Geophysical Sciences @ TCC

Underwater Research in Geology and Oceanography NAS 230

Become certified as a NAUI "Diving Research Technician"

This only scratches the surface, join the adventure and get the most out of education. If you don’t dive, you will receive certified instruction as part of the program.

For more information about the course read on. If not, you can return to Geophysical Science's Homepage.

Course Overview

NAS 230, Underwater Research in Geology and Oceanography, covers various sampling techniques, methodologies and strategies of underwater research. The course includes sampling techniques for benthic and pelagic flora and fauna, as well as geological, archeological, and chemical sampling underwater. Instruction in Basic and Advanced SCUBA is included for those students who are not certified.

Course Goals

NAS 230, Underwater Research in Geology and Oceanography, is a college level course designed to supplement General Oceanography 111-112. The course gives students the additional experience of learning sampling techniques in the underwater realm. The primary means of access is SCUBA and since most students are not SCUBA certified, they have the opportunity to get the requisite certification while in the course.

NAS 230 is NOT designed or intended to fulfill the lab science requirement.

Prerequisites

Students must be able to pass a swim test. Students will have to furnish their own mask, fins, weight belt, and snorkel.

Instructional Material

Textbook: NOAA Diving Manual U.S. Government Printing Office

Basic Concepts

• Overview of man’s attempts to take on the marine environment in situ
• Introduction to the aquatic environment
• Physics and physiology of the underwater realm
• Gas laws, pressure, temperature and relation to depth
• First aid for diving injuries*
• Tethered and night diving operations*
• Underwater mapping and surveys
• Air and Dive management*
• Boat diving procedures*
• Biological, geological, and chemical sampling methods
• Sampling site selection
• Underwater data recording
• Ocean sediments, weathering, and sedimentary rocks
• Sea water chemistry
• Oceans and the climate
• Dive plans*

*Required for operational safety

Schedule Matrix

A typed paper based on the student’s observation and participation in underwater sampling is required. The paper will focus on a research topic in geology, chemistry, biology, archeology, or physical oceanography. A presentation of material is also required.

Dive Experience

A three hour period emphasizes hand-on experience in underwater sampling. Numerous experiments and field trips will be conducted to give the student an idea on practical application of principles learned in the classroom.

For further details contact: Tony D’Andrea at the Geophysical Sciences Department.

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