BL4249 Scientific Diving
(BL4249 online module handbook version 35)
image: diver carrying quadrat during survey activities†
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).
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL4251. Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or BSAC Sports Diver (or equivalent)*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4249: Assessment
Coursework = 100%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4249: Contributing Staff †
BL4249: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4249 successfully should be able to:
- Explain and to employ scientific diving techniques, including transect tapes, PVC quadrats
- Learn an array of marine behavioural techniques
- Identify and describe key marine groups such as fishes and corals
- Design and implement an underwater project based on skills and protocols learned
- Analyse and interpret marine biology data
BL4249: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Field sampling methods (Invertebrates)
- Fieldwork safety awareness
- Sampling of sensitive sites / organisms
- Scientific diving
- Sustainability related practical skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - leading
- Group discussion - participating
- Journal club
- Leading short activity
- Long group presentation on given topic (>15 min)
- Long group presentation on project idea (>15 min)
- Podcast
- Short group presentation on project idea (up to 15 min)
- Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- Blog
- Research proposal
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Searching databases
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Ethical considerations
- Generating questions
- Impact considerations
- Peer assessment
- Reflective analysis
- Role play
- Problem-solving questions
- Biodiversity analysis
- Chi-square test
- Data analysis
- Data analysis (depending on project)
- Data presentation
- Deal with outliers
- Distinguish different types of data
- Produce graphs/figures
- Produce tables
- Significant figures
- Use R or R Studio
- Lab or field notebook
- Critiquing experimental design
- Designing experiments
- Sustainability Related Skills
- Managing a team
- Organising group work
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
