Research Diving Methods – Summer Course

RESEARCH DIVING METHODS (June 26 – July 14)Instructor: Kyla Smith (BIOS) The Research Diving Methods (RDM) course aims to familiarize participants with the fundamentals of scientific diving, both theoretical and practical. Research methods and practices are taught in class and then subsequently rehearsed on SCUBA during open-water sessions in the field. Underwater research techniques include: navigation, search and recovery procedures, rescue diving, proper usage of lift bags and mapping techniques. A series of introductory science lectures provide the basic understanding of why and how marine scientists study communities using SCUBA. These lectures are integrated with field work to practice data acquisition using a range of methods and equipment, such as: underwater photographic surveys to measure coral communities, coral condition monitoring to measure coral bleaching and disease, coral recruitment surveys, reef fish counts, seagrass surveys, common restoration techniques and underwater cementing, blue water diving to study planktonic communities, and marine archaeology. By the end of the course, participants will be trained to the standards defined by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences, of which BIOS is an organizational member. Future renewals will be subject to AAUS requirements. During the course, participants will also have the option to elect into further specialist PADI qualifications, such as Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver.This course is aimed at all SCUBA enthusiasts who are looking to expand their experiences and skill sets whilst being immersed in marine science. In addition, given the usefulness and increasingly common employment of SCUBA as a research tool for marine science, students possessing underwater research training will enjoy a competitive advantage. The course syllabus and further information can be found here: http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses Prerequisites: Participants must already be SCUBA certified (minimum at the PADI Open Water Diver level, or internationally recognized equivalent). Per AAUS guidelines, participants are expected to provide all of their own equipment as well as proof of recent gear servicing (regulators and BCD) within the last 12 months prior to arrival at BIOS. To be permitted to dive at BIOS, students must complete, and return to the Dive Safety Officer, various forms and meet certain medical safety standards, which will require physical examination from a health practitioner. The student dive information package (SDIP), including all such forms and supplemental information, will be provided after notification of acceptance on this course.Students of all nationalities are eligible to apply for partial scholarships towards course fees which include 3-weeks tuition, campus accommodation and meals (we do not award scholarships towards travel expenses, visas or medical/travel insurance). Successful applicants are advised to arrange for independent study credit through their home institutions. Applications due April 30, 2023 Full course details, syllabus, prerequisites and application information are available here: http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses Questions? Please contact us at education@bios.edu

Contact: education@bios.edu