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UNDERWATER SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY
CARLO CERRANO

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 6
Hours 48
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code SM02 5S128

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in zoology and marine biology and a first level diving certificate are recommended.

Development of the course

The course presents the main diving scientific techniques applied to the study of the marine environment. The aspects taken into account are: the anatomy and physiology of divers, underwater breathing systems, diving technique, equipment for scientific diving, underwater surveys, sampling techniques, specificity of scientific diving. Lectures (3 credits, 24 hours) and practical training in the field (3 credits, 24 hours) will be furnished.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:    
The scope of the course is to offer to the students the acquisition of the theoretical and practical knowledge on the study of marine environment by direct exploration.

Ability to apply the knowledge:
At the end of the course the students know the optimal technique and the main methodologies to be applied for specific case studies, regarding research, monitoring and conservation issues. 

Soft skills:
The field activities help improve the students' learning and checking abilities of the skills acquired through the practical application of the taught methods. The peculiarity of the practical activities requires developing good skills of interaction and coordination within a workgroup. The dives conducted during the exercises, if requested and if deemed appropriate by the teacher, will be certified as scientific diving and thus to contribute to the achievement of the European scientific diver certification, facilitating international mobility of the student regarding this field.

 

Program

Content of the lectures (3 credits, 24 hours):
Physiological effects of diving on man; Diving equipment: Mixed gas diving, Protective systems, Communication systems, Transport systems, Cave diving. Destructive sampling techniques: Scraping, Panels, Water dredges, nets, traps. Non destructive sampling techniques: Frames and transects, Video and photo surveys, visual-census. Volunteers and monitoring project. Transplants techniques. Underwater microsensors. Field activities (3 credits, 24 hours): Field activities are scheduled to teach directly underwater some of the studied techniques.

Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
The level of the preparation of the students will be evaluated through an oral exam. As for the theoretical part, the student must demonstrate that they have acquired the basic knowledge presented during the course; with regard to the practical part, the student will be asked to conceptually apply the methods learned in the field to specific case studies.

Criteria for assessing learning outcomes:
The assessing of learning will take into account the level of knowledge acquired, exposed during the oral exam, referring to lectures and to the practical training.

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes
The final mark is awarded out of thirty. The exam is passed when the grade is greater than or equal to 18. It is expected to be awarded the highest marks with honors (30 cum laude).

riteria for conferring the final mark:
The final grade is mainly allocated according to the ability to set the answer complete and schematic, to the level of knowledge and the exposition of the proper  terminology.

Recommended reading

Notes taken during the lecturers and powerpoint presentations handed out by the lecturers. 

Courses

• Biologia marina