Certificate In Environmental Studies

This is an excellent foundation course for understanding key environmental principles and issues. Learn about ecology, environmental assessment, wildlife management, environmental restoration, and more.

Course Code: VEN002
Fee Code: CT
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 600 hours
Qualification
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Why choose Environmental Studies?

Every type of workplace has environmental issues, and with the ever-growing awareness of these issues, comes the increasing demand for people with a blended environmental knowledge and understanding.

In this industry, getting a qualification is not as important as what many people think. There are lots of opportunities; BUT there are also lots of unemployed environmental science graduates

What is important is:

•    Get the sort of skills that employers (or clients) want.
•    Be prepared to do anything at first to break into the industry and get some experience.
•    After study, continue to develop extra reasons for people to employ you (e.g. communication and management skills, industry networking, plant and animal identification skill, etc).           

Why choose our Environmental Studies course?

Drawing concepts from several different fields, our Certificate in Environmental Studies will provide you with a broad knowledge of key environmental principles in the interests of dealing with environmental issues.

  • Study ecology, environmental assessment, wildlife management, environmental restoration and electives including earth science, botany and environmental waste management.
  • Get experience as well as knowledge - our experiential course encourages you to network, observe and learn.

 

This is an excellent foundation course for understanding key environmental principles and issues. This course may provide an entry point to getting a job or a first step towards the longer study programs needed to work as an Environmental Manager or Consultant.

 

Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the Certificate In Environmental Studies.
 Introduction To Ecology BEN101
 Conservation and Environmental Management BEN201
 Wildlife Management BEN205
 Environmental Assessment BEN301
 
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 2 of the following 7 modules.
 Alternative Energy VSS102
 Botany I (Plant Physiology And Taxonomy) BSC104
 Geology BSC115
 Earth Science BEN204
 Environmental Waste Management BEN202
 Trees For Rehabilitation (Landcare Reafforestation) BHT205
 Wildlife Conservation BEN206
 

Note that each module in the Certificate In Environmental Studies is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.


MODULE CONTENT 

INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY (BEN101)

This subject has 7 lessons as follows:

  1. Ecosystems and Populations
  2. The Development Of Life
  3. Animals, Parasites and Endangered Species
  4. Fungi, Tundra, Rainforests and Marshlands
  5. Mountains, Rivers and Deserts
  6. Shallow Waters
  7. Ecological Problems  

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (BEN205)

The course is divided into nine lessons as follows:

  1. Introduction To Wildlife Management

  2. Wildlife Ecology
  3. Wildlife Habitats
  4. Population Dynamics
  5. Carrying Capacity
  6. Wildlife Censuses
  7. Wildlife Management Techniques
  8. Wildlife Management Law And Administration
  9. Wildlife Management Case Study Research Project

CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (BEN201)

This course has 8 lessons as follows:

  1. An Introduction To Ecology
  2. A Perspective On Environmental Problems
  3. Pollution and Industry Effects On The Environment
  4. Water and Soil
  5. Vegetation Conservation and Management
  6. Animal Conservation and Management
  7. Marine Conservation and Management
  8. The Future

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (BEN 301)

There are 8 lessons in this course as follows:

  1. Types of Employment for Environmental Scientists
  2. Introduction to Environmental Assessment
  3. International Environmental Law
  4. Domestic Environmental Law
  5. Types of Environmental Assessments
  6. The Design and Process of Environmental Assessment
  7. Writing Environmental Reports
  8. Research Project - The student will carry out a small environmental assessment and write it up as a professional report.

TREES FOR REHABILITATION (BHT205)

There are ten lessons are as follows...

  1. Approaches To Land Rehabilitation
  2. Ecology Of Soils And Plant Health
  3. Introduction To Seed Propagation Techniques
  4. Propagation And Nursery Stock
  5. Dealing With Chemical Problems
  6. Physical Plant Effects On Degraded Sites
  7. Plant Establishment Programs
  8. Hostile Environments
  9. Plant Establishment Care
  10. Rehabilitating Degraded Sites

BOTANY I (Plant Physiology and Taxonomy) (BSC104)

The course is divided into 10 lessons as follows:

  1. Taxonomic Classification of Plants
  2. Cells and Tissues
  3. Specific Vegetative Parts of a Plant
  4. Flowers and Fruit
  5. Seed and the Developing Embryo
  6. Photosynthesis and Growing Plants
  7. Respiration
  8. The Role of Water
  9. Movement of Water and Assimilates through a Plant
  10. The Effects of Tropisms and Other Growth Movements

EARTH SCIENCE BEN204

There are nine lessons in this module as follows:

  1. Structure and Forces
  2. Rocks and Minerals
  3. Surface Changes
  4. The Oceans
  5. Air and Weather
  6. The Greenhouse Effect
  7. Global Weather Patterns
  8. Geological Time
  9. Modern Environmental Issues

FINDING WORK IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRIES

People are increasingly more environmentally aware and job opportunities are expanding rapidly in this and related industries.

