For many people, diving is a hobby - but at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, students can learn how to work scientifically underwater. The additional qualification in scientific diving opens up new opportunities for study, work and leisure. In January, five students were awarded the "Scientific Diver" certificate as part of their degree programme.
A Monday evening in Freiberg's Johannisbad: swimmers are doing their laps. One area is reserved for a small group, students with compressed air cylinders, fins and diving masks. This is where the future scientific divers train. "In the group, the participants learn, for example, how to lay and map measuring and observation points, record thermal and hydrochemical parameters with suitable measuring devices or take qualified water samples," says training manager Dr Thomas Pohl.
Students enrolled at TU Bergakademie Freiberg can register for the courses on 2 and 3 April 2024. They should have a diving licence and a valid diving fitness certificate or acquire these during the course. Enrolment takes place from 11:30 to 13:30 in the foyer of the new canteen. The team on site will be happy to answer any questions.
Applying your knowledge while diving in the Mediterranean
"If you want to see more than just blue water, this is the right place for you! Scientific diving gave me the opportunity to look at water from a scientific perspective. I was able to learn new working methods and gain new perspectives and knowledge by collaborating with students from a wide range of fields. Most of our planet is covered with water and we know the least about this part. This, and especially the ecosystems below the water surface, have always fascinated me," says Lea-Marie Pollok Master Geoecology, who completed the modules in 2023.
The programme is open to all students at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. "It comprises two modules with 11 ECTS, including a lecture, several assignments and an excursion with an independent scientific project," explains Sebastian Pose from the Scientific Diving Centre. The five students travelled to the Croatian Adriatic coast for 14 days in the summer of 2023. "They spent an impressive 4,710 minutes working underwater during 84 dives. All at a total maximum depth of 2,242 metres," says the excursion guide. The group took underwater photos, measured water parameters, mapped selected areas and took water samples for further analyses in the laboratories of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg. In addition, they examined over 20 biosamples of algae and other marine plants directly in the field laboratory.
The courses at the Scientific Diving Centre can be taken for credit by students on many degree programmes. Since 2003, between five and 20 Scientific Divers or Advanced Scientific Divers have been trained at TU Bergakademie Freiberg every year.