BL4249 Scientific Diving

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students Limited to no more than 16 students

Planned timetable

Full Time 2-3 weeks in January/February

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M M Borges Da Costa Guint Barbosa

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Miguel Barbosa (mb334) Professor Clare Peddie (cmp) Professor Maria Dornelas (maadd) Dr Viviana Brambilla (vb42)

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The scientific diving module focuses on the practical learning of key aspects of marine biology. Students will receive a unique hands-on-scientific learning approach during the field course. The module will focus on teaching current topics in marine biology, from coral bleaching, to the effects of plastics in marine environment, both from an ecological and behavioural point of view. Students will receive training in underwater marine identification, and in data collection using an array of different underwater sampling techniques that include, photogrammetry, home ranges, transects, etc. Students will be gaining knowledge of recording, analysing, and interpreting marine biology data. At the end of the module students should be able to lead their own marine research project, from the designing stage, to collecting robust data and analysing it, to writing a report and presenting their findings. There are additional costs attached to this module which the student will be expected to meet. The module is restricted to students who have an existing diving qualification (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or BSAC Sports Diver or equivalent).

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

PERMISSION OF BIOLOGY HONOURS ADVISER REQUIRED, PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER OR BSAC SPORTS DIVER (OR EQUIVALENT)

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Resubmission of failed item(s) of Coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

8 hours per day for 2 weeks.

Scheduled learning hours

96

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

54

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Additional information from school

Limited to no more than 16 students