Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation

Purpose

This qualification intends to provide the nature conservation industry with professional and competent people for managerial positions that have an in-depth knowledge of the principles of conservation management to manage natural resources and biological diversity at the local, regional and national scales.

The qualified person will have the appropriate levels of theoretical knowledge and technical expertise to integrate ecological principles with economic, legislative and sociological constraints to ensure conservation of natural resources. They will, furthermore, contribute to the sustainable utilisation of the limited natural resources in South Africa, thus contributing to economic development. The qualified person will also be able to critically evaluate and interpret ecological research studies for implementation purposes. While the Diploma in Nature Conservation equips the student with the skills to work at a technical and supportive level within the field of nature conservation, this qualification aims to provide the knowledge and competencies required to manage and lead the conservation enterprise.

Students that have completed this course will be able to

• Manage communities and other stakeholders effectively, in order to achieve biodiversity conservation and management goals.
• Manage natural resources by means of an integrated management approach.
• Lead the way in biodiversity management through the application of knowledge of the composition, structure and dynamic functioning of the natural environment.
• Apply conservation principles, policies and legislation to manage biodiversity and mitigate anthropogenic impacts.
• Implement and make use of monitoring and research to achieve biodiversity conservation and management goals.

Rationale

The appropriate and sustainable management of the unique biodiversity of South Africa is important for economic development of the conservation industry and related industries such as ecotourism, water management etc. This qualification equips students with advanced conservation management skills to work in a managerial role in nature reserves or other conservation enterprises, whether public or private. The graduates should competently take the lead in the conservation of biodiversity from the level of a conservation officer to the top management functions. Specific job profiles which have been identified as in demand, and to which this qualification can contribute include: Reserve Managers, Restoration Specialists, Biodiversity Monitoring Officers, Biodiversity Planners, Conservation Officers, Coast Watch Coordinators, Eco-rangers, Environmental Impact Assessment Coordinators, Integrated Catchment Managers, Research Assistants, and Stewardship and Extension Officers.

The graduates will have the required knowledge of the natural environment and its dynamic relationship with humans (such as landscape scale conservation, ecotourism, community conservation, urban conservation, stakeholder engagement etc.), various approaches to conservation and sustainable use, and competence in research and monitoring techniques. Furthermore, with conservation becoming more and more interdisciplinary, there is a strong focus on so-called soft skills and communication, project management, community education, compliance management, financial management, and business plans. These are key components of this qualification.

There is also a progressive and systematic approach to the teaching of research and interpreting research and applying this to conservation practice. The research subject builds on the research component of the workplace based learning year, and also provides a foundation for the more rigorous research required in the anticipated Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Science.

On a smaller scale, students will acquire the skills to determine field condition and carrying capacity to calculate the best animal species composition and numbers to utilize a game reserve to its full potential without detrimental effects to the field.

A further reason for offering the qualification is to address the shortage of well qualified conservationists in South Africa. Conservation management further plays an important role in supporting scientists and resource managers in solving problems relating to nature conservation. Overall, this qualification helps to forge links with stakeholders in business and industry, government departments and non-profit organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of a qualification and/or for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual in nature, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled in accordance with an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and/or credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Advanced Diploma studies are

• Diploma in Nature Conservation.

Or

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation.

Or

• A relevant qualification Level 6.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Level 7.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 7, 120 Credits

• Terrestrial ecosystem functioning, 15 Credits.
• Management principles, 10 Credits.
• Research methodology, 15 Credits.
• Aquatic systems management, 15 Credits.
• Human resource management, 15 Credits.
• Wildlife management, 10 Credits.
• Vegetation management, 10 Credits.
• Community conservation and compliance, 15 Credits.
• Conservation biology, 15 Credits.

