Associate Diploma in Environmental Management -Distance Education or Online study
Environmental management requires the wise use of resources of the earth, in order that they will be able to support or sustain, the generations that are yet to come. This can be done in many ways and in different situations. For example:
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National Parks - The protection of the ecosystems, including endangered species of flora and fauna.
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Agriculture - Sustainable techniques such as the management of soil erosion and water catchment areas.
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Industry - Pollution control measures should be used.
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People - Every person should help to collect and recycle waste.
These examples show that conservation involves the use of resources so that the environment is protected and maintained, and that the ecosystems are rehabilitated and restored.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course is divided into 15 subjects/modules as follows:
Core Modules (Each module = 100 hours)
You must successfully complete all assignments and pass exams in each of the following.
Click on underlined modules for more details.
Elective Modules
Choose four of the following (You may choose later in the course if you wish)
- Nature Park Management I
- Nature Park Management II
- Permaculture Systems
- Advanced Permaculture
- Landscaping I
- Landscaping II
- Landscaping III (Styles)
- Natural Garden Design
- Trees for Rehabilitation
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Organic Farming
- Freelance Writing
- Ecotourism Tour Guide Course
- Adventure Tourism
- Event Management
- Healthy Buildings I
- Healthy Buildings II
- Starting a Small Business
Economics and the Environment
Many world economic structures depend on natural resources. Industries such as tourism, forestry, fishing and agriculture rely on the healthy functioning of the natural environment, There is hardly a productive industry that does not rely upon a natural resource.
Healthy Ecosystems
If a natural resource is damaged in any way, industries that rely on it will suffer, For example, over- fishing of fish stocks in many areas has dramatically affected the fishing industry. This has caused dramatic drops in fish populations, reduced harvesting of fish, and major drops in incomes. This has provided less spending money for the fisherman, which in turn, affected the other suppliers of goods and materials to this industry. One action can trigger off a chain of undesirable effects. Therefore, the health of a whole ecosystem, rather than of just a resource within it, must be considered.
Genetic Diversity
Flora and fauna contain an untapped source of genetic diversity. This may be valuable in plant and animal breeding programs, or in the very survival of the species in the wild. Plants are also chemical factories which can manufacture many complex and unusual substances. Many of these substances are potential medicines which can benefit mankind. A few examples of existing drugs that are based on plants are:
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Quinine - An anti-malarial medicine. It is made from a substance which is contained in the yellow cinchona tree.
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Aspirin - A common drug which has been developed from a substance supplied from the bark of a willow tree.
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The Rosy Periwinkle - This plant produces substances which have proved to be effective in treating Leukemia.
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Aesthetic Value - Not only are there economic and ecological values to the conservation of resources, but nature also provides the beauty and peacefulness of the mountains, the sea, and the bush. Nature provides these areas where people can enjoy their recreational time, and become revitalised.
THE ACS TEAM APPROACH
ACS was founded by John Mason in 1979 as Australian Horticultural Correspondence School.
Right from these very early times, we've always believed that the best education only comes when the student is learning from the experience of a whole range of industry experts (rather than just a single teacher).
Every ACS course is a work in progress, continually evolving, with new information being added and old information being updated by our team of internationally renowned professional horticulturists.
Over the decades more than 100 horticulture experts from across the world have contributed to these courses, bringing their individual knowledge and experiences from as wide afield as England and Spain to Australia and America.
While may colleges and universities focus on providing courses that relate only to the country where they are based, ACS has always strived to make it's courses relevant to all parts of the world; any climate, economic or cultural situation. This has been achieved by involving a large number of professionals in the course development.
When it comes to tutoring, marking papers and mentoring students, the team approach is just as strong as with our writing. ACS students have the ability to obtain advice and support from staff across the world, with horticulture tutors located in the UK, Australia (both the north and south) and New Zealand.
The ACS team approach and global focus to both course content and student support, ensures our graduates have a unique and "real world" skills set. This unique approach is highly regarded by our colleagues in horticulture.
Contributors to ACS Courses over the years have included:
John Mason -former parks director (Melton, Essendon and Heidelberg), Landscape Designer (Playgrounds and recreation Association of Victoria), Nurseryman, President Australian Institute of Horticulture (Victoria), Committee International Year of the Child (Australia), Author ove over 40 books, Editor Garden Guide Magazine, Editor Your Backyard Magazine.
Maggi Brown - Education officer, Henry Doubleday Research Association (UK), gold medal winner Chelsea Flower Show, Garden consultant.
Adriana Fraser - Horticultural Consultant, TAFE Lecturer, Project Manager - Parks and Gardens, Horticultural writer.
Iain Harrison -Garden Manager Fibremakers, Garden Consultant, Lecturer Swinburn TAFE
Katie Freeth - Manager Commonwealth War Graves (France), Horticultural Consultant (France & UK), Board member Institute of Horticulture, and International Federation Parks & Recreation Administration
Tony Bundock -Horticulture Businessman, Consultant, Head of Horticulture Dept. TAFE
Jim Davis -Horticulture Businessman, Lecturer TAFE (NSW), Principal VCAH Burnley College
Dr Lyn Morgan -author and internationally renowned hydroponics consultant (New Zealand)
Dr Valeria Astorga -horticultural consultant, lecturer (Spain, Peru, Australia)
Alison Bundock -Editor (Kangaroo Press; Southern Cross University), Technical Writer (APM), Consultant
Rosemary Davies -Horticultural concultant, journalist, media personality (Victoria)
