Course Description: This course provides students who have no prior experience with SCUBA diving with the opportunity to explore and learn about this pathway to underwater discovery. Students will learn the history of SCUBA, past forms and apparatus of SCUBA gear, current modes and the applications of SCUBA diving in human advancements, contemporary research, and entertainment.

We will delve into contemporary environmental and marine problems with particular focus on: microplastics, unsustainable fisheries, ocean warming and acidification leading to the degradation of reef systems around the world, and the effects of globalization on marine ecosystems. Students will be exposed to various resources and ocean conservation organizations that are addressing these problems and learn avenues of participation to become ocean advocates. There is one final project at the end of the semester.

Class Code: ESPM 198 010 28213