Marine Biology and Management Course
This 600-hour course has been specifically designed to provide students with detailed knowledge for understanding the biology and management of marine animals.
A foundational course of studies for anyone preparing to work within, or seeking advancement within the marine conservation, tourism or research sectors!
Do you want to work with marine animals or within the tourism industry?
Develop your knowledge of marine environments and sea life underpins many different types of jobs, and businesses, including:
- Fishing
- Aquaculture
- Diving
- Marine conservation
- Marine tourism
- Aquarium management (from pet shops to Marine parks)
- Research, education, and more!
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Course Duration: 600 hours.
Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.
Course Composition: Students are to study the 3 Core Modules plus 3 Elective Modules (6 Modules in total).
The Core Modules are: Marine Studies I, Earth Science, Marine Studies II.
The Elective Modules available to choose from are:
1. Research Project I
2. Workshop I
3. Marine Ecology
4. Invertebrate Zoology
5. Marine Aquaculture
6. Research Project II
7. Ecotourism Guide Course
8. Environmental Assessment.
THE CORE MODULES
These modules provide foundation knowledge for the Qualification - Certificate in Marine Studies.
Marine Studies I BEN103
A nine lesson module which is concerned with study of marine ecology systems. Students will learn about the environments in which marine life exists, including nutrient cycles, and food chains. Those completing this module will be able to identify the different characteristics of marine environments, and the different types of marine life supported within these. The module includes lessons specific to Shellfish and Crustaceans, Squid and Octopus, Cartilaginous and Bony Fish, Marine Mammals, Turtles and Sea Snakes, and Seabirds. The final lesson in the module looks at the human impact on marine environments, as well as considering techniques used to manage stocks of fish and other farmed marine life.
Lessons:
- Marine ecology systems
- Shallow Waters & Reefs
- Shellfish & Crustaceans
- Squid, Octopus, and Other Primitive Animals
- Fish Part A (Cartilaginous Fish) Sharks, Eels, Rays
- Fish Part B (Bony Fish)
- Marine Mammals
- Turtles, Sea Snakes and Seabirds
- Human Impact on Marine Environments and Fishing
Marine Ecology BEN304
Lessons:
- Scope and Nature of Marine Ecology
- Biodiversity of Marine Environments
- Environmental Factors of Marine Environments
- Climate Change & Other Anthropogenic Pressures
- Restoration of Natural Marine Ecosystems
- Managing Threatened Species (Practical and Regulatory Approaches)
- Managing Fisheries in Marine Ecosystems
- Marine Resources and Sustainability
- Technology
- Data in Marine Management
Marine Studies II BEN203
The module comprises 10 lessons looking at marine plants, and a wide range of marine organisms. Lessons focus on a variety of different organisms, including – Cnidarians and Worms, Arthropods, Molluscs, Echinoderms. Students will have the opportunity to study the classification, characteristics, lifestyle and behaviour of a such organisms.
Lessons:
- Introduction and Simple Organisms
- Marine Plants
- Cnidarians And Worms
- Arthropods
- Molluscs
- Echinoderms
- Non Bony Fishes
- Bony Fishes I
- Bony Fishes II
- Marine Mammals and Higher Animals
THE ELECTIVE MODULES
In addition to the core modules, students should select 3 of the following 7 elective modules.
Click on the following module titles to learn more about each.
Research Project I BGN102
Workshop I BGN103
Earth Science BEN204
Marine Aquaculture BAG220
Research Project II BGN201
Ecotourism Tour Guide Course BTR301
Environmental Assessment BEN301
Note that each module in the Certificate in Marine Biology can be studied as a standalone course.
HOW THE CERTIFICATE IS ASSESSED
The Certificate In Marine Biology requires around 600 hours of study. This is made up of six 100-hour modules.
To pass the course –
- Pass all assignments on the six 100-hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
- Pass six examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.
WORK TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN OUR OCEANS
Sustainable approaches in marine ecology have a distinct focus on the environment. Ecological sustainability includes everything that is connected with the Earth's ecosystems. Amongst other things, this includes the stability of climate systems, the quality of water, aquatic biodiversity (diversity of both species and habitats), and ecosystem supports (e.g. fisheries policy). Adopting Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) will help marine managers better look after the environment. ESD can be defined as "using, conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased".
The World Commission of Environment and Development also defined ESD in Our Common Future as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. In other words, ESD means using the environment and its resources in a way that lets other people, including those not yet born, live productive and healthy lives, with relatively the same access to resources.
Under ESD, resources are not limited to minerals, food, or energy sources. If development is ecologically sustainable, natural resources and biological, cultural, and social diversity will be maintained or improved.
