Level 3 Diploma Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation Studies (RQF)

Level 3 Diploma Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation Studies (RQF)

This Course at a Glance

• Develop your understanding of the sea, oceans and marine life
• Perfect for those looking to become a Marine Scientist
• Includes optional placement at SEA LIFE 
• Achieve a Level 3 Diploma qualification
• Start and study at any time
• 280 Guided Learning Hours
• 6 Units

About Your Qualification

If you’re fascinated by the world that exists underwater, this online course can help you to protect it throughout your career. By working in marine science, you can preserve our seas, shores and vulnerable marine species and help restore areas with existing damage.

This Level 3 Diploma Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation Studies is an ideal qualification which will enhance your job prospects and provide the underpinning knowledge for a successful career in marine biology and ocean conservation.

Throughout the course, you will gain knowledge of the oceans, marine biodiversity, and the interaction between marine life and humankind. You will understand the various threats to the oceans, seas, and specific marine environments and the impact of the increasing demands for aquaculture. This is in addition to learning about other human activities such as marine engineering and freight, and how this affects marine life and the marine environment.

You will also develop an understanding of conservation efforts in a variety of marine contents, examining in detail conservation efforts and ways used to mitigate the impact of climate change.

This qualification can be relied upon by employers to indicate that an individual has the knowledge and understanding to undertake a specific role in the workplace.

Why not develop a wider range of specialist knowledge ahead of a career in the marine sector? Bundle up with our Level 3 Award Marine Conservationist (RQF) qualification to maximise your knowledge, experience, and employability!

Practical Experience

This qualification also includes an optional practical placement at SEA LIFE for learners aged 18 and over. The placement will give you the opportunity to work alongside experienced aquarists in the day-to-day running of the aquarium exhibits. You will gain skills and experience in aquatic animal husbandry, species identification, animal behaviour, life support systems and water quality management to name just a few.

Choose from locations in Manchester, Weymouth, Hunstanton, or Brighton!

Getting Started

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider. Our online courses and qualifications give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best.

Whilst studying the Level 3 Diploma in Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation Studies (RQF), you’ll gain essential skills and knowledge that are needed for a career as a Conservation Scientist.

The benefit of online learning means that you can plan your studies around your existing commitments. So, you’re able to progress with your learning in a way that works for you, without the stressful balancing act. With no classes to attend or a timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning.

What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your qualification. As well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol so you’re able to start right away.

Modules

Unit 1: Principles of Marine Science: The Oceans

The learner will develop an understanding of the world’s oceans including their properties and locations, the water cycle and water currents. Learners will also develop an understanding of the processes within the seas and oceans, including ocean hazards and natural disasters.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand the location and characteristics of the oceans
• Understand the physical and chemical properties of sea water
• Understand the hydrological cycle
• Understand water currents
• Understand potential ocean hazards and natural disasters

Unit 2: Principles of Marine Science: Biodiversity

Learners will gain knowledge of the characteristics, variety and variability of life in the sea, as well as the different marine environments and how marine life has adapted. The learner will also understand how marine biodiversity interacts with humankind and the importance of this within the field of medicine.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand the biodiversity of marine life
• Understand the aquatic ecosystem
• Understand the characteristics of different types of marine ecosystems
• Understand adaptations of marine species
• Understand how medicines are developed from marine species

Unit 3: Threats to Marine Life

Learners will gain knowledge of how threats to marine life are multiple and can be both naturally occurring and manmade. The learner will understand how storms and hurricanes threaten marine life, the threat posed by changes in pH, and the impact of global warming on marine life. In addition, learners will also understand how plastics, oil and debris affect marine life and how human activities, including fishing, pose a threat to marine species.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand that multiple factors are a threat to marine species
• Understand how storms and hurricanes threaten marine life
• Understand how changes in pH can damage marine life
• Understand how global warming affects the oceans
• Understand how plastics, oil and debris threaten marine life
• Understand how human activities threaten marine life

Unit 4: The Demand for and Impact of Aquaculture

Learners will gain knowledge of the increase in demand for aquaculture, the reasons behind this increase and the different types of aquaculture around the world. In particular, the learner will understand the lifecycle and farming of salmon, as well as how fisheries impact the environment, the fish and the people who eat it.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand the factors which have increased demand for fish as a food
• Understand the variety of aquaculture around the world
• Understand the lifecycle of wild salmon (Salmo salar)
• Understand the conditions and chemicals cultured salmon are exposed to
• Understand how the process of producing fish in fisheries can negatively affect the environment, the health of the fish and the health of the people who eat it

