Passionate about primates? Whether you’re looking to expand your primate knowledge for personal development, work in a zoo or towards a career as a primatologist, this course is ideal for you.
Certificate of Primatology is a professional development course that provides insight into the taxonomy, biology and management of primate animals in captivity and the wild.
In this online primatology course, you will learn about primates’ nutritional, physical and psychological needs. You will also learn about social behaviour and communication, diet, nutrition, exercise, and training and handling techniques.
On completion of this course, you will have a strong understanding of primate care and management in the wild and in captivity.
Course Structure
Unit - Primatology
Unit 1 – Introduction to Primates
- Order primates
- Distinguishing characteristics of primates
- Taxonomy of primates
- Monogamy
- Polygyny
- Polyandry
- Promiscuity
- New world and old world monkeys
- Evolution
- Resources and research
Unit 2 – The Strepsirhines
- Families included in Strepsirhini
- Family Daubentoniidae
- Family Lorisidae (or Loridae)
- Family Galagidae (syn. Galagonidae)
- Family Lemuridae
- Family Megaladapidae (syn. Lepilemuridae)
- Family Cheirogaleidae
- Family Indridae (or Indriidae)
- Extinct families
- Family Palaeopropithecidae (Sloth Lemurs)
- Family Archaeolemuridae (Baboon Lemurs)
- Examples of living groups (Common characteristics and behaviour)
- Bush Babies (or Galagos)
- Lorises
- True Lemurs
Unit 3 – The Haplorhines
- Families included in the Haplorhines
- Family Tarsiidae
- Family Cebidae
- Family Callitrichidae
- Family Atelidae
- Family Cercopithecidae
- Family Hylobatidae
- Family Pongidae
- Family Hominidae (humans)
- Examples of a few primates and their characteristics
- Baboons
- Capuchins
- Drills (Mandrillus leucophaeus)
- Guenon monkeys
- Macaques
- Mangabey monkeys
- Marmosets
- Patas monkeys
- Tarsiers
- True Spider monkeys
- Vervet monkeys
Unit 4 – Primate Diet and Nutrition
- Nutritional requirements of primates
- Energy
- Protein
- Fats
- Carbohydrates
- Micronutrients
- Vitamins
- What do primates eat?
- Physiological adaptations to different diets
- How primates eat
- Putting information into practice- planning a primate diet
Unit 5 – Primate Health and Physical Condition
- Exercise
- Observation and assessment of health or condition
- Checklist for observing primates from a distance
- Checklist for clinical examination of primates
- Common illnesses
- Pathogenic illnesses
- Nutritional illnesses
- Genetic diseases
- Deteriorating – old age
- Injuries on primates
- First aid on humans exposed to NHP injuries or body fluids
- Disease and primate conservation
Unit 6 – Primate Behaviour in Nature
- Social behaviour
- Social group composition
- One male and several females
- Multimale-multifemale group
- Single female and her young offspring
- Monogamous family group
- Polyandrous family group
- Fission-fusion group
- Grooming
- What are the benefits of living in groups for primates?
- Physical environment
- Communication
- Behaviours
- Aggression and fighting in non-human primates
- Scent marking
- Callitrichids (body posture)
- Ceropithecines
Unit 7 – Primate Behaviour in Captivity
- Recognising abnormal behaviour
- The primate as a pet
- Social deprivation and primates
- Abnormal behaviour in captivity
- Self-harm in primates in captivity
- Aggression in primates in captivity
- Other abnormal behaviours
- Avoiding abnormal behaviour
- Social grouping in captivity
- Managing boredom
- Foraging for food
- Managing aggression in captivity
- Learning and training primates
- Handling primates
- Sedation
Unit 8 – Primate Breeding
- Breeding programmes
- Primate groups
- Gregarious primates
- Non-gregarious primates
- Mating groups
- Fertility and reproduction
- Breeding and conceiving
- Nutritional
- Social
- Environmental
- Control of reproduction
- Control by contraception
- Control by artificial insemination
- Pregnancy and birth
- Copulation
- Gestation and birth
- Lactation and weaning
- Longevity
Unit 9 – Managing Primates in Captivity
- Primates in captivity
- Enclosure design
- Enclosure management
- Transporting primates
- Carrying containers
- Transport care and safety requirements
- Reasons and ethics of keeping primates in captivity
- Primates and different cultures
- Laws of different countries
- Risks working with primates
- Protective gear (PPE or personal protective equipment)
Unit 10 – Primate Conservation
- Primate conservation
- Conservation status of primate species
- Susceptibility to extinction
- Unique problems
- Species of concern
- Family atelidae
- Family callitrichidae
- Family cebidae
- Family cercopithecidae
- Family cheirogaleidae
- Family daubentoniidae
- Family galagidae (syn. Galagonidae)
- Family hylobatidae (lesser apes)
- Family indridae (or indriidae)
- Family lemuridae
- Family loridae (or lorisidae)
- Family megaladapidae (syn. Lepilemuridae)
- Family pongidae (great apes)
- Family tarsidae
- Most endangered primates
- Recovery programmes
- Orangutans – case study
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.
Testimonials
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during 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:-
- Zoo staff
- Wildlife sanctuary staff
- Primatologist (further study required)
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