Online Courses Handbook 2003

304247 v.2 Graduate Certificate in Ecotourism Development

Introduction
Ecotourism is nature based tourism that incorporates interpretation and education as part of the tourist experience. It involves an interaction with the natural and cultural environment within the context of long term, sustainable resource use. This requires a broad understanding of society and environment and the course has been designed for those who have developed such an insight through workplace or educational experience. It recognises the need for cross-disciplinary teaching and learning drawingits educational focus from the Schools of Architecture, Construction and Planning, Management, Social Science and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies. It balances conceptual and applied approaches with an emphasis on case and field analysis to expose thepractice, potential and problems of developing and managing ecotourism projects. The course should appeal to employees and operators within the existing tourism sector seeking to expand an understanding and appreciation of future tourism opportunities based around environmental sensitivity and interpretation.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
A degree from a recognised tertiary institution or equivalent, or a minimum five years work experience in the tourist industry.

Specific Requirements
Students are required to undertake field work exercises and site visits.

Duration and Availability
This fee paying course is of one semester full-time duration or equivalent part-time. As an alternative to full or part-time study, the course has been designed to accommodate block (intensive) teaching of units on a short course basis.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

13327 v.3 Tourism Management (Principles and Practices) 560 3.0 25.0

304236 v.2 Ecotourism and Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific Region 500 3.0 25.0

304237 v.2 Planning for Sustainable Tourism Development 500 3.0 25.0

304244 v.2 Indigenous Heritage and Tourism 500 3.0 25.0

100.0