Online Nature Enthusiast Course

Description

EcoTraining’s Online Nature Enthusiast Course brings natural ecosystems to life through engaging lectures and practical learning. Designed for all nature lovers, this course offers comprehensive online wildlife classes to deepen your connection with the natural world and inspire you to become a guardian of nature.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Explore 16 natural history modules, from geology and basic ecology to animal behaviour and conservation management.
• Learn about biomes, botany, weather, and climate.
• Gain insights into astronomy, taxonomy, and the fascinating lives of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

These online wildlife classes are perfect for anyone passionate about understanding and protecting the environment.

Course Format and Structure

Live Lectures: Sessions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 18:00 – 20:00 (GMT+2) (South African time).

Interactive Features: Q&A sessions and theory reviews with instructors and fellow participants.

Recordings: Access to lecture recordings until the end of the year of enrolment.

Duration: Seven weeks of structured yet flexible learning.

Fee: The fee includes FGASA registration and the first exam attempt.

Modules and Lessons

The course covers 16 modules, including:

• Geology
• Basic ecology
• Weather and climate
• Introduction to biomes of Southern Africa
• Botany and grasses
• Animal behaviour (including tracks)
• Mammals
• Birds
• Arthropods
• Reptiles
• Astronomy
• Amphibians
• Basic taxonomy 
• Fish
• Conservation management and historical human habitation 

Students join the online Field Guide course students, from Module 2 onwards.
All the online lectures will be done via Zoom (To download Zoom – click here)

Course Features

Comprehensive Learning: In-depth coverage of all modules with practical theory reviews.
Flexible Access: Watch recorded sessions anytime during your enrolment year.
Certification: FGASA Nature Enthusiast Certificate upon completion.
FGASA Campus Platform: Students will get access to the FGASA Campus platform, where they must complete a digital workbook.

Instructors and Expertise

Learn from EcoTraining’s expert instructors, who bring decades of hands-on experience and a passion for conservation to your online wildlife classes. Instructor availability may vary, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience.

Course Specific Details

In this course, you’ll also benefit from the following:

• Short quizzes after each module 
• Access to a mock exam to assist students with preparation for the official Nature Enthusiast Exam 
• Assistance from a qualified lecturer 
• Technical support
• Student support
• WhatsApp group for class
• EcoTraining Assessment (after course, but before the theory exam)
• Online Theory exam after the course (FGASA Nature Enthusiast Exam)

Certification and Accreditation

Upon completing the course and passing the theory exam, participants receive:

FGASA Nature Enthusiast Certificate.
An EcoTraining Certificate of Participation.
No qualification gained – this is for nature lovers/enthusiasts only

Certificates are issued six to eight weeks after course completion.

Things to note

• On the day registration closes, the eLearning department will contact students and send further information. Lectures will not take place on our eLearning website. All communication will be through email, and during the live lectures, or a WhatsApp group.