Duration: 2.5 hours

To many people the sounds and movements of birds really bring a garden to life. Their search for food, their mating behaviour, their squabbles over territory, or nest building can provide many enjoyable hours for the keen observer. In this course, you will learn various ways of attracting birds to a garden, how to maintain birds in captivity, and more.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

With thousands and thousands of species distributed over nearly the entire earth, birds far outnumber all other vertebrates except the fishes. Birds are among the most beautiful, fascinating and amazing creatures on the planet. It is important to learn about bird classification and what to look for when birdwatching. With this course, you will learn about the scope, nature and scientific classification of birds.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Land birds come in all shapes and sizes in all different environments, and they make up the greatest number of bird species. Unless we live close to large bodies of water, land birds make up most of the species that we see every day in our cities, villages, rural areas and backyards. With this course, you will learn how to identify and describe a range of common and widespread land birds.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Flightless birds are known as ratites. They are defined in the concise Oxford Dictionary as a class of bird having a keel-less breastbone and being unable to fly. The sternum of ratites is flat. (Ratis in Latin means raft, a boat with no keel). With this course, you will learn the basics of the identification and description process applied to a few flightless and long-legged birds.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

With this course you will learn about the main physical features of the hunters and birds of prey. Among them are: falcons, ospreys, vultures, owls, kingfishers. You will also learn to identify and describe a range of hunters and birds of prey.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1 hour

These birds are either perching or land birds, with four toes, three facing forward and one backwards, which allows them to grip and perch. The order Passeriformes includes Flycatchers, Peewees, Jays, Swallows, Nightingales, Wrens, Mockingbirds, Robins, Bluebirds, Pipits, Magpies, Sparrows, Warblers, Blackbirds, Orioles, Finches, Grosbeaks, Tanagers, Lyrebirds, Larks, Wagtails and Thrushes and other species often known as "songbirds" or "perching birds". With this course, you will learn the foundations for identification of Passeriformes.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

You will learn the foundations about the biology or the physical features of several seabirds and waterbirds. Among the topics taught in this course are: pelicans, penguins, geese, auks, terns and more.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

By understanding the anatomy and physiology of birds, we are better able to identify them; conserve the various species; treat animals which are in poor health. This course covers topics such as external and internal anatomy, behaviours (fighting and diving, courtship, bonding, territoriality, nesting), bird migration, feeding, reproduction and more. Are you interested in learning more? Enrol now.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

Marine mammals are animals whose lives are dependent on the ocean. As most of them are part of the charismatic marine fauna, many people are drawn to further education/training in Marine Biology or Marine Science. This course covers the foundations of marine mammal biology, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions.


1 Lesson
Duration: 1 hour

Bony fish have special adaptations and features that distinguish them from the cartilaginous fishes. The skin has many mucus glands and is usually covered with dermal scales. This course covers superficially the biology of "bony" fishes. You will learn how to recognize bony fish species, based on their major physical features, behaviours, and ecology, including a short description on eels.

Video Content Included


1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

Like mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other fishes, sharks (and skates and rays) are vertebrates belonging to the phylum Chordata and the subphylum Vertebrata. Sharks, skates, and rays are separated from their vertebrate cousins into the class Chondrichthyes - the "cartilaginous fishes." With this course, you will learn the main differences between sharks and rays (cartilaginous fish), their key features and general concepts about cartilaginous fish biology.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

Crustaceans are incredibly diverse with regards to size, shapes, colours and lifestyle. Crustaceans belong to the Phylum Arthropoda, which includes well known representatives such as lobsters, shrimps and crabs but also a wealth of microscopic organisms that form a large portion of both the planktonic and benthic fauna (bottom dwelling). With this course, you will learn about key crustaceans dwelling in the marine environment and their lifecycles, including true crabs, hermit crabs, lobsters, prawns, and more.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

This Phylum includes three classes found in the ocean – gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods. This phylum has a species total in excess of 100, 000. A group of this size exhibits amazing diversity. The phylum ranges from a microscopic crab to a 20-metre-long squid. This course is about the biology and diversity of marine molluscs, including abalone, mussels, oysters, squids, and octopus. Includes material on the marine environment and feeding habits.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

There are seven species of marine turtles in oceans (except for the Polar Regions): Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Flatback Turtle (Chelonia depressa), Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and Olive Ridley (also known as the Pacific Ridley) Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). With this course, you will learn about marine vertebrates such as turtles, snakes, and birds.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

This course gives you a foundation knowledge about marine shallow ecosystems, such as sandy beaches, estuaries, wetlands, rocky shores and it finishes with a focus on coral reefs. You will also learn about the main biotic and abiotic components of shallow ecosystems.


