Do you work in a marine environment? Whether you’re passionate about boating, diving, fishing or marine conservation science, this course is ideal professional development for you! It’s also an excellent springboard to more advanced study if you want to pursue marine ecology as a career.
Certificate of Marine Ecology is an online professional development course that explores how the living and non-living components of the marine environment interconnect to promote sustainability.
In this online marine ecology course, you will learn about biodiversity, the interrelationships in marine environments, climate change and factors to mitigate its impact, and how to restore damaged marine environments and manage threatened marine species.
You will also learn about managing marine resources, technological applications, data management and how digitalisation is integrated into the marine environment.
On completion of this course, you will have a foundation understanding of marine life and environments and management strategies that improve sustainability.
Course Structure
Unit - Managing Marine Ecology
Unit 1 – Scope and Nature of Marine Ecology
- Different marine ecosystems
- Coral reefs
- Types of coral reef – fringing reefs, atolls, barrier reefs
- Purpose of a coral reef
- Rocky shores
- Kelp forest (seaweed)
- Seagrasses (underwater flowering plant)
- Mangrove forests
- Coastal habitats
- Estuary
- Salt marsh
- Polar ecosystems
- Tundras
- Open ocean
- Deep ocean
Unit 2 – Biodiversity of Marine Environments
- Measuring biodiversity
- Why biodiversity matters
- species richness
- genetic diversity
- Marine protists and plant life
- Vertebrates
- Bony fish
- Sharks and rays
- Whales
- Invertebrates
- Microscopic invertebrates
- Worms and worm-like animals
- Corals and their relatives
- Molluscs and echinoderms
- Microbes
- Bacteria
- Archaea
- Fungi
- Marine viruses
- Microbial loop
- Carbon cycling and DOC
- Biodiversity in a reef
- Food webs
- Four basic trophic levels
- Declining biodiversity
Unit 3 – Environmental Factors of Marine Environment
- The science of ecology
- Types of water – sea, fresh, brackish
- Oceanography
- Oceanic circulation
- Longitudinal Circulation
- Southern Oscillation (El Nino, La Nina Effect)
- Ocean Gyres
- Ocean Zones
- Pelagic Zone
- Abiotic Factors
- Light
- Temperature
- Salinity
- Density
- Dissolved gases
- Climate
Unit 4 – Climate Change and Other Anthropogenic Pressures
- How humans create biodiversity threats
- Agricultural runoff (into estuaries)
- Fresh water pollutants
- Sediments
- Agricultural chemicals
- Other pollutants
- Salinity changes
- Oil spills
- Disturbed food chains
- Overpopulation
- Bycatch
- Overfishing
- Climate change
- Ocean warming and sea levels
- Ocean acidification
- Water pH levels
- Testing pH
- Coral bleaching
Unit 5 – Restoration of Natural Marine Ecosystems
- Common changes in habitat restoration
- Microplastics
- Responding to ecotoxicology
- Reducing eutrophication
- Reducing coastal erosion
- Flood prevention
- Restoring coral reefs
- Coral reef threats
- Agricultural runoff
- Seaweed/kelp
- Sand
- Sunscreen
- Climate change
- Restoration – coral transplantation
- Restoration – micro fragmentation
- Coral nurseries
- Planting out corals and substrates
- Regeneration using natural reed beds to purify waste water
Unit 6 – Managing Threatened Species (Practical and Regulatory Approaches)
- Invasive species
- Managing invasive species
- Population surveys and monitoring
- Census of marine life
- Managing a threatened species via conservation practices
- Conservation of threatened species
- Where to start
- Conservation of habitat
- Ecological gap analysis
- Reference sites
- Breeding programs
- Keystone species
- Predators
- Ecosystem engineers
- Mutualists
- Intervention types – regulations and authorities
- Case study
Unit 7 – Managing Fisheries in Marine Ecosystems
- Case study – overfishing – Orange Roughy
- Stock identity
- Stock assessment
- Stock biomass
- Stock management methods
- General techniques for managing fisheries
- Habitat restoration/closure
- Seasonal closure
- Closed waters
- Protected status
- Limits and catch quotas
- Fishing methods
- Licences/permits, education programs, aquaculture
- Responding to human food needs
- Aquaculture/ mariculture
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Extensive production mariculture (EP)
- Intensive production mariculture (IP)
- Classification of systems
- Disease management for fisheries
- Common causes of fish kills
Unit 8 – Marine Resources and Sustainability
- What is a Marine Protected Area (MPA)
- How are MPA’s used
- Aichi biodiversity targets
- Marine Protected Area Agency Partnership (MPAAP)
- International guidelines for designating and managing MPA’s
- Designating an MPA
- Fieldwork
- Analysis of existing resources
- Conservation and monitoring of MPA’S
- Working outside marine protected areas
- Sustainable development
- Preserving environments
- Pollution prevention
- Biodiversity
Unit 9 – Technology
- Platforms in oceanography
- Ocean robots and ROV’s
- Satellites
- Biodiversity
- Other devices
- Digital photography
- High-tech tagging
- Biotechnology
- DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis
- Microarray applications
- SNP array
- Removal of ocean debris and human waste
- Broad considerations in marine research
Unit 10 – Data in Marine Management
- Ethics in data
- Principles of measurement
- Variables
- Measurement scales
- Measurement error
- Bias and consistency
- Making observations
- Developing skills in observation
- Samples and sampling
- Choosing a basic method of sampling
- Using statistics to analyse probability
- Probability parameters
- P-values
- Statistics show relationship
- Knowing what to ask about data – question types
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Fishing/fisheries
- Boating
- Diving Instructors
- Conservationists
- Environmentalists
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