Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Nature Conservation
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose:
- Provide learners with knowledge and skills in the theory, practice, and methodology of nature conservation within South African contexts
- Produce qualifying learners with vocational knowledge and skills in nature conservation and conservation management
- Prepare learners for middle management positions in conservation and support scientific endeavors
- Train learners to apply knowledge and skills to aid in transforming the socio-economic landscape of South Africa
- Develop learners' abilities to address complex theoretical and practical problems in conservation
- Contribute to an improved understanding of protected area management and wildlife ecology
Rationale:
- Enhance professional competence in nature conservation on regional and national levels
- Enable learners to progress within a career path in conservation management
- Promote ecological sustainability and responsible use of natural resources
- Develop entrepreneurial opportunities in natural resource management and biodiversity
- Certify learners as members of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions
Certification and Progression:
- Certification allows learners to progress in their careers as conservation officers and biologists
- Qualifying learners will be eligible for SACNASP certification after two years of work experience
- Qualification meets minimum entry requirements for a Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation
- Credits earned can also be applied towards a relevant Bachelor's Degree
- Curriculum developed with input from an Advisory Board to ensure relevance in the workplace
Outcomes
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Apply plans of collaborative networking relevant to maintenance of infrastructure and equipment commensurate with contemporary conservation and land management operations.
- 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.
- 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.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Demonstrate advanced and integrated biodiversity monitoring techniques 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 protected areas by applying techniques relevant to ecological principles.
- Identify and analyze 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 for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate the application of tangible solutions and theory-driven arguments concerning conservation legislature.
- Utilize 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 for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Approach and manage ethical and organizational dilemmas in line with professional and industrial standards and guidelines.
- Demonstrate special consideration for organizational behavior when interacting with people, communities, fauna, and flora.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Base individual accountability and problem-solving issues on evidence and procedures.
- Ability to refer peer conduct and accountability to relevant organizational structures.
Integrated Assessment:
- Integrated assessment is a multidisciplinary approach that combines, interprets, and communicates knowledge in the field of study.
- Formative and summative assessment strategies are incorporated into the learning program to ensure integrated assessment.
Formative Assessment:
- Involves continuous assessment throughout the semester to inform learners about their progress.
- Includes self and peer assessment using relevant analytical tools.
- Strategies such as assignments, practical assessments, theory tests, and other applicable methods are used to achieve exit level outcomes.
Summative Assessment:
- Takes place at the end of a learning experience to gather information about a learner's competence.
- Used for promotional purposes and includes portfolios of evidence, presentations, tests, and examinations.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.