Despite this fact, many graduates from environmental courses can find it difficult to obtain employment.  Often this may be attributed to the type of course they have undertaken, or the level at which they have studied.  Many environmental courses also begin with general study and finish off with study in a specific and narrow field. This is important if you are to become an expert in a specialised field, but it can mean that your job opportunities become limited due to high competition between applicants for a limited number of available positions.

You can increase your chances of gaining employment however, by taking the following factors into consideration:

  • Choose a general environmental course to begin your studies as this will give you a broad foundation of environmental skills and knowledge with which to apply to your environmental employment;
  • Supplement your environmental studies with study in subject areas that will provide you with additional skills that you can use in your environmental employment such as study in management, computing and writing; and
  • Try to obtain work experience within your chosen field of employment while you are studying. This will allow you to acquire specialist skills while gaining contacts as well as valuable content for your resume.

If you seek a career in this industry, our advice is to look carefully at the courses you undertake and be prepared to embrace every opportunity to obtain valuable experience, whether paid work or voluntary.

 

Where will this course lead you?

Environmental issues are found in all types of work places, so gaining a broad knowledge in the multidisciplinary field of Environmental Studies may provide you with an opportunity to gain entry-level positions in both government and non-government organisations and private businesses in the following disciplines:

•    Environmental Planning
•    Environmental Analysis
•    Environmental Policy
•    Environmental Compliance
•    Environmental Audits

Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason, is fellow of the CIH.
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason, is fellow of the CIH.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
Member Nursery and Garden Industry Association.
Member Nursery and Garden Industry Association.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course is aimed at providing you with a solid understanding in your selected discipline. It has been designed to take 600 hours, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and more. When you complete the course, will have a good understanding of the area/ industry you want to work in.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exams (6 exams) and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Certificate. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Dr Robert Browne

Zoologist, Environmental Scientist and Sustainability, science based consultancy with biotechnology corporations. Work focused on conservation and sustainability.
Robert has published work in the fields of nutrition, pathology, larval growth and development, husbandry, thermo-biology, reproduction technologies, and facility design.Robert has B.Sc., Ph, D.

Martin Powdrill

25 years working in Telecommunications, IT, Organisational Development, and Energy Conservation & Efficiency, prior to setting up his own Permaculture consulting business. Martin has a Bsc (Hons) Applied Science (Resources Option), MSc Computer Studies, Permaculture Design Certificate.
Martin volunteers with many local environmental and community groups, and facilitates discussions on climate change, peak oil, and transition towns. Martin has an allotment, and is currently enrolled in the Scottish Mountain Bike Leader Award programme.
Martin’s goal as a catalyst for sustainable change brings together his strengths and experience in his environmental, project management, and business backgrounds.





Tutors

Meet some of the tutors that guide the students through this course.

Timothy Walker

Timothy is a Botanist, Horticulturist and Gardener. He is an Author, and also a lecturer at Somerville College, Oxford. After training at a number of gardens including Windsor Great Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Timothy commenced work at Oxford Botanic Gardens in 1986. Appointed as "Horti Praefectus" (Superintendent/Director) there in 1988, he held that position until 2014. Under Timothy's watch, the garden won four gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show, and developed 67 acres of MG5 wild flower meadow at the Harcourt Arboretum; a UK threatened habitat. Timothy remains an active practical gardener as well as a highly respected international academic in the fields of horticulture and plant botany.

Michael Brugman

Mike is a graduate of Rhodes University and has experience in the Earth Science field. His working experience includes working as a consultant in geology, environmental and atmospheric science.

More recently he has been focused on research and academia including research interests in areas such as air quality and carbon emissions.

Graham Anderson

Graham Anderson B. Mech Eng (hons) Dip. Health

Graham has spent his life in the farming and agriculture industry, particularly carving a niche in the avocado sector with experience ranging from tissue culture, to nursery management to fruit marketing. He has an engineering qualification and an extensive range of mechanical skills which are now diversifying to an understanding of our internal mechanics in health and psychology with qualifications underway.

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