Take your learning to a new depth
Spring semester course offerings are designed to complement your studies at your current college or university, or you may be a post graduate interested in developing specific skills in SCUBA diving with applications to marine research. To verify that credits will transfer, you should consult with an adviser at your home institution to confirm these University of Alaska Southeast course credits will be accepted.
Students that complete all 13 credits associated with this course sequence will be awarded a University of Alaska Southeast — Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Scientific Diving.
All classes will be held at the UAS Sitka Campus or at local field sites. Classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards and wireless internet. Small class sizes ensure you will receive personal attention from our top-notch faculty. Transportation related to fieldwork will be provided by the university.
Alaska Dive Semester Core (13 Credits)
Basic SCUBA Diving - Fisheries Technology 188, 3 credits
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 Diver and a Dry Suit Diver specialty.
Advanced SCUBA Diving - Fisheries Technology 189, 1 credits
Students will continue developing their SCUBA skills. The course includes classroom and pool sessions to practice advanced techniques, and then multiple ocean dive sessions. Upon completion of the course, students will be certified with the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) as an Advanced Open Water Diver.
Cold Water Survival - Fisheries Technology 150, 1 credit
Students will learn the basic skills to survive in cold water. This course consists of classroom instruction, pool skills, and ocean experiences. Topics include: Hypothermia, Dressing for cold, Types of PFDs and their uses, Retrieving someone who falls overboard, Radio calls, Survival suit and raft training, and other related topics.
Scientific Diving - Fisheries Technology 288, 3 credit
This course prepares students in SCUBA diving techniques commonly used in the research community. Students will also have the opportunity to work underwater and learn about the local Alaska subtidal flora and fauna. Upon completion of the course, students receive certifications 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. Prerequisite: Open Water and Dry Suit certified.
Internship (Diving) - Fisheries Technology 291, 3 Credit
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.
Small Vessel Operator - Marine Transportation 119, 1 credit
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.
Outboard Motor Maintenance - Marine Transportation 120, 1 credit
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.
Optional Courses
UAS offers a number of other courses are available for you to consider taking at the Sitka campus, including:
- Fisheries of Alaska
- Alaska Salmon Culture
- Fish Biology
- Natural History of Alaska
- Flora of Southeastern Alaska
- Tlingit Language
- Wheel Throwing
- Ceramics
- Northwest Coast Art
- Construction
- Welding
- Yoga
- Fitness
You can find more information about UAS's Fisheries Technology program course offerings in the UAS Academic Catalog.