1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is a comprehensive list of animals and plants threatened globally. According to the IUCN Red List, 31% of surveyed reptile species are threatened or extinct and 32% or surveyed amphibians are either threatened or extinct with 42% in decline. With this course, you will learn about conservation issues that impact populations of reptiles and amphibians.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

There are over 6,000 species of amphibians. Much about them remains unknown, or unstudied at all. Amphibians can vary greatly in size, from the Giant Japanese Salamander can grow to over 1.5 metres long to some frogs can be no bigger than 1 cm long. With this course, you will learn about the ecological requirements, reproduction, lifecycle, and behaviour of a range of different amphibian species.


1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

The term ecology refers to studies to understand the way an animal interacts with its habitat. Ecologists examine the ecology of species to find out why their population sizes are at certain levels, why they occupy particular habitats and how the species interact and persist through time. With this course, you will learn about the ecological requirements, reproduction, lifecycle and behaviour of a range of different reptile species.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. The term is derived from Linnea’s classification in which he combined reptiles and amphibians into the one category. Herpetology examines the biology and ecology of these animals and their importance at a global scale. Learn about the scope and nature of reptiles; how to identify credible resources, and how to start networking with organisations and individuals involved with the study of reptiles around the world.


1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Before acquiring a reptile or amphibian as a pet, it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and potential problems attached to the creature you wish to keep. Reptiles and amphibians require particular attention to their environment and feeding when kept in captivity. Learn how to manage reptiles and amphibians in captivity and discusses the particulars of their environment and feeding.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

The word Amphibian comes from the Latin amphi (on both sides) and bios (life). This refers to the dual living states of amphibians throughout their life cycle. Within the infraphylum Tetrapoda, there is the class Amphibia. You will learn, with this course, about the nature and scope of amphibians, how to identify credible resources and begin to develop networking with organisations and individuals involved with the study of amphibians around the world.


1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Reptiles are air breathing vertebrates. The respiratory system consists of trachea and bronchi tubes that direct air to the lungs. As with amphibians, reptiles are ectothermic, which means they rely on the external environment to regulate their body temperature. With this course, you will learn about a range of different reptile species, including distinguishing characteristics, their needs (e.g. environmental, food, etc.) and behaviour.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Providing for the food needs of wildlife starts with an understanding of the food and levels of nutrient that an animal acquires in the wild; then attempting to provide as close to the same nutrition as possible. In this course, you will learn the differences between feeding a wild animal and a domesticated animal of similar species; the preferred food types for each wild animal; nutritional requirements; feeding frequency and more.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

The order Carnivora is made up of about 250-300 species of mammals in 8 -12 families. The main distinction between other mammals and carnivores is their eating habits: carnivores are strictly meat-eaters. With our foundation course, you will learn to identify and describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the order Carnivora.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

Mammals are a class of animals that is often considered to be the highest class of all animals. From a zoological point of view, humans belong to this class. Mammals are four-limbed, warm-blooded, air-breathing animals. In spite of common major anatomical and physiological features, mammals achieved the greatest diversity of shapes and sizes. By the end of the course, you will have a better understanding of what to take into account when classifying mammals - based on their phenotypes.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Like humans, all mammals have a brain and central nervous system. These are made up of neurons or nerve cells which transmit information. Insects, amphibians, birds and reptiles also have brains though they are structurally different to mammalian brains. Mammal brains are around twice the size of birds of equivalent body mass and ten times that of a reptile. Learn more about animal behaviour here.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

Whilst it may be difficult to determine what an animal is thinking, through much research it has been possible to determine some of what animals are able to sense. The biological structures and neural pathways which are used to detect and interpret sensual information vary significantly across species making comparisons between reception in humans and different species of animals very complicated. If you are interested in learning more about Animal Perception & Cognition, this is the right course for you.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

Animals use communication to interact with members of their own species by using code that they understand and can easily interpret. They also communicate with other species, including humans. In this course, you will learn how animals communicate; how information is transmitted via a message, meaning, signal, and so forth; how they use communication to interact with members of their own species by using code that they understand and can easily interpret.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

