During the day it is the same sight at the UT public pool. A beautiful blonde sunbathing, a swimmer doing laps and the sunshine hitting off the water at the perfect angle. But at night the pool transforms from a Floridian paradise into an underwater laboratory.
On Monday and Tuesday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., students take to the deep end to try their hand at the grueling yet extraordinary lives of marine biologists. Led by professor Scott Lucci, the students practice the beautiful art of scuba diving in the pool.
MAR 100, known primarily as Open Water, was voted the best course on campus and for very good reason.
In no other course can students literally dive into the
techniques and vital instruction necessary to become marine biologists in the field. Along with the Open Water excursions, the class also meets for lectures about sufficient protocol while out in open water. Not only does the class meet at the pool, but weekend trips to real locales are taken for better understanding of the aquatic world and its beauty.
The class appeals to those uncertain about whether or not to pursue marine biology as a legitimate career choice.
The course is even inspiring students’ future career paths, like undecided
major Tom Dunigan who said, “I absolutely love marine animals and want to study sea turtles in the future. Being able to practice scuba diving here on campus through a class is vital to my dreams and it is a real plus that it is right here on campus.”
The class itself is worth two credits making it helpful for students with a heavy workload who are looking for a fun and different course, as long as they have sufficient priority in the registration process. There is a mandatory lab fee of $150 which covers the equipment used in the class as well as the weekend trips. So, when you’re sitting down getting ready to register for classes for the fall, don’t forget about Open Water. You’ll be deeply in love while swimming in knowledge.