TM5508 - Diving and Marine Medicine

[Offered in odd-numbered years]

This subject conducted in association with the Townsville Hospital, presents the basic principles of underwater and hyperbaric medicine. A series of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions highlight the taking of a diving history, performing a diving medical examination, decompression sickness, management of near-drowning, hypothermia, sinus and ear barotrauma, diving equipment, gases, physiology, diving hazards and diving techniques. A hyperbaric unit is located at the Townsville Hospital. Marine hazards such as bites and stings are also covered.

Learning Outcomes

• apply the principles of diving, marine and hyperbaric medicine in assessing an individual's fitness for diving and hyperbaric exposures;
• offer advice on the major health risks to which divers are exposed;
• develop an approach to the management and further investigation of common diving illnesses;
• describe the scope of diving, marine and hyperbaric medicine, including the areas of current research.

Subject Assessment

• end of semester exam (50%)
• mid-semester exam (15%)
• assignments (20%)
• evolving clinical problems (15%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.