1. Manage communities and other stakeholders effectively, in order to achieve biodiversity conservation and management goals.
2. Manage natural resources by means of an integrated management approach.
3. Lead the way in biodiversity management through the application of knowledge of the composition, structure and dynamic functioning of the natural environment.
4. Apply conservation principles, policies and legislation to manage biodiversity and mitigate anthropogenic impacts.
5. Implement and make use of monitoring and research to achieve biodiversity conservation and management goals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Write a scientifically valid and industry acceptable report that identifies a management issue/problem that is within your area of work.
• Identify the key stakeholders in the decision-making process.
• Write a synthesis document on this issue that can be distributed to all the stakeholders that will be part of the decision making process on how to deal with this problem/issue.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Select a conservation area and write a scientific report with appropriate references dealing with; study area, ecosystem functioning and processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Select a conservation area and write a scientific report with appropriate references dealing with the following areas: Study area, large herbivores, predators etc.
• Summarise and present relevant information with a fellow student on a given scientific paper.
• Access, distill and write concise scientific review papers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate the ability to understand and interpret scientific papers regarding early detection and eradication of invasive alien plant species, conflict of interest alien species, novel ecosystems, pollution, and influences of different fire management actions on vegetation and critically evaluate current vegetation monitoring programs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Plan and execute a research project that includes the following; research proposal, written scientific report in a recognized journal format, collection of data, analysis and discussion of data collected, oral presentation of research in scientific conference format and poster presentation of research in scientific conference format.

Integrated Assessment

The teaching methods and mode of delivery for the Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation will use a mixture of learning practices in order to maximize student learning. However, all these practices will make use of a constructivist approach that is scaffolded and closely aligns learning outcomes with course content and assessment practices.

The objectives of assessment at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and for the Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation (which is aligned to these objectives) are as follows:

To ensure academic and professional standards in the design, approval, implementation and review of assessment strategies for programmes, courses and modules, and for the qualifications awarded by the University.

This has been largely achieved through the stakeholder engagement during the planning of the Advanced Diploma.

To promote both formative and summative assessment as integral to the quality of the design of learning programmes and modules, and to the quality of the teaching and learning process.

The principal of continuous assessment will be used in all subjects. This may be defined as

A system whereby the formal evaluation of a student's academic progress and performance comprises regular assessment, both formative and summative, with a final summative assessment. The benefit of this type of assessment system is that it is an ongoing process that measures a learner's achievement in a course of study on a particular level, providing information that is used to support a learner's development and enable improvements to be made in the learning and teaching process (DoE, 1998). All subjects offered as part of the Advanced Diploma have formative and summative components to them.

To ensure uniform administration and management of final summative assessments, and set guidelines for formative and summative, continuous assessment activities to ensure the integrity of the assessment processes at the University.

All assessments will be co-ordinate by the convener of the Advanced Diploma, who will take responsibility for the compilation and ensuring the moderation of all assessments.

To provide guidance on the design, management and administration of assessments in general with the aim on promoting consistency within the University thus protecting students' rights and minimising the risk to the University. To ensure the quality, integrity and credibility of qualifications awarded by CPUT. To ensure accountability to the University, to employers and the wider community. To ensure alignment with the requirements and expectations of the DoE, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) as regards assessment practice.

All assessment strategies will be aligned with the overall CPUT assessment policy and practice.

An example of the types of assessment used can be taken from the subject

Aquatic Systems Management, where the assessment strategy is

Students will be assessed on

• Presentations on set topics making use of appropriate scientific articles (25% of final mark).
• Scientific reports that review and analyse relevant course topics (50% of final mark).
• Controlled tests that assess the student's knowledge of freshwater, estuarine and marine law (25% of final mark).

The Assessment Criteria to be used for the above subject are as follows

1. In a controlled test environment, demonstrate competence in the interpretation and application of relevant legislation pertaining to the freshwater, estuarine and marine environment.
2. Access and summarize relevant information and present a seminar and/or write a scientific report (with correct referencing) on any of the following topics:

> Give detailed descriptions of the physical, chemical, biological and ecological functioning of freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems, with particular reference to South Africa.

> Identify threats to the health of aquatic ecosystems, particularly pollution, and prescribe appropriate management measures required.

All subjects will have a similar outline available for both the Assessment Strategy and Assessment Criteria.