In the wild, animals learn from each other. Learning begins from interactions with the parent animals, and they also observe other members of their species and siblings in order to learn how to behave. Unlike instinctive behaviours, which involve the repetition of innate patterns of behaviour, learning involves modifying behaviours in accordance with experience. Learn more about how animals learn here.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2.5 hours

The study of animal behaviour, like human behaviour, has had some proponents who have advocated that animal behaviour is of a genetic basis and others who have supported the idea that it is learnt. In this course, you will learn how some behaviours are learnt and others are innate; how the environment may influence their habits; animal instincts, feeding behaviour, rituals, biological rhythms, circadian rhythms, hibernation, sexual behaviour, reproduction.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

Animal behaviour is an animal’s observable actions. Behaviour might comprise of a chain of actions where each action is dependent upon the previous one or it might be a very complex pattern of actions such as those observed in dominance, aggression or courtship behaviours. Complex animal behaviour may involve cognitive processes such as learning or memory. With this course, you will learn the foundation of animal behaviour.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1.5 hours

The training of animals involves assessing the animal itself, the owner, and the environment. Each of these factors interact and so must be considered when establishing a successful training programme. Learn how animals can be trained and how their behaviour can be managed; learn how aging, illness, psychological traumas will affect animals' ability to learn.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours

Animals behave differently depending on their species, social interactions, environment, and health. In this course, you will learn more about animal social behaviour, territoriality, mating, grooming, dominance, advantages of living in groups, different forms of aggressive behaviour in animals.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

While conservation biologists agree that the conservation of species and ecosystems are of paramount importance, many have difficulty agreeing on the best approach to achieve these goals. In the past, the species approach to conservation was the major focus, with emphasis placed on increasing population numbers and preserving genetic diversity. Learn about various approaches used to conserve threatened species and ecosystems.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2.5 hours

Learn about fauna survey techniques that have been developed to sample fauna for the purposes of conservation. Accurate information on population demographics and population distribution are essential for making sound decisions regarding the management of threatened species. Before management strategies can be instigated, surveys need to be conducted to gain essential information.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Learn about management techniques used to conserve threatened wildlife. There are many methods used by environmental agencies, wildlife managers and planners to manage threatened wild populations. To effectively conserve threatened populations, a combination of these techniques may need to be implemented, supported and followed up with ongoing monitoring.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2.5 hours

In recent years both the private and public sector have realised the limitations of focusing conservation efforts on protected lands. The presence of threatened species on privately owned lands has moved the focus to the individual looking after their own “back yard”.Learn about planning tools available for farming, urban and residential planning to help conserve wildlife.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3.5 hours

Although human impacts are generally the major cause of species extinction, there are observable characteristics in species that can make them more vulnerable to extinction. These include rarity, ability to disperse, degree of specialisation, population variability, their trophic level, life span and reproductive rate. Learn about principles and approaches used towards species recovery.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Carnivores are animals with four limbs (tetrapods), like reptiles, amphibians and birds. Carnivores are also mammals. That means they produce live young, produce milk and grow hair, like primates, ungulates and rodents). With this course you will learn how carnivorous animals are classified, their main characteristics, and significance to man and to ecosystems.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 - 3 hours

Aquatic carnivores range along coastlines and oceans across both the northern and southern hemisphere. They can be found within oceans, open seas, coastlines, and lakes and freshwater. With this course, you will learn to differentiate the major types of canine animals that are found in aquatic ecosystems.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 - 3 hours

True bears and pandas belong to the taxonomic group Ursidae, fossils are known from late Miocene. Ursidae are naturally distributed across all continents with the exceptions of Antarctica and Australia. Their range is widespread across Eurasia, North America, and North Africa and in the Andes of South America, mainly being found in the Northern hemisphere. With this course you will learn to differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Ursidae.


1 Lesson
Duration: 2 - 3 hours

Along with jackals, coyotes and foxes; dogs and wolves are members of the taxonomic family Canidae. With this course you will learn to differentiate the main types of animals belonging to the family Canidae. The course also covers areas other than taxonomy, such as distribution, behaviour and ecology.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

All animals have very different thought processes to us, they usually have a more basic stimulus/response behaviour pattern. When we anthropomorphise animals, we can attribute a higher order thought process to them. It combines an understanding of zoology and the psychology of animals. With this course you will learn about the relationship between physiology and different kinds of behaviour of carnivores.


