Threats and their Amelioration
Artificial Habitats

Please note: Each lesson culminates in an assignment, marked by the academies tutor. Returned to you with tailored feedback, suggestions, comments and extra reading if required.

Learning Goals

Explain the likely origin of marsupials.
Explain classification of marsupials.
Identify common external anatomical features in marsupials
Explain common and diverging characteristics in the internal biology of marsupials.
Discuss and compare behavioural characteristics in a number of different marsupials.
Describe health issues that affect marsupials.
Identify and describe the biology, behaviour and care of marsupial carnivores.
Identify and describe the biology, behaviour, and care of Macropods from the Diprotodontia order.
Identify and describe the biology, behaviour and care of non-macropod marsupials in Diprotodontia.
Identify and describe the biology, behaviour and care of marsupials in order Peramelemorphia.
Identify and describe the biology, behaviour and care of other marsupials, specifically from the taxonomic orders
Didelphimorphia, Microbiotheria, Notoryctemorphia and Paucituberculata.
Discuss issues related to the sustainable management of marsupials.

Practical (Set Tasks)

Examinations

Program Summary

More Information

Learn More About Other Marsupials

Marsupials were first reported in 1500 AD, when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were presented a Brazilian opossum which was collected during the first voyage of Columbus.

In 1540 AD, a Portuguese administrator described an Australian marsupial as a northern commoncuscus, Phalanger Orientalis, which is native to New Guinea. Most people tend to associate Marsupials only with the Australian Kangaroo.

There are roughly 272 species of metatherian mammals which inhabit an array of ecological niches. Around 200 of these species reside in the Australasian region and around 70 species in Central and South America.

The four Australasian Orders are:

Notoryctemorphia,
Peramelemorphia,
Diprotodontia,
and Dasyuromorphia;

The three American Orders, which most of this lesson will focus on, are:

Didelpimorphia
Microbiotheria,
and Paucituberculata.

Excluding the Vombatidae family, marsupials have a unique dental structure where the incisor total in the upper jaw is different from the lower incisor count. In most placental mammals these numbers are the same on both the top and bottom jaw.

To further distinguish between the orders feet composition can be assessed. Peramelemorphia and Diprotodontia are syndactylous unlike other marsupials…

Assessment

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.

How our courses work

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.

FAQ

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.

Career Options

What's Included

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

There are no hidden extras

Career Opportunities

FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications

GENERAL

If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]

Q: When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.

Q: I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.

Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.

Q: Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A: The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.

Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.

Q: What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A: Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.

RHS EXAMS

Q: When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute

Q: Where Do I Take My Exams?
A: UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.

Q: Exam Pass Marks?
A: Module – pass 50%. Commendation 70%.

Qualification: 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.

Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A: You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.

There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,

DESIGN YOUR OWN COURSE

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Call us: +44 (0)1227 789 649 - Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Marsupials Biology and Management