A number of countries around the world are continuously developing and reforming ESD policies. For example, in Australia, the National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development stated the core objectives of ESD:
a. To enhance individual and community well-being and welfare by following a path of economic development that safeguards the welfare of future generations.
b. To provide for equity within and between generations.
c. To protect biological diversity and maintain essential ecological processes and life support systems.
Two other principles of ESD described in the National Strategy are:
1. Incorporating ESD in decision-making: When any decision is made, it has to consider environmental, social, economic and equity factors. The decision not only has to consider short-term effects, but also long-term effects. This is important because if a decision ignores any of these factors, or takes a short-term view, it may affect community wellbeing of cause environmental harm.
2. The precautionary principle: If something might cause permanent damage to the environment, but there still is not enough information to be certain, then we should act which will reduce the threat of damage to the environment. Lack of proof is not a good enough reason to avoid deciding to reduce likely damage to the environment.
Sustainable Development is a global issue. In 2022, the World Summit on Sustainable Development was held in Stockholm. This summit was aimed at implementing agreements which were already in place between the 183 countries involved to ensure sustainable development was occurring now and, in the future, – and all other issues of crucial global significance. It emerged from the summit that there are differences between the stakeholders, UN and others on the sustainable use of chemicals, fisheries, biodiversity, ocean protection and sustainable consumption and production.
It is recognised and agreed upon that three dimensions of sustainability are – environmental, social and economic. The IUCN has fully embraced these three dimensions as interlocked with one another. This demonstrates how the three objects require better integration and balance.
A framework for ESD can encompass these three dimensions in a way that:
• Recognises the importance of ecological considerations,
• Adopts a precautionary approach to assessing risks,
• Ensures social equity in and between generations,
• Cultivates a long-term global orientation,
• Maximises efficiency of resource and energy use, and
• Encourages public participation in decision-making.
More recently, economics and ESD are being considered as important interlocking components in sustainability. Sustainable development emphasises that development is supported with the three pillars of economic, social and environmental sustainability. The “Green Economy” is different in that it focuses specifically on the sustainability of the economic pillar. It does not aim to replace the sustainable development concept but rather complement it by emphasising the importance of improving the sustainability of the global economy.
Preserving Environments
Preservation and conservation are both processes that protect the environment, but their approaches are somewhat different. The words are often used interchangeably, but the two concepts are quite different. Conservation protects the environment through the responsible use of natural resources, whilst preservation protects the environment from harmful human activities. For example, conserving a forest typically involves sustainable logging practices to minimise deforestation. Preservation would involve setting aside part or even all the forest from human development. Preserving the many different environments is essential for environmental sustainability, and a balance must be struck between utilising and preserving. Ecologically sustainable development policies can only assist with finding this delicate balance into the future.
Pollution Prevention
With increasing human population, pollution has become a great concern. Pollution from human activities is a problem that does not have to be inevitable. With comprehensive strategies to tackle the problem of pollution, we can also decrease its growing health impacts. Pollution prevention is an essential component of sustainability. Pollution prevention reduces the amount of pollution generated by a process, whether this be industry, agriculture, or by consumers. This approach seeks to increase the efficiency of a process, hence reducing the amount of pollution generated. This means finding new efficiencies, doing things smarter, and valuing every resource. Understanding how waste is produced and how it can be minimised, or even prevented, is the first step to reduce waste and protect our environment. Not only does industry play a big part in this, but consumers do also. Whilst policy development can help provide direction, education is also key, and use of the recycling mantra (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose) can certainly help everyone participate in creating a sustainable future.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is a measure of the relative diversity among organisms present in different ecosystems. This includes diversity within species (i.e. genetic diversity), among species, and among ecosystems.
Over the last few decades, the world has suffered the largest documented decline in biodiversity. Despite efforts to manage threats and pressures to biodiversity, it is still in decline.
Learn about Bony Fish - and a whole lot more
Bony fish are the first animals we tend to think about in marine environments. In part, this is because they are the most diverse and prolific group. They include 98% of all fish species. Bony fish belong to the taxonomic Class Osteichthyes. There are other types of fish (e.g. sharks) and lots of other types of marine animals to also learn about. This courses gives you an overview of them all, and once you understand the fundamental similarities and differences between various types of marine animals, you then have a sound basis upon which to grow your knowledge and understanding of marine biology after your studies are completed.
The bony fish have the most complex head skeleton of all types of fish, with complete dermal (skin) skeletons of small to medium size bones (scales). They have internal gills in one chamber that are protected by a bony operculum. Their internal skeleton is composed, at least partly, of true bones. Fins have rays, sometimes they are spiny. Most species have a swim bladder. The salt and water balance is maintained by kidneys. Fish of this class inhabit both seas and fresh waters and many species migrate between seas and rivers in their life cycle.
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