Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians and is a science that explores biology, ecology and conservation. So, if you want to learn more about reptiles and amphibians, whether as a hobbyist, conservationist or professional development, this course is for you!
Certificate of Reptile and Amphibian Biology is an online professional development course that explores biology, ecology, conservation and captivity of reptiles and amphibians.
In this herpetology course, you will explore animal taxonomy, classification systems, conservation issues and reproductive strategies, habitats–aquatic and terrestrial–and how pollution and environmental issues affect the species.
You’ll also learn how to care for animals in captivity, including conditions, feeding, disease prevention, housing and legal considerations.
On completion of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of herpetology and how to care for reptiles and amphibians in their natural and captive environment.
Course Structure
Unit - Herpetology
Unit 1 – Introduction to Herpetology
- What is herpetology?
- Introduction to reptiles
- Taxonomic classification
- Classification of reptiles
- Subclass Lepidosauria
- Subclass Archosauria
- Characteristics of reptiles
- Testudine characteristics (turtles)
- Squamata characteristics (snakes and lizards)
- Rhynchocephalia characteristics (tuatara)
- Classification of amphibians
- Amphibian characteristics
- Building resources and developing networks
- Terminology
Unit 2 – Class Reptilia (Reptiles)
- Reptile classification
- Water conservation
- Reproduction
- Order Chelonia (testudines); turtles
- Order Crocodilia; crocodilians
- Order Squamata
- Scaled reptiles; lizards (suborder Sauria)
- Snakes (suborder Serpentes)
Unit 3 – Reptile Biology
- Reptile anatomy
- Skeleton
- Scales and skutes
- Ectothermal regulation
- Coloration
- Respiration and metabolism
- Food and digestion
- Senses
- Locomotion
Unit 4 – Class Amphibia (Amphibians)
- Order Anura (frogs and toads)
- Order Urodela (caudata) – salamanders and newts
- Axolotls (ambystoma mexicanum)
- Order Apoda (caecilians)
Unit 5 – Amphibian Biology
- Amphibian anatomy
- Skeleton
- Skin
- Ectothermal regulation
- Colouration
- Respiration and metabolism
- Branchial
- Buccopharyngeal
- Cutaneous
- Pulmonic
- Food and digestion
- Senses
- Locomotion
- Reproduction
Unit 6 – Ecology of Reptiles
- Ecology
- Species richness
- Behaviour
- Feeding
- Constriction
- Injected venom
- Inertia feeding
- Biting and grasping
- Suction feeding
- Reproductive strategies
- Viviparity
- Oviparity
- Nest Building
- Habitat Use: aquatic and terrestrial
- Basking
- Hibernation
Unit 7 – Ecology of Amphibians
- Use of habitat
- Water relationships
- Temperature relationships
- Feeding
- Vocal communication
- Advertisement calls
- Territorial calls
- Release calls (male and female)
- Distress calls
- Social behaviour
- Dealing with predators
- Reproduction
- Parental care
Unit 8 – Conservation Issues
- Habitat change
- Edge effects
- Pollution
- Environmental acidification (acid rain)
- Pesticides
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals
- Spread of disease
- Invasive species
- Climate change
- Spread of disease
- Disease in wild populations
- Trade in reptiles and amphibians
- Conservation
- Conservation genetics
- Examples of conservation programs in place
Unit 9 – Keeping Reptiles and Amphibians
- Introduction
- Legal issues
- Special conditions for amphibians
- Special conditions for reptiles
- Preventing spread of disease from reptiles to humans
- Housing for reptiles
- Reptile captivity problems
- Reptile feed and feeding
- Amphibians and reptile in captivity
- Feeding amphibians
- General care
- Common ailments
- Parasitic diseases
- Fungal diseases
- Viral diseases
- Metabolic bone disease
- Thiamine deficiency
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
The course was easy to understand. I had fun having to access the information for myself, it helped me lots.
S. Fernandez, Kambah, ACT | Certificate of Reptile and Amphibian Biology
Great setup and well done. The content was interesting, relevant and easy to understand while also being in-depth. The assignments were good also. I am genuinely sad that it’s over and look forward to potentially doing another one after my current study is over!
J. Fraser, Mount Gambier, SA | Certificate of Reptile and Amphibian Biology
Thanks, I enjoyed working through the course content. While the review sheets at time seemed tedious, they did give me a broad understanding of the wide range of species.
Interesting to see some of the Australian species from a New Zealand perspective.
E. Brook, Woolston, Christchurch. Canterbury, NZ | Certificate of Reptile and Amphibian Biology
The assignments were coherent and well structured and my tutor was very helpful and easy to reach out to when I needed help.
Wally | Millswood, SA | Certificate of Reptile and Amphibian Biology
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:
- Pet store owner/staff
- Hobby/pet care
- Scientist (further study)
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