1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Carnivores differ from other mammals as they are primarily a meat-eating group, although some species are omnivorous also. The main characteristic, when compared to other groups, are the teeth. With this course, you will learn the major anatomical and physiological features of carnivores, which differentiate carnivores from other types of mammals.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Cats belong to the family Felidae. These animals may be called Cats, Felines or Felids. The family is divided into two sub families: Pantherinae which includes lions and tigers; and Felinae (or Felidae), which includes pumas, cheetahs and bobcats. With this course, you will learn to differentiate animals belonging to the family Felidae.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Mustelids is the name given to Otters, badgers, weasels, skunks and other animals belonging to this super family, which includes the families Mustelidae and Mephitidae. Mephitidae formed its own group recently and was once considered a sub family of Mustelidae. With this course you will learn to differentiate animals belonging to the family Mustelidae and Mephitidae.


1 Lesson
Duration: 2.5 hours

Differentiating these families from one another generally comes down to the biology of each species. Also, Procyonidae thrive in the moderate to tropical regions of America and along the moderate regions of Eurasia. Whereas Viverridae, Herpestidae and Hyaenidae prefer the warmer regions of Asia, Africa and southerly parts of Europe. With this course you will learn to differentiate animals from the families: Procyonidae, Ailuridae, Viverridae, Herpestidae and Hyanidae.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

Although they may seem a far cry from other ungulates – and artiodactyls, in particular – there are many aquatic ungulates. Yet molecular analysis shows that even-toed ungulates, such as hippopotamuses and cows, are more closely related to aquatic ungulates than to other sea-dwelling creatures.

1 Lesson
Duration: 4 - 5 hours

Artiodactyls are mammals belonging to the taxonomic order, Artiodactyla (which means “even-toed ungulates”). Artiodactyls are considered to be the most successful large herbivores worldwide. With this course, you will learn about their physiology, behaviour, distribution, reproduction, taxonomy and more.

1 Lesson
Duration: 1 hour

Ungulates are mammals which have hoofs, or structures like hoofs, on their toes. A hoof is simply an enlarged toenail. All such animals belong to the taxonomic group “Ungulata”. You will learn about their biology, digestion behaviour and an introduction to taxonomy.


1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

PROBOSCIDEA
This order includes only three living species which are all elephants, but there are more than 160 extinct species including mammoths and mastodons. Characteristics of the Order are; upper incisor teeth are elongated to form tusks. Some extinct species (early on the evolutionary scale) appear to have lacked a trunk; but most if not all later species had developed a trunk. & ridged molars and milk premolars.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 - 4 hours

Perissodactyls or ‘odd-toed ungulates’ was once a very large order, containing many species during the Paleogene and Neogene periods (around 66 to 20.4 million years ago). At the beginning of the 21st century, there are now only 15 recognised species within Perissodactyla. With this course you will learn about their distribution, physiology, behaviour, reproduction, diet, ecology and taxonomy.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Primatology is the study of primates, specifically referring to analysing their behavioural, historical and medical attempt, whether it is in their natural habitats, in zoos, laboratories, sanctuaries or national parks. Primates are grouped together with four other groups of animals scientifically classified into what is called the “Archonta”. With this course, you will learn about primate physical features, taxonomy and evolution.


1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Primates which are housed in substandard conditions will develop behavioural abnormalities including: self-harm, aggression, abnormal behaviour, aggressive competition. These abnormal behaviours have implications for any non-human primates housed in institutions where the welfare of primates is based on official protocols. With this course, you will learn about the management of the psychological well-being of primates in captivity.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

Every animal is different; and common traits within one species can differ a lot in another species. The behaviour of any primate will depend upon both their genetics and their environment. It is important to understand the abnormal behaviour in the species, and individual animals you are dealing with. With this course, you will learn about the psychology of primates and their natural behaviour.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

Breeding programmes for captive primates aim to create diversity on the genetics part of a population of that species, whether it’s for a specific region or for captive environments elsewhere. Breeding programmes tend to be selective on the traits, health, pedigree and history of the animal they are specifically looking for. Learn about breeding programmes for managing the conservation of primates, which will create a pool of genetic diversity within a population, whether it’s for a specific region or for captive environments elsewhere.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

The main purposes of primate conservation are to assure their survival in natural environments, sometimes with the support of conservation breeding programmes. Reasons for captive primate populations may also be for research including animal health, and to assure reproduction. Learn with this course about the conservation programmes, conservation status, rehabilitation strategies for a range of primates.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

