Research Diving Methods Summer Course
(Posted 02/25/2025)

Target Audience: Undergraduate Student
Graduate Student
Postdoctoral
Faculty
Technician/Staff


Institution: Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Institutional Web Link: https://bios.asu.edu/education/summer-courses

Course Description: 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 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 (AAUS), of which ASU 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 additional 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, undergraduate students possessing underwater research training will enjoy a competitive advantage.

Course Fees and Expenses: US$5,000 (includes 3-weeks tuition, campus accommodation and all meals)

Scholarships, Fellowships, Associated with the Course: Applicants of all nationalities are eligible to apply for scholarship funding towards course fees, which include 3-weeks tuition, campus accommodation and meals. Scholarship funding is not awarded for travel related expenses, visas or medical/travel insurance.

Funding Source: None


How to Apply: Application form, prerequisites, syllabi and further information are available here:
https://bios.asu.edu/education/summer-courses

Application deadline is April 30, 2025

Questions? Contact us at bios.education@bios.asu.edu


Application Closing Date: 04/30/2025

Course Begins: 2025-06-30

Course Ends: 2025-07-18