View Projects
Six week Marine Conservation and Ecology Course
View Photos
This is a practical course that introduces participants to marine conservation and ecology, then progresses to looking at various marine and coastal ecosystems in more detail.
6 weeks full time onsite or 6 weeks remote learning
Completion requirements include attending online or onsite lectures, completing a number of online quizzes and submitting assignments. Topics covered include: Introduction to the Marine Environment Coastal Processes and Ecosystems Knowledge and assignments on 11 different Marine Ecosystems From estuaries to the deep ocean Marine Species knowledge Special species and their conservation (sharks, whales, bluebottles) Phenomena Education and Research Conservation Issues Skills learnt: Bird watching, field identification skills, Critical thinking; writing blog posts; applying concepts to real world examples, using technology, creating infographics, managing your learning online.
On classroom days: Get up early and d an early morning activity such as tide monitoring, bird watching or beach combing Attend classroom sessions from 9 - 15:00 or later Late afternoon do practical activities, complete assessment tasks and quizzes, meet with fellow students to discuss practical and other tasks On practical days: Usually an early start and we are out for most of the day. We take a packed lunch with us and go exploring be walking, kayaking, beach combing or snorkelling. In whale watching season the option exists for a whale watching excursion, a trip to the East London museum - home of the Coelacanth When conditions permit we take a multi day walking and camping trip along the Wild Coast.
Freedom to walk along the estuary and on the beach Swimming in the ocean Horse riding, abseiling, take a visit to a nearby game reserve Golfing Trips to East London Mountain biking trips Township tours Assist with a project that we have going at our local school
Mixed, shared accommodation or a shared house and camping
Accommodation is mostly in a large student share house. Depending on our numbers, we also have a backpacker style accommodation available. For those who prefer their privacy and a little more comfort, we are able to arrange single or double self-catering facilities at an added cost.
Self-catering kitchen, washing machine
Food is provided, and kitchen facilities are available at each house for self-catering Most houses have a washing machine, we also have one on site for laundry Students are expected to keep their accommodation clean. Accommodation is serviced weekly where bedding is changed and dirty bedding is washed. There is a small local shop available for personal items. We take a trip into East London twice a month to do a big shop - students may accompany us on these There are a few small restaurants and a local pub
We have 2 academic staff and one staff member per student house or backpacker accommodation
Kei Mouth is a very safe place to live. All accommodation is selected for it's safety, with some having burglar alarms
Meals are self-catered per house. Basic food items are supplied weekly for each house to make their own meals. Additional items can be bought at the shop. There are also local restaurant and take-away options available
Wi-fi is available to students at the college's main site where classes take place.
Signal is good most of the time, with an outage of a few hours when we have big weather events. Three networks are covered.
There is a nearby clinic. The nearest private hospital is approximately 80 km away, close to East London. It is possible to arrange for an ambulance if needed.
Fly to O.R. Tambo International airport. Yo can then take a flight to East London airport, where will arrange a pick-up for the 90km trip to Kei Mouth. For the adventurous travellers, take a bus or hire a car. We are willing to make arrangements for individual pick-up points within the East London area.
English
Valid passport, proof of travel insurance, valid and appropriate visa if relevant
No restriction- as long as candidates can speak, read and write english
No qualification required. Just a positive attitude and the willingness to work hard.
Reasonable fitness. All medical conditions to be declared
Clothing appropriate to being outdoors and on the beach for extended periods of time shoes that can get wet and muddy and have good grip on the rocks. Your own snorkelling gear. Beach clothes, towels etc A warm jacket, that is waterproof. Warm clothes for the few days that it may get cool. Hat, sunblock A laptop for doing online assessments and handing in tasks. Binoculars and the recommended books can be ordered from us if you don't have. You can also order snorkelling gear from us
We are on-hand to answer questions and advise on further travel and study plans We provide support to all students needing study or assessment completion support.
The total cost of the course is R 48 000 for six weeks This includes: transfers, food, accommodation, entrance fees to practical excursions and accommodation fees on practical excursions. A 10% deposit is required to secure your spot. The balance is due the week before the course starts at the very latest.
Flights, insurance, vaccinations, personal excursions on days off. Transport outside of contact days. Cost of personal hygiene products and any additional food that participants choose to purchase. The cost of equipment such as books, binoculars and snorkelling equipment. These can be purchased from us. Cost of medical bills not covered by insurance should these arise.
I want to apply to…
