CORE MODULES (compulsory):

1.  Marine Studies I BEN103
Understand key aspects of marine environments! Build a knowledge of marine life and ecology, whether for work or general interest. The first two lessons deal with marine environments (weather, nutrient cycle, reefs, shallow and deep water environments, etc).

Lessons 3 to 8 deal mostly with marine animals, particularly more complex animals, and the last lesson considers human impacts upon marine environments. More….

2.  Marine Studies II BEN203
Extend your knowledge of marine environments! This distance learning course follows on from Marine studies I, extending your knowledge of a wide variety of marine organisms.

It works through many types of marine organisms, focusing mostly on those not covered as well in Marine Studies I (This includes: Protists, Sponges, Marine plants, Cnidarians, Worms, Arthropods, Molluscs, Echinoderms, Non Bony Fish, Selected Bony Fish and selected Marine Mammals). More….

3.  Environmental Assessment BEN301
Learn to prepare Environmental Assessments of all kinds that comply with national and international regulations.

Vacancies as an Environmental Consultant or as an Environmental Officer have significantly increased in the last decade, due to the need for people with the ability to assess the resilience of the environment to changes posed by the modern world.

There are five steps to take when carrying out an environmental assessment:

1   Screening
2   Scoping
3   Collection and Analysis of Information
4   Public Consultation and Participation
5   Reporting the Findings of the Study

Vacancies as an Environmental Consultant or as an Environmental Officer have significantly increased in
the last decade, due to the need for people with the ability to assess the resilience of the environment to
changes posed by the modern world. More…

ELECTIVE MODULES:

In addition to the core modules, choose any 3 (three) of the following modules.

1. Aquarium Management BEN105
This Aquarium Management Online Course is an excellent option for both small and big aquariums and for the amateur or the professional.

Whether you choose to have a saltwater tank or a freshwater tank, you will need to take care and protect aquarium’s systems and equipment. Water quality management is perhaps the most important aspect to control when it comes to keeping a healthy balanced interaction between the water conditions and the species.  More….

2. Climate Science BSC208
The Weather, Global Warming, Meteorology and other aspects of Climate Science and other various factors which cause weather conditions is what this online course is about. Climate is a cornerstone of Environmental Studies. This is something that everyone who works in environmental management should study; no matter what part of the industry they work in. More…

3. Earth Science BEN204
Earth Science Online Course shows you the fascinating world of earth science and learn about the dynamic forces that shape the world you see today.

Learn about the science behind current environmental issues such as global warming and greenhouse gasses, investigate the complex interactions that drive climate and environmental conditions throughout the world.  More...

4. Herpetology BEN209
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. More…

5. Industry Project I BIPOOO
The completion of an Industry Project or Work Experience are necessary components to complete in order to satisfy our qualification requirement. There are four options available to you to satisfy this requirement. This information will be sent with your initial Welcome pack. More…

6. Marine Aquaculture (Mariculture) BAG220

This course explains the processes needed to farm salt water species of fish, shellfish, seaweed and other marine products. Learn to plan and manage the farming of a wide variety of marine life. this course will give you a sound foundation in marine aquaculture. More…

7. Research Project I BGN102
Study Research online and learn to plan and conduct research for any industry or discipline. Discover ways that research skills can improve performance and sustainability of any business. 100 hour self-paced course, expert tutors.
Develop your ability to collect, collate, and interpret data and prepare reports in ways relevant to the work environment – More…

8. Research Project II BGN201
Build on your foundation research skills. To further develop the student’s ability to monitor, analyse and evaluate a common process (or processes) relevant to their stream studies. (For the purpose of this unit, a “process” is defined as any distinct series of events or changes over a period of time, and which is directly related to the area of study). Prerequisite: Research Project I or equivalent. More…

.9. Wildlife Conservation BEN206
This course will provide you with the foundation knowledge of conserving threatened wildlife. This course covers important aspects related to wildlife conservation such as: habitat use, Habitat fragmentation, biogeography, genetic diversity and conserving small populations, wildlife survey techniques, flora survey techniques, surveying marine life and working with legislation. More...

Please note:  Each module in the Diploma in Marine Conservation is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.

