Spring semester course offerings are designed for current students interested in complementing studies taken at their home institution, or graduated students interested in developing specific skills in SCUBA diving and applications to marine research. To verify that credits will transfer, students must consult with an adviser at their home institution to confirm that UAS Sitka course credits will be accepted.
Alaska Dive Semester Core (10 Cr)
PE 103: Open Water SCUBA Diver/Dry Suit Diver (3 Cr)
Students will learn the basic skills to be an Open Water SCUBA diver. This course consists of instruction in classroom, pool and ocean settings and covers diving theory with respect to physics, physiology, and safe diving practices. Students that complete this course will be certified with the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) as an Open Water Dive and a Dry Suit Diver specialty.
FT 193: Scientific Diving (2 Cr)
This course will introduce and familiarize students to SCUBA diving techniques commonly used in the research community. The course also will familiarize students with local Alaska subtidal flora and fauna and give students an opportunity to work underwater. Students that complete this course will be certified as American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Divers, American Heart 1st Aid and CPR, Divers Alert Network (DAN) Oxygen Administration, and if desired, the PADI Research Diver Specialty. Students must be Open Water and Dry Suit certified to take this course.
MTR 119: Skiff Operator (1 Cr)
Learn to safely operate a small vessel in Alaskan waters. Covers navigation, rules of the road, trip planning including weather, radio operation, line handling and vessel operation including a practice session on the water. Foul weather/rain gear may be required.
MTR 120: Outboard Motor Maintenance (1 Cr)
An introduction to outboard systems that need maintenance and upkeep for efficient operation. Ignition, carburetion power head and lower unit systems will be studied emphasizing preventive maintenance.
FT 291: Internship (Diving) (3 Cr)
This course is an opportunity for students to apply scientific diving techniques and subtidal ecology coursework in an actual research setting. Students in the class will develop mini-research project, write a proposal, plan all diving operations and complete a poster and oral presentation at the completion of the course. Faculty will work with students to develop unique research proposals or work as part of ongoing research in the area.
For students looking to round out a semester of diving, other supplemental courses can be found here (for an additional cost).