Ecotourism involves low-impact travel to fragile, pristine or relatively undisturbed natural areas. But it also reflects the concepts of conservation and the management of resources to ensure environments remain protected and sustainable. And the industry is booming! This course is ideal for those keen to conduct tours, overnight walks or treks with a tour guide service, or entrepreneurs who are inspired to start their own tour guide business.
The Ecotour Guide Program is an online program that will give you insights into the ecotourism industry, including guiding environmental awareness via tour planning, displays and interpretive aids.
In this professional development course, you will study ecology and conservation, plant and animal identification, geology and geomorphology, and you’ll discover how to interpret land and aquatic environments.
You will also learn about the ecotourist profile, how to plan an ecotour, set up ecotour displays, and advertise and lead ecotour services.
On completion of this course, you will be able to successfully organise and lead ecotours so that your clients, including overseas visitors, gain insights and inspiration about the natural world around them.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Ecotourism basics
- Definition of ecotourism
- Negative ecotourism
- Ecotourist profile
- Administrative concerns
- Safety
Unit 2 - Interpretive services in ecotourism
- Interpretation as a key element of ecotourism
- Interpretation techniques
- Sign design
Unit 3 - Ecology and conservation
- Definition of ecology
- Ecosystem function
- The web of life
- Habitat and niche
- Humans in the environment
Unit 4 - Plant and animal classification and identification
- Classification of organisms
- Basic taxonomy
- Using keys for identification
- Other methods of identification
Unit 5 - Geology/geomorphology
- Types of rocks
- Types of minerals
- Soils
- Soil formation
- Soil classification
Unit 6 - Interpreting aquatic environments
- Marine environments
- Freshwater environments
- Fish
- Shells
- Crustaceans
Unit 7 - Interpreting land environments
- Introduction to interpreting land environments
- Relevance of interpreting land environments
Unit 8 - Planning an ecotour
- Destination
- Transportation
- Accommodation
Unit 9 - Ecotour displays
- Design concepts
- Zoo design techniques
Unit 10 - Leading an ecotour
- Advertising
- Group preparation
- Planning the tour
- Group surveys for feedback
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
- Ecotour Guide
- Ecotour Operator