Core Module Learning Goals:

• Identify characteristics of various marine environments.
• Discuss the first basic groups of marine animal life.
• Identify characteristics of various marine environments.
• Discuss the first basic groups of marine animal life.
• Describe the range of molluscs and crustaceans in the marine environment and their lifecycles.
• Describe the biology and ecological significance of Cephalopods and Clupeoids in the marine environment.
• Describe a range of cartilaginous fish (sharks, rays) and selected bony fish (eels) that inhabit the ocean.
• Describe selected species and the diversity of marine fish that exists in the world?s oceans.
• Describe a range of marine mammals. Discuss the presence of marine mammals in the seas and oceans of the world.
• Describe a range of reptiles and birds that co-habitat with fish in the marine environment.
• Explain the impact of humans upon marine environments and of selected aspects of commercial fishing
• Describe the variety and nature of microscopic animals which occur in marine environments.
• Describe the variety and nature of a range of different types of marine plants.
• Describe the variety and nature of a range of different types of cnidarians and marine worms.
• Describe the variety and nature of arthropods in marine environments.
• Describe the variety and nature of Molluscs in marine environments.
• Differentiate between different classes of Echinoderms and selected families within those classes.
• Describe the shared characteristics and distinguishing features of a selection of different species of non-bony fish.
• Describe characteristics of bony fish, including anatomy, physiology and behaviour.
• Differentiate between different families of bony fish.
• Describe the taxonomic characteristics of groups of marine animals including reptiles, birds and mammals.
• To appreciate the range of employment available to scientists skilled in environmental assessment.
• Develop an understanding of the basics of environmental study design, analysis and reporting within a legal framework.
• Be aware of the international legislation relevant to environmental assessment.
• Research the legislation which dictates the environmental assessment requirements in the student’s home country.
• Appreciate the range of environmental assessment techniques that have been developed to assess a range of situations around the globe.
• Understand the environmental assessment process in enough depth to manage a small environmental assessment.
• Write a professional environmental report.
• Prepare an environmental impact assessment including carrying out all research and writing up the actual report.

WHY CHOOSE ADL?

The Academy for Distance Learning has a history of supporting wildlife projects.

The world renowned Conservationist David Youldon, Chief Operating Officer of AFRICA NEEDS LIONS www.lionalert.org, completed our Advanced Certificate in Wildlife Management and with previous qualifications, went on to study a Masters in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health at Edinburgh University. He was also accepted for a short course in Data Analysis in Ecology at the University of Oxford.

This is what David said about us:
“Dear ADL You should also know that thanks in part to the courses I have done with you the University of Edinburgh has accepted me to do a Masters in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health thru distance learning, and the University of Oxford have accepted me for a short course in Data Analysis in Ecology. So thanks for the service you provide”. David Youldon, UK, Chief Operating Officer, AFRICA NEEDS LIONS (Join our pride at: www.lionalert.org)

Karin Saks – Primate Naturalist: currently studying our  Primates course.

Since 1997, Karin Saks has been involved in the fostering and rehabilitation of orphan baboons, the caring of injured monkeys who have been returned to the wild and has worked towards a harmonious co-existence between these primates and humans. She has monitored wild baboon troops who raid human homes to research ways of baboon management and has observed wild troops in her area with a view to finding out damage done to troop structures and numbers because of human intervention.

The Darwin Primate Group – registered NPO 059-587: Like many who take on the task of rescuing these persecuted animals, Karin self-funded her work until 2008, when she founded the Darwin Primate Group and registered it as a non-profit organization. Research into endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus) populations.

In 2014, Karin moved to Kwazulu Natal where she is researching the endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus) populations in the Midlands. (She is no longer working directly with rescued baboons or vervet monkeys.) As the samango monkey is restricted to forest habitat and is a seed dispersing species, it is listed as Vulnerable in the Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa (2004) with samango subspecies – C. m. labiatus – occurring on the IUCN (2007) Endangered list making research into populations necessary to identify if management and further protection is needed.

You are welcome to watch her online video: Co-existing Peacefully With Baboons/Monkeys and read her Blogspot on the Samango Monkey Project. If you want to support Karin in her work financially or practically, please contact us and we will happily pass your details on.

Our courses are highly respected by conservationists actually working in the field to help save the wildlife of our world, so you really can trust ADL to help you develop the knowledge and skills you need, to get involved in the environmental welfare of animals.

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. 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.