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

Following that, we shall delve into modern environmental problems concerning dive sites around the world, with a particular focus on the microplastics and sea urchin population, blooming in Monterey Bay, followed by the warming and acidification of the Pacific Ocean, leading to the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef. Students will be exposed to various resources and organizations in place that is addressing
these problems and learn avenues of participation and become ocean advocates.

The first unit of the class will mostly be lectures, whereas the second unit shall focus on group discussions regarding environmental problems and how it is intertwined with the SCUBA industry. According to the University’s current plans to proceed with in-person classes next semester, we shall meet at our assigned class once a week for an hour. Should circumstances require the class to convene online, we will be holding classes over Zoom.

First come, first served. To find this class, please go to the Enrollment Center on CalCentral and enter 21019 for Class Search. if you have any questions, email dasturias@berkeley.edu The class is offered Tuesday 6-7 pm at Dwinelle 229. Due to COVID, the first two weeks will be on zoom.