Gain Knowledge & Skills in Environmental Restoration
The restoration of ecological communities and landforms is an integral component of managing natural resources.
Worldwide, we are seeing meaningful progress in “fixing the environment”, which means that there is now a great need for trained professionals in associated fields.
Learn to Restore and Protect Degraded Environments
Estimates of global land degradation are staggering. Some experts give figures of 75-95%! This affects the lives of more than 3 billion people, spread across many countries.
If you have the passion, we need you! Trained, educated, enthusiastic and committed people, working together to improve habitat and species degradation is vital!
This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success.
Modules
Note that each module in the Certificate in Environmental Restoration is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.
What is Covered in the Core Modules?
Module 1: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
There are 6 lessons in this course:
- Living Things
- Classification of plants and animals
- identifying living organisms
- using identification keys
- Basic Ecology
- Populations
- communities
- ecosystems
- constituents of ecosystem
- the ecosphere
- the web of life
- habitats and niches
- humans in the environment.
- Global Environmental Systems
- The Earth’s structure
- the atmosphere
- climatic systems
- Gaia theory
- the carbon dioxide cycle
- El Nino.
- Environmental Problems
- Deforestation
- loss of agricultural land
- loss of biological diversity
- loss of water
- loss of non-renewable resources
- environmental weeds
- the Greenhouse Effect
- Ozone depletion
- ozone as a Greenhouse gas
- Conservation
- The definition and goals of conservation
- the history of conservation
- natural resources (renewable and non-renewable).
- Acting Locally: Thinking Globally
- Humans and water
- how to minimize water usage
- energy use in the home
- reducing household waste
- domestic transport and its effect on pollution
- building materials and their environmental impact.
Module 2: CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Conservation is the wise use of resources of the earth, in order that they will be able to support or sustain, the generations that are yet to come. This can be done in many ways and in different situations. For example:
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National Parks - The protection of the ecosystems, including endangered species of flora and fauna.
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Agriculture - Permaculture techniques such as the management of soil erosion and water catchment areas.
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Industry - Pollution control measures should be used.
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People - Every person should help to collect and recycle waste.
These examples show that conservation involves the use of resources so that the environment is protected and maintained, and that the ecosystems are rehabilitated and restored. There are 8 lessons in this course:
- An Introduction To Ecology
- A Perspective On Environmental Problems
- Pollution & Industry Effects On The Environment
- Water & Soil
- Vegetation Conservation & Management
- Animal Conservation & Management
- Marine Conservation & Management
- The Future
Module 3: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
There are 8 lessons in this course:
- Introduction to Environmental Assessment
- Types of Employment for Environmental Scientists, Pre purchase inspections, background data, Flora and Fauna Surveys, Open Space Management Plans, Detection of Pollutants, Use of Plants, Remediation of Polluted Sites, Employment in a Multi-Disciplinary Team.
- Overview of Environmental Assessment
- What is Environmental Assessment? Definitions of Environmental Assessment, Overview of the Environmental Assessment Process.
- International Environmental Law
- Foundations of Environmental Law, Making International Laws (Treaties and Customary Law), Milestones in International Environmental Law, Principles of International Environmental Law, Institutions that influence Environmental Law, Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Law.
- Domestic Environmental Law
- Evolving Domestic Environmental Law, Strategies for Domestic Environmental Policy, Establishment of Environmental Standards, Liability, Environmental Impact Assessment, Prior Authorisation and Enforcement.
- Types of Environmental Assessments
- Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Statement, Environmental Risk Assessment, Ecological Risk Assessment, Strategic Environment Assessment, Environmental Audit, Regional Risk Screening, Ecological Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessments and Statements, Economic and Fiscal Impact Assessment, Health Impact Assessment.
- The Design and Process of Environmental Assessment
- Steps in the Environmental Assessment Process (Screening, Scoping, Collection and Analysis of Information, Public Consultation and Participation, Reporting the Findings of the Study, Post Project Analysis) Impact Prediction and Evaluation including Impact Identification Methods and Impact Assessment Techniques, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis of Data and Statistical Tests.
- Writing Environmental Reports
- Environmental Statements, Report Structure, Suggested Layouts for Environmental Statements, Report Presentation, Examples of Environmental Impact Statements.
- Research Project
- The Research Project is the student’s opportunity to test out their skills as an environmental consultant. In this project, the student will go through the steps involved in carrying out an environmental assessment and write it up as a professional report.
ELECTIVE MODULES
These are designed to build extra skills which compliment job in environmental restoration and management. A range of options are offered, to provide students the change of pursuing areas of specific relevance or interest to them. This way every student can build a slightly different set of skills, differentiating themselves from others in industry, and allowing them to develop a reputation as a "specialist" fulfilling a niche that is different to others.
Where can this course lead you?
With a background in Environmental Restoration, you may find yourself working in a variety of roles such as:
- Ecological monitoring, e.g., ecological field work, consulting and research.
- Community engagement, e.g., events, fundraisers, education.
- Political advocacy
- Community engagement and leadership
- Communications.
- Policy, regulation, legislation, etc.
- Environmental Compliance
- Invasive species management, e.g., fencing and infrastructure maintenance, and more!
Many organisations utilise environmental restorations personnel, including:
- Local, state and national government departments.
- Environment and Disaster Services.
- Research organisations.
- Private conservation organisations.
- Nature conservancies.
- Ecological consulting agencies.
Why Study with ACS?
Design your own learning pathway.
Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at anytime.
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!
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