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Unit of Study BIO30001 - Scientific Diving (2015)

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Unit Snapshot

  • Enrolment information

    Basic diving gear needs to be supplied by students.

Unit description

Provides students with theoretical, practical and technical training in the principles and safe practice of diving as it relates to research in marine science. Successful completion of the unit will provide students with an entry-level Scientific Diving qualification (Australian Skills Quality Authority, Nationally Recognised training course RTD3508A: Perform diving for scientific purposes), which is recognised across the marine science sector in Australia and is essential for those continuing in postgraduate studies, or seeking work, that involves diving. The unit includes classroom and in situ instruction in a range of underwater survey methods and best practise diving techniques. Data management and analysis pertaining to underwater research will also be taught and assessed.

Unit content

PADI Scientific Diver content

Environmentally Sensitive (Low Impact) Diving

Underwater Visual Census for fish

Quadrats and transects for large invertebrates

Underwater video techniques

Underwater photography

Other sampling methods (including soft-sediments)

Other practical considerations

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour Session 3 Session 3

Learning outcomes and graduate attributes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
Learning outcome count Learning outcome description GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 Plan underwater surveys across a range of habitats and conditions focusing on safety, OH&S, best-practise diving techniques, and environmental considerations
2 Choose the most appropriate survey designs and methods to maximise outcomes of diving surveys.
3 Safely and rigorously collect a range of data types from underwater environments.
4 Provide sound interpretation of underwater surveys taking relevant factors into consideration (e.g. observer error, limitations and biases of methods)

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Plan underwater surveys across a range of habitats and conditions focusing on safety, OH&S, best-practise diving techniques, and environmental considerations
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA6:
  2. Choose the most appropriate survey designs and methods to maximise outcomes of diving surveys.
    • GA1:
    • GA2:
    • GA4:
  3. Safely and rigorously collect a range of data types from underwater environments.
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  4. Provide sound interpretation of underwater surveys taking relevant factors into consideration (e.g. observer error, limitations and biases of methods)
    • GA1:
    • GA4:

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
  • Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.