The course reviews basic ecology and environmental problems such as pollution and land degradation before considering varying aspects of conservation such as animal, marine and vegetation.

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. An Introduction To Ecology
2. A Perspective On Environmental Problems
3. Pollution & Industry Effects On The Environment
4. Water & Soil
5. Vegetation Conservation & Management
6. Animal Conservation & Management
7. Marine Conservation & Management
8. The Future

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school\'s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Provide a basic introduction to the study of ecology.
• To provide a brief perspective on environmental problems and their causes.
• To provide a brief introduction to pollution and its effect on the environment and conservation.
• To become aware of relationships between water and soil and their effects on conservation and the environment, and how they can be used and managed.
• To investigate the techniques of vegetation management used in a range of situations.
• To identify the methods used to monitor and manage natural animal populations and land areas for sustainable species continuance.
• To identify the methods used to monitor and manage natural marine populations for sustainable species continuance.
• To describe the role of Ecologically Sustainable Development policies in future environment management.

• Describe ecological processes and associated sustainable management techniques.
• Investigate a specific environmental problem and provide possible solutions.
• Evaluate the relationship between industry and pollution.
• Discuss principles of water and soil management.
• Select a specific type of plant that is endangered or an environmental problem and submit a case study.
• Explain animal conservation strategies, including protection legislation, breeding programs and habitat conservation.
• Discuss a specific issue that applies to marine conservation.
• Develop profiles of three different conservation and/or environment lobby group organisations and procedures used in promoting their cause.