Unit 5: The Impact of Humankind on the Sea, Oceans and Marine Life

Learners will understand how humans impact the sea, oceans and marine life through industrialisation, and about the impact of climate change and the use of fossil fuels. Learners will gain knowledge of how fishing and tourism affect biodiversity, ecosystems and different species. In addition, learners will also consider the impact of marine engineering, freight, transport and the water, gas and oil industries.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand how different human industries impact the oceans
• Understand how human activities contribute to climate change and impact on the oceans
• Understand how different types of tourism lead to changes in sea biodiversity, ecosystems, and water quality
• Understand how different ways of fishing affect marine species
• Understand how marine engineering projects lead to the disruption of ecosystems, pollution and species loss

Unit 6: Principles of Marine Conservation

Learners will gain knowledge of the range of methods used in preserving a variety of ecosystems, including coral reefs, sea grass beds, coastal ecosystems and mangrove swamps. Learners will also examine a variety of methods used to address the impact of climate change on marine environments, including sea warming and extreme weather, as well as develop an understanding of sustainable fishing and how controls can be applied for the prevention and restrictions of oils and plastics entering the sea.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand different methods of preserving ecosystems
• Understand how climate change can be mitigated with respect to acidification
• Understand how climate change can be mitigated with respect to sea warming and extreme weather
• Understand how overfishing and aquaculture can be controlled
• Understand measures to control the release of oils and plastics into the sea

Entry Requirements

This qualification is ideal for learners who work in or intend to enter, a marine or ocean conservation-related career. This qualification is intended for learners aged 16 and above. There are other no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, due to the nature of the qualification content, those undertaking the qualification must have a proficient level of spoken and written English (e.g. GCSE Grade C / Grade 4 or above) or equivalent.

Minimum Age Restriction

16

Average Completion Timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Assessment Requirements

You will build a portfolio of evidence, clearly demonstrating where you have met the learning outcomes and qualification requirements.

Various types of evidence may be used, for example:

• Essays/assignments
• Short questions and answers
• Workbooks
• Professional discussions
• Observations of performance in the workplace
• Product evidence
• Reflective accounts
• Witness testimony
• Records of questioning

Evidence in the portfolio should be mapped against the learning outcomes, reflect the type of evidence supplied and indicate its location within the portfolio.

Practical Placement

This qualification includes an optional practical placement at SEA LIFE for learners aged 18 and over. The placement will give you the opportunity to work alongside experienced aquarists in the day-to-day running of the aquarium exhibits. You will gain skills and experience in aquatic animal husbandry, species identification, animal behaviour, life support systems and water quality management to name just a few.

Choose from locations in Manchester, Weymouth, Hunstanton, or Brighton!

Certification Timeframe

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

To successfully gain the Level 3 Diploma Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation Studies (RQF), students must achieve 38 credits.

You will build a portfolio of evidence, clearly demonstrating where you have met the learning outcomes and qualification requirements.

Various types of evidence may be used, for example:

• Essays/assignments
• Short questions and answers
• Workbooks
• Professional discussions
• Observations of performance in the workplace
• Product evidence
• Reflective accounts
• Witness testimony
• Records of questioning

Evidence in the portfolio should be mapped against the learning outcomes, reflect the type of evidence supplied and indicate its location within the portfolio.

When are you assessed?

As you are in control of how you learn, you are also in charge of when you complete your assessments.

This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assessments.

Gatehouse Awards

Upon successful completion of this qualification, you will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation Studies (RQF), an Ofqual regulated qualification (Qualification Number: 610/0262/8).

Gatehouse Awards Ltd is a leading awarding body recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, England (Ofqual). They also have a significant international presence providing language testing services.

Completing Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation Studies can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Some of the most common career options for someone with qualifications in this subject include:

• Marine Biologist: As a Marine Biologist, you would study marine organisms and ecosystems, examining their behaviour, physiology, and ecology. You might work for government agencies, non-profit organisations, or private companies, studying everything from fish and marine mammals to plankton and coral reefs.
• Environmental Consultant: As an Environmental Consultant, you would advise businesses and organisations on how to comply with environmental regulations and reduce their impact on the environment. This might involve conducting environmental assessments, designing pollution prevention programmes, or managing remediation projects.
• Oceanographer: As an Oceanographer, you would study physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean, including currents, waves, and tides. You might work for government agencies or research institutions, studying everything from ocean circulation to climate change.
• Conservation Scientist: As a Conservation Scientist, you would work to protect and restore natural habitats and ecosystems. This might involve conducting research, designing, and implementing conservation programmes, or working with local communities to promote sustainable practices.
• Fisheries Scientist: As a Fisheries Scientist, you would work to manage and conserve fish populations, balancing the needs of Fishermen and other stakeholders with the health of the ecosystem. This might involve conducting research, monitoring fish populations, or advising government agencies on fishing regulations.

Overall, studying Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation Studies can lead to a rewarding career working to protect and conserve our oceans and marine environments.

Frequently Asked Questions