There are over 300 species of marsupials, and the vast majority are found in Australasia, continental Australia and its coastal islands. So, if you’d like to work with native animals, whether in the wild or in captivity, this course is perfect for you.
The Introduction to Marsupial Biology is an online professional development program that will provide you with the knowledge and skills to work confidently with marsupials.
In this wildlife biology course, you will learn about the diversity, biology, behaviour and wellbeing of marsupials and understand health issues and diseases common to this species.
On completion of this wildlife biology course, you will have gained the knowledge and skills to manage and care for marsupials in an entry-level position
Course Structure
Unit - Marsupials Biology and Management
Unit 1 – Marsupial Evolution Taxonomy and External Morphology
- Introduction and evolution
- Taxonomy
- Marsupial orders
- Families with orders
- Diversity
- External morphology (size, limbs and feet)
- Compare different marsupials feet:
- Different marsupial body parts
Unit 2 – Internal Anatomy, Physiology, and Senses
- Introduction
- Neural systems and intelligence
- Vision
- Dentition
- Digestion
- Skeletons
- Head, post cranial
- Scent glands and olifaction
- Reproduction
- Male marsupials
- Embryonic development
- Lactation and litter size
- Basal metabolism
Unit 3 – Behaviour
- Introduction
- Social behaviours
- Territoriality and home range
- Thermoregulation, torpor and hibernation
- Mating systems
- Care of young
- Communication
- Feeding and diet
- Den sites and nests
- Habitat
- Predation and predators
Unit 4 – Marsupial Health
- Pathogens and parasites
- Viruses( herpetovirus and herpes virus
- Other significant viruses
- Cancer
- Facial tumour disease (DFTD)
- Parasites and other pathogens
- Marsupials as disease vectors
- Non-infectious health issues in marsupials
- Malnutrition and starvation
- Pollution
- Shock and injury
- Injury and bite wounds
- Ocular injuries
- Marsupial health care
- Stress and diet
- Housing
Unit 5 – Marsupial Carnivores
- Dasyuridae: quolls, devils and their relatives
- Dasyuridae characteristics
- Tasmanian devil (distinguishing features)
- Quolls, dunnarts, antechinuses
- Numbats, myrmecobiidae
- Thylacine, thylacinidae
Unit 6 – Macropods
- Macropodidae: kangaroos, wallabies, and their relatives
- Taxonomy
- Macropus
- Grey kangaroos
- Red kangaroo
- Wallaroo group
- Black wallaroo
- Common wallaroo
- Antilopine kangaroo
- Other important genera
- Tree kangaroos
- Genus dendrolagus
- Overview of dendrolagus species
- Rock wallabies
- Quokka
Unit 7 – Diprotodontia Marsupials
- Koalas
- Diet and reproduction
- Wombats
- Ringtail possums
- Brush-tailed possums and cuscus
- Gliders and striped possums
- Petaurinae – the gliders
- Dactylopsilinae – the striped possums
- Pygmy possums
- Feather-tailed possums
- Potaroos and relatives
- Honey possum
Unit 8 – Peramelemophs
- Family peramelidae: bandicoots and echymiperas
- Subfamily peramelinae
- Genus isoodon
- Genus perameles
- Subfamily echymiperinae
- Genus echymipera
- Genus microperoryctes
- Genus rhynchomeles
- family thylacomyidae: bilbies
- Family chaeropodidae: the pig-footed bandicoot
Unit 9 – Other Marsupials
- Order notoryctemorphia.
- Order didelphimorphia
- Order microbiotheria
- Order paucituberculata
- Caenolestes
- Lestoros
- Rhyncholestes
Unit 10 – Sustainable Management of Marsupials
- Sustainable management
- Threats and their amelioration
- Political influence
- Global heating
- Habitat protection and modification
- Exotic species and their control
- Disease management
- Monitoring
- Fire management
- Artificial habitats
- Conservation breeding programs
- Geographical isolation – fences and islands
- Genetic impoverishment
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
I found the subjects and Assessments to be in depth and really informative. A lot of the information I will be using in my career as a Wildlife vet nurse. I’m really glad I chose to do this course. Thank you for the kind feedback.
E. Walters, Tallebudgera Valley, QLD | Certificate of Marsupial 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:-
- Animal Carers
- Wildlife Managers
- Animal Foster Carers
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