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Not currently available in 2018

Unit Summary

Unit type

PG Coursework Unit

Credit points

12

AQF level

9

Level of learning

Intermediate

Pre-requisites

NA

Unit aim

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 practice diving techniques. Data management and analysis pertaining to underwater research will also be taught and assessed.

Unit content

PADI Scientific Diver content (RTD3508A: Perform diving for scientific purposes)
An introduction to scientific diving (restricted occupational diving) in the workplace
Workplace Health and Safety requirements and safe diving practice
Environmentally sensitive (low impact) diving
Underwater visual census for fish
Quadrats and transects for large invertebrates
Underwater video techniques
Underwater photography
Case studies of other sampling methods and scientific diving tasks
Trip planning and logistic

Learning outcomes

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.

GA1: , GA2: , GA3: , GA4: , GA5: , GA6: , GA7:
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 lead underwater surveys across a range of habitats and conditions focusing on safety, WH&S, best-practice diving techniques, and environmental considerations
2 critically evaluate and choose the most appropriate survey designs and methods to maximise outcomes of diving surveys
3 organise, and participate in, dives to safely and rigorously collect a range of data types from underwater environments
4 demonstrate advanced interpretation of underwater surveys taking relevant factors into consideration (e.g. observer error, limitations and biases of methods)
5 demonstrate advanced knowledge of procedures for conducting diving research in marine protected areas.

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

  1. lead underwater surveys across a range of habitats and conditions focusing on safety, WH&S, best-practice diving techniques, and environmental considerations
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA6:
  2. critically evaluate and choose the most appropriate survey designs and methods to maximise outcomes of diving surveys
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  3. organise, and participate in, dives to safely and rigorously collect a range of data types from underwater environments
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  4. demonstrate advanced interpretation of underwater surveys taking relevant factors into consideration (e.g. observer error, limitations and biases of methods)
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  5. demonstrate advanced knowledge of procedures for conducting diving research in marine protected areas.
    • GA1:
    • GA4: