Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation

Purpose

This qualification is informed by several Exit Level Outcomes that serves to provide learners with knowledge and skills in the current theory, practice and methodology within the field of nature conservation with South African contexts. The qualification will produce qualifying learners with the requisite vocational knowledge and skills in nature conservation and conservation management and the ability to apply these throughout the South African conservation estate in aiding the transformation of the socio-economic landscape of South Africa.

The qualifying learner will be trained for middle management positions in the conservation field as well as manage and support scientific endeavours. The aim of this qualification is to prepare learners for postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies, and practices in specific academic conservation disciplines and fields. In addition, qualifying learners will be able to develop, formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

The qualification contributes to an improved understanding of protected area management, more specifically with respect to the digestive physiology of ungulates, water requirements of fauna, activity patterns and home range use, predator management and the ecology of wildlife diseases. The learner must be able to apply all the above theories and concepts using existing tools such as veld condition and game condition assessments to wild animal population dynamics.

Rationale

This qualification provides the conservation industry with persons that are able to participate under indirect supervision in the management actions in national parks and nature reserves. Achieving this qualification enables the qualifying learner to progress within a career path at the level of a conservation officer and conservation biologist and to actively participate in management actions that conform to relevant statutory bodies. Therefore, rationale for this qualification is to enhance professional competence in the field of nature conservation on a regional and national level.

Learners can through a deeper and comprehensive understanding of reasonable legislature and other aspects that prevent ecological degradations, promote conservation and secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

A qualifying learner will also be deeply knowledgeable and capable of developing entrepreneurial opportunities that manage natural resources and biodiversity. Qualifying learners will become certificated members of South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) with two years of work experience. SACNASP is the legislated regulatory body for natural science practitioners in South Africa and certification is required to establish, sustain and ensure a high standard of professionalism and ethical conscience amongst South African scientists including qualifying learners from this programme.

The programme design provides for progression into Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation or a relevant a Bachelor's Degree. Completion of this qualification meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to a Postgraduate Diploma but accumulated credits may also be presented for admission into a cognate Bachelors Honours Degree programme.

Notably, the academic Advisory Board comprising industrial and other stakeholders provided input into the development of the curriculum, to ensure that the qualification has relevance to the workplace.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition may be granted for non-formal prior work-integrated learning for access or granting credits. The RPL process will be conducted according to institution's RPL policy and may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge examinations and interviews with assessment panels.

RPL/ Status or Equivalence procedure

Application process: the following steps are applicable in the application process

• The applicant starts with an appointment at the RPL Office or be referred by the relevant Academic Department.
• Screening interview at the RPL office.
• Application and proof of payment received by the RPL office.
• Application sent to the relevant Academic Department.
• If successful, Academic Department makes recommendation to Faculty Board.
• Faculty Board makes recommendation to RESSS (a sub-committee of Senate that deals with RPL and related matters).
• RESSS recommend to Senate.
• Once Senate has decided, the RPL office then communicates the outcome to the applicant.

Departmental committee meeting steps

• Evaluate all qualifications/documentations.
• Discuss the relevance.
• Consider prior knowledge base.
• Make recommendations - internal departmental exam (50% pass rate required); Additional subjects; Language problems.
• Complete documentation - sent through to faculty.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• A Diploma or National Diploma in Nature Conservation.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules and elective Module at Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 84 Credits

• Animal Studies III, 24 Credits.
• Plant Studies III, 24 Credits.
• Research Methodology I, 18 Credits.
• Resource Management III, 18 Credits.

Elective Modules: 36 Credits (Choose one)

• Financial Management I, 36 Credits.
• Conservation Communication II, 36 Credits.
• Management Principles I, 36 Credits.
• Aquatic Science I, 36 Credits.

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of Conservation, including an understanding of knowledge as contested and an ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical within the area of Animal and Plant Ecology in processes of investigation or application within a defined context.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in ecological monitoring and natural resource management, and their suitability to specific investigations; and an ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within the practice of Nature Conservation and protected area management.
3. Demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments by conducting research, planning projects, performing managerial duties related to the field of Nature Conservation, in addition to operational activities related to Conservation Management.
4. Communicate and manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context- and system-bound, and does not occur in isolation using appropriate academic and professional conventions, formats and technologies, in varied fields of Natural Science.
5. Apply plans of collaborative networking relevant to maintenance of infrastructure and equipment commensurate with contemporary conservation and land management operations.
6. Demonstrate an ability to take decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches, within an organisational or professional context, based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas.
7. Demonstrate an ability to take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate advanced and integrated biodiversity monitoring techniques which are consistent with industrial and ethical principles.
• Evaluate the practical aspects of Plant and Animal Ecology.
• Evaluate the design and implementation of conservation programmes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Manage and monitor protect areas by applying techniques relevant to ecological principles.
• Identify and analyse the risks of protecting biodiversity from injudicious and or illegal exploitation.
• Enforce relevant conservation legislation to ensure area integrity (anti-poaching, patrols).
• Apply legislation relevant to conservation (permits, investigations, criminal procedures).
• Ensure direct conservation compliance in the operational environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the application of tangible solutions and theory-driven arguments concerning conservation legislature.
• Utilise managerial functions together with conservation communication and financial management to foster economic growth and social cohesion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use scientific language and nomenclature in a clear and concise manner, giving and receiving feedback appropriate to unfamiliar and variable contexts.
• Communicate instructional information and study material in a variety of ways, with special emphasis on peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply plans of collaborative networking relevant to maintenance of infrastructure and equipment commensurate with contemporary conservation and land management operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 6

• Approach and manage ethical and organizational dilemmas in line with professional and industrial standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrate special consideration for organisational behaviour when interacting with people, communities, fauna and flora.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 7

• Base individual accountability and problem-solving issues on evidence and procedures.
• Ability to refer peer conduct and accountability to relevant organisational structures.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is a multidisciplinary approach to assessment of learning. It is based on combining, interpreting and communicating knowledge in this field of study. In this qualification, integrated assessment is ensured by incorporating both formative and summative assessment strategies into the learning programme.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will thus mainly involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Throughout the programme, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level outcomes are achieved, which include (but not limited to):

• Assignments.
• Practicals and practical assessments.
• Theory tests.
• And/or any other applicable methods required within a specific teaching and learning experience.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or programme. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of (including, but not limited to):

• Portfolios of Evidence.
• Presentations.
• Tests.
• Examinations.