Duration: Approximately 600 hours - to be completed as your situation permits
Course Structure
The Certificate in Natural Resources Management is a vocationally oriented and IARC accredited course. It is comprised of core studies in Nature Park Management and electives in other areas of environmental interest
CORE STUDIES - Nature Park Management I and II (explained in greater detail below)STREAM STUDIES - a further four modules chosen from the list below (click on the course name for more detailed outlines on each course)
Ecotour Management Ecotourism Tour Guide Course Introduction to Ecology Weed Control Wildlife Management Conservation and Environmental Management Ornithology Practical Horticulture I Marine Studies I Vertebrate Zoology Animal Health Care Environmental Assessment Workplace Health & Safety CORE STUDIES
Nature Park Management 1
There are 12 lessons in this module as follows:
Introduction to Nature Park Management – the role and scope of nature parks; the importance of indigenous vegetation in nature parks.
Basic Ecology – the environment, plants and animals; ecosystem concepts.
Soil Management in Nature Parks – soil characteristics and problems; earthworks.
Plant Maintenance – basic gardening techniques; natural gardening; plant selection; succession planting; equipment.
Design of Nature/Wilderness Parks I – collecting site information; preparing concept plans.
Design of Nature/Wilderness Parks II – drawing the final plan; construction estimates; designing animal enclosures.
Weed Management – characteristics of weeds; weed control; environmental weeds.
Pest and Disease Management – management strategies; chemical safety.
Culture of Indigenous Plants – techniques for establishing vegetation; planting design.
Tree Management – role of trees in nature parks; tree maintenance plans; pruning and tree surgery.
Turf Care – turf varieties in nature parks; lawn preparation, establishment and maintenance.
Rehabilitation: Problems and Solutions – aims and strategies; soil problems and solutions in degraded sites.
Nature Park Management 2
There are 10 lessons in this module as follows:
Natural Environments – preserving natural environments; plant associations and environment rehabilitation
Recreation and the Environment – impact of recreation on natural environments
Wildlife Management in Nature Parks– impact of park visitors on wildlife; managing wildlife
Visitor Amenities in Nature Parks – design; provision of visitor amenities including picnic areas and campgrounds; management of facilities
Park Interpretation – interpretative facilities including signs and education programs
Trail Design and Construction – designing access routes in parks; designing and constructing walking tracks
Water Areas – conserving and managing natural water bodies in nature park; impact of humans on water areas
Marketing Nature Parks – strategies used to promote nature parks
Risk Management I – identifying, minimising and managing natural hazards; safety issues
Risk Management II – preparing a risk management plan
Accredited through the International Accreditation and Recognition Council (IARC)
Fee Options
You can pay either
Full Fees
As a two part payment plan
As a four part payment plan
If you pay in full on enrolment, the fees are discounted.
What qualification will I achieve for completing this course?
This is an individual module course. The individual module courses are 100 hour long usually and can be taken on their own or as part of a larger program of study.
If you wish to take an individual module course as a stand alone course, you can elect to sit an optional exam at the end of it.
If you successfully pass the exam and all assignments, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You can take examinations at a time and location to suit you. If you enrol, you will be sent further information on how to arrange examinations at the end of the course.
If you do not wish to take the exam, you will receive a Course Completion letter when you have passed all assignments.
There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So for example, if an individual module course contains ten lessons, you will need to complete ten assignments. Assignments can be sent to us via email, post or fax.
Other qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas etc may require examinations to be taken as part of the overall assessment process.
You can find further information on the examinations process by clicking on the “Enrolment” link above.
You can find further information on other courses by clicking on the “Courses” link above.
More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses
Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.
Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.
What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”
How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”
What Do Our Students think of us?
If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.
I don’t think this is the right course for me.
If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.
You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.
If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk
Recognition and Accreditation
For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.
Who is ACS Distance Education?
If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”
Career Tips
Qualifications are essential for furthering your career in Natural Resource Management, however there are many other things you can do to get ahead. These include:
* experience tips - unpaid or paid, experience is highly valued by future employers.
* networking tips - become a member of relevant environmental networking groups and join website groups related to your field.
* membership - become a member of relevant groups in your field eg. the National Parks Association or Bird Observer Clubs. This is another way to demonstrate your commitment to your career.
