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CERTIFICATE IN MARINE STUDIES AND ECOTOURISM VTR016

Duration (approx) 600 hours
Qualification
Certificate

 

Develop your knowledge of marine life and ecotourism!

This unique certificate has been designed to provide aspiring marine studies and ecotourism guides with essential knowledge for entering into, or advancing within, these industries.

 

  • Learn about marine creatures and ecotourism.
  • Study online or by eLearning - study where and when you want. Fit your studies around your existing work and lifestyle.
  • Your studies are supported by expert tutors - there to help you at any time!

 

It's easy to enrol...

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Become a marine tourism expert!

This course provides you an in depth insight into ecotourism and marine creatures.

  • Become an expert in marine creatures and use that knowledge as an ecotour tour guide or manager.
  • Improve your job prospects in the ecotourism industry by offering expert knowledge in marine life.
  • Or even set up your own ecotour business.
  • With the elective modules, you can also study what interests you, so perhaps you have considered setting up your own Bed and Breakfast and offering marine tours as well. The options are limitless.

 

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Course Duration: 600 hours of self-paced study.

The course comprises of 4 Core Modules plus 2 Elective Modules. Students are required to complete and pass 6 modules in total.

 

CORE MODULES

Students complete the 4 Core Modules shown below.

Click on the module titles below to learn more about each.

Marine Studies I

Marine Studies II

Ecotour Management

Ecotourism Tour Guide

 

ELECTIVE MODULES

Students then choose 2 Elective Modules from the list below.

Click on the module titles below to learn more about each.

Business Operations

Bed and Breakfast Management

Hotel Management

Wildlife Management

Wildlife Conservation

Marketing Foundations

Event Management

Adventure tourism

At the end of each lesson, students will submit an assignment which will go to their tutor for feedback. 

 

CORE MODULES LESSON STRUCTURE

Marine Studies I

There are 9 lessons in this module:

  1. Marine Ecology Systems
  2. Shallow Waters & Reefs
  3. Shellfish & Crustaceans
  4. Squid, Octopus, and Other Primitive Animals
  5. Fish Part A
  6. Fish Part B
  7. Marine Mammals
  8. Turtles, Sea Snakes and Seabirds
  9. Human Impact on Marine Environments & Fishing

 

AIMS

  • 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 Clupeids 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.

 

Marine Studies II

There are 10 lessons in this module:

  1. Introduction and Simple Organisms
  2. Marine Plants
  3. Cnidarians and Worms:
  4. Arthropods
  5. Molluscs
  6. Echinoderms:
  7. Non Bony Fishes:
  8. Bony Fishes I
  9. Bony Fishes II
  10. Marine Mammals and Higher Animals

 

AIMS

  • 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.

 

Ecotour Management

There are 9 lessons in this module:

  1. Nature and Scope of Ecotourism
  2. Management Issues
  3. Industry Destinations
  4. The Tour Desk/Office
  5. Accommodation Facilities
  6. Catering Facilities
  7. Legal Considerations
  8. Safety
  9. Planning an Ecotourism Activity

 

AIMS

  • Describe the scope of ecotourism experiences available.
  • Develop in the learner an awareness of ecotourism destinations in existence and possibilities (in your country).
  • Explain the management and operation of an ecotourism office.
  • Explain the management of ecotourist accommodation facilities including.
  • Identify catering options for different ecotourism activities.
  • Identify legal and statutory requirements for the establishment and operation of an ecotourism enterprise.
  • Identify/establish safety precautions/requirements/procedures for an ecotourism enterprise.
  • Plan for an ecotourism activity.

 

Ecotourism Tour Guide

There are 10 lessons in this module:

  1. Ecotourism Basics
  2. Interpretive Services in Ecotourism
  3. Ecology and Conservation
  4. Plant and Animal Classification and Identification
  5. Geology/Geomorphology
  6. Interpreting Aquatic Environments
  7. Interpreting Land Environments
  8. Planning an Ecotour
  9. Ecotour Displays
  10. Leading an Ecotour

 

AIMS

  • Develop an ability to analyse the structure of interpretive ecotourism in your country.
  • Recognise factors of the environment and their significance to ecotourism.
  • Plan an ecotour.
  • Create/develop interpretation aids for a selected ecotourism activity.
  • Develop a display with an ecotourism theme.
  • Determine the specific name of a range of natural features in a selected wilderness area including.
  • Lead an interpretive tour with an ecotourism theme.
  • Develop innovative concepts in interpretation for a selected aquatic ecotourism activity.
  • Develop innovative concepts in interpretation for a selected ecotourism activity in a land environment.
  • Determine the specific name of a range of natural features in a selected wilderness area including, where appropriate.

 

 

HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED

To complete the course, you are required to complete assignments and exams.

There are assignments at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking. For example, Ecotourism Tour Guide has ten lessons, so there are ten assignments.

Your tutor is also happy to help with any questions you may have during the course.

There is also an exam at the end of each module, so six in total. Exams can be taken at a time and location to suit you.

 

Why Study with ACS?

Design your own learning pathway.

Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time. 

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!

 

Enrolling is easy - just go to the top of this page and select your study method and payment option.

If you have any questions about studying with ACS, or want to know more about any of our courses, get in touch with our specialist tutors today. They will be happy to answer your questions and look at different study options to fit in with your goals.

 
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Alison Pearce (animal)B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Masters Degree in Ecotourism. P.G.Cert. Ed. (Science). Alison's first job was in 1982 as a stockwoman, working with pigs in Yorkshire. Within a few years she of that she was working for the University of Western Australia as a Research Technician and instructor with their school of Agricultural Science.In 1989 she moved to Melbourne University as Unit Manager and Instructor in Animal Husbandry. By the mid 1990's she moved back to England to work in Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing at Cambridgeshire College of Agriculture. Throughout her career, Alison has developed and delivered courses in veterinary nursing and animal sciences for vocational colleges and universities in Australia, New Zealand and Australia. She has built a high level of expertise and an outstanding international reputation as an expert in animal sciences.
Dr. Gareth PearceGraduated from the University of Nottingham in 1982 with a B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Between 82 and 85 worked as Research Assistant and Demonstator in Animal Science at the University of Leeds. Over more than 30 years he has furthered his studies, obtaining eight significant university qualifications including degrees in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Conservation and Animal Behaviour. Gareth has significant teaching experience around the world as a faculty member at eight different universities including Associate Professor at Murdoch University and Director of Studies in Veterinary Science at Cambridge University. He has over 100 prestigious research papers published, and enjoys an outstanding international reputation in the fields of animal and veterinary science.


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