Learn about the dietary requirements for different primates. Here we shall consider the overall nutritional requirements of primates and then look at the different diets consumed by primates examining how they are specialized for the specific diets they consume. We shall also consider some of the basic nutritional requirements for primates in captivity.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

Any primates, like humans, need a healthy environment, physical exercise, psychological “exercise”, and protection from illnesses. Physical activity can be diminished when a primate is in captivity. With this course, you will learn how to manage the physical well-being of primates through observation and assessment of health via observation from a distance or clinical examination, diagnostics of common illness, treatment of injuries and more.


1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

The Haplorhines are primates from the suborder Haplorhini. Haplorhini primates (“simple nose”) are the Tarsiers and Simian Primates. With this course you will learn to identify a variety of different species from the suborder Haplorhini; understand their behaviour, distribution, and physical characteristics.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

The Strepsirhines are primates from the suborder Strepsirhini. The Strepsirhini (“bent nose” in Greek) or Prosimians include Lemurs and Lorises from Madagascar mainly, but some also occur in Africa, Asia and Malay Archipelago. Learn about a variety of species within the suborder Strepsirhini. Understand their behaviour, common physical features that will help you identify different species.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 hours

In the scientific system, living organisms are classified by dividing them into groups, which have similar characteristics. These groups are then divided into smaller groups with similar characteristics. With this course, you will learn the foundation for classifying organisms. The course focuses in the phylum Chordata, but you will learn the basic information necessary to group/classify plants, bacteria, animals, protista.

1 Lesson
Duration: 4 - 5 hours

Fishes can be divided into three major groups, these are: Infraphylum Agnatha (jawless fishes); Superclass Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes); Superclasses Actinopterygii and Sarcopterygii (bony fishes). With this course, you will also learn their main physical traits, buoyancy, locomotion/swimming, respiration, feeding and more.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 - 4 hours

Marine mammals are the most charismatic fauna that inhabit in the oceans. Whale watching is a very popular touristic activity, as well as thematic parks such as Sea World, where the main attractions are marine mammals. In this course you will learn about the biology, ecology and classification of most common marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, polar bears, seals.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

There are many reptiles that have adapted to a marine lifestyle. The earliest of these occurred during the Paleozoic era almost 300 million years ago. Many of these species became extinct at the end of the cretaceous period. Some extant species remain including sea snakes, sea turtles, crocodilians and sea iguanas. Learn more about their biology and distribution with this course.

1 Lesson
Duration: 2 - 3 hours

Various bird species live in or near marine habitats. With this course, you will learn the major characteristics of each main family of sea birds, common species, behaviour and understand why they are classified as marine animals.

1 Lesson
Duration: 5 hours

Marsupials are generally distinguished by their pouches, although this is not an obvious pouch in all the species. In this course, you will learn about the distinguishing characteristics of Marsupial animals.

1 Lesson
Duration: 5 hours

Ectotherms are organisms that rely on external sources of heat to raise their body temperature. Learn about the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of ectotherms, including amphibians and reptiles.

1 Lesson
Duration: 6 hours

Birds belong to the class Aves in the phylum Vertebrata. Learn about the distinguishing characteristics of major groups of birds.

1 Lesson
Duration: 5 hours

Ungulates have evolved features that are adaptive for life on open grassland, particularly long legs to increase running speed. All the animals in the grand order Ungulata have hoofed feet, except the aquatic ones. Learn about the characteristics of animals within the grand order Ungulata.

1 Lesson
Duration: 6 hours

The part of zoology that studies fishes is called ichthyology. Learn about the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of fishes.

Video Content Included


1 Lesson
Duration: 3.5 hours

Mammals are a class of animals that is often considered to be the highest class of all animals. From a zoological point of view, humans belong to this class. Learn about the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of mammals.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the distinguish characteristics of animals in grand order Glires that describes the group rodents, rabbits etc, and grand order Insectivora, the name that reflects the eating habits of the individual animals.

1 Lesson
Duration: 3.5 hours

Learn how to distinguish between major groups of vertebrates through a demonstrated understanding of their taxonomic classification and diversity.

Video Content Included


1 Lesson
Duration: 5 hours

Understand the taxonomic classification and distinguishing characteristics of animals within the order Archonta and Primates.

1 Lesson