Students find new skills underwater

A group of Life Sciences students have returned from gaining their diver qualifications whilst getting practical experience of a diverse marine ecosystem.

Four members of staff and 29 students studying Zoology and Marine Biology with Conservation and Biodiversity, visited Dahab, Egypt, from 17 - 24 January, where they were given the opportunity to gain two internationally recognised diver qualifications, PADI Open Water Diver and PADI Advanced Open Water Diver.

By gaining experience of coral reefs, the trip also prepared students for another trip later in the year where they will learn the techniques required to survey coral reefs and their inhabitants.

Dr Andrew Smith, Senior Lecturer in Life Sciences, said:

"Whilst you do not need to be able to dive to study marine biology, doing so opens up a myriad of possibilities. Learning to dive can be challenging, however our students are always up for the challenge and this year was no exception. Seeing their excitement grow as they master a new skill and a new world opens up before their eyes is one of the most rewarding aspects of running the trip."

Kim Everett, second year student in Marine Biology, Biodiversity and Conservation, said:

"The trip was way above and beyond what I expected! I was amazingly nervous about learning to dive but once I was there and met my dive instructor and everyone else at the hotel and Reef 2000, I felt completely at ease and loved every minute! Its hard work but worth every second and I'm very happy to say that I've made a few new friends along the way too!"

Past students who have learnt to dive with our Life Sciences trip to Dahab have gone onto careers in the diving industry, taking their qualifications up to dive instructor, and others have gone onto careers in research and marine conservation.

If you're interested in our field trips or courses visit the following pages:
Life Sciences field trips
BSc (Hons) Zoology
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology with Conservation and Biodiversity


Bookmark this page with: