BIOL 258 - Underwater Research Methods 4 s.h.

Students develop elementary SCUBA skills and knowledge of underwater research techniques suitable for monitoring and surveys in freshwater environments and marine environments to depths of 60 feet. Successful completion results in a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver certification and PADI Research Diver certification. Examinations are administered in academic areas, skills are developed in the SUNY Oneonta pool and evaluations are administered in open water (marine and/or freshwater) environments. After learning to dive, students will learn how to do transect surveys and quadrat surveys in still and moving waters. Upon enrollment, prior to class start, the instructor will meet with students to evaluate their ability to swim 200 yards and tread water for 10 minutes. This class has required field trips that are outside of regular class time. Course Fee. A-E Only. Offered Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite(s): SoS; 3 s.h. BIOL or ENVS or ESCI or GEOL or OCEA or SOC. Ability to swim 200 yards and tread water for 10 minutes.