Information Package / Course Catalogue
Underwater Research Methods
Course Code: BYL459
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 3
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to familiarize students with underwater research and the methods used, which have a wide range of applications in marine sciences.

Course Content

The course content includes information on the development of underwater research, its applications in different scientific disciplines, fundamental underwater ecological research methods, and an introduction to modern approaches in the relevant research field.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the importance and applications of underwater research in marine sciences
2.Compares the methods of analyzing data obtained from underwater observations and sampling
3.Distinguishes the traditional and technological approaches used underwater
4.Explains the importance of underwater observations in critical habitats without harming marine life
5.Lists the advantages provided by underwater research in monitoring marine biodiversity
6.Distinguishes the difference between recreational, industrial and scientific diving
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Flemming, N.C., Max, M.D. 1990. Scientific Diving : A General Code Of Practice. UNESCO, 254p., ISBN 92-3-102641-0.
2.NOAA. 1991. NOAA diving manual. Diving for science and technology. US Department of Commerce, 636 p.
3.Heine, J. 1999. Scientific Diving Techniques: A Practical Guide for the Research Diver. Best Publishing Company, 225 p., ISBN 0941332691.
4.Topçu, Ç., Şensurat Genç, T. 2020. Türkiye’de Sualtı Araştırmalarında Bilimsel Dalış Yaklaşımı. Düzce University Journal of Science and Technology, 8(4): 2555-2565.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
History of underwater research
Week 2 - Theoretical
Categories of Scuba diving (Recreational, Industrial, Scientific)
Week 3 - Theoretical
Diving physiology (pressure-volume relationships, gas law and its effects on the body)
Week 4 - Theoretical
Equipments used in diving and their characteristics; introduction to diving disciplines
Week 5 - Theoretical
Applications of underwater research in marine sciences
Week 6 - Theoretical
Basic ecological research methods 1 (line and belt transect)
Week 7 - Theoretical
Basic ecological research methods 2 (quadrat sampling and determination of population density of organisms) (Verbal examination)
Week 8 - Theoretical
Basic ecological research methods 3 (visual census techniques) (Midterm Examination)
Week 9 - Theoretical
Protocols on sampling of marine organisms
Week 10 - Theoretical
Underwater photography (visual documentation techniques for scientific purposes)
Week 11 - Theoretical
Underwater video shooting and its scientific applications
Week 12 - Theoretical
Underwater research techniques in specific ecosystems (seagrasses, coral reefs, etc.)
Week 13 - Theoretical
Artificial reef studies and underwater restoration techniques
Week 14 - Theoretical
Acoustic telemetry (detection of marine organisms and their migration routes)
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Verbal Examination1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142256
Midterm Examination1819
Final Examination114115
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)80
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
OÇ-1
5
4
OÇ-2
3
OÇ-3
4
OÇ-4
4
OÇ-5
4
3
OÇ-6
1
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026