Science of Diving

[KShandkman]

I am studying the science of diving course materials and I have a question regarding the test format. Can anyone speak to as to the format of the physics portion regarding formulas and calculations? When given the formulas I can figure the the math out. I am not sure if I need to be memorizing the formulas or not.

Although all of the material is essential, from a testing standpoint I just want to know what I am up against.

Thanks

 

[pugdiver]

Ask your instructor if you are permitted to have a formula sheet with the base formulas for the test. I know that some feel this is appropriate given the heavy math. You would still need to determine the proper formula for the respective question.

 

[emoreira]

The test I did was a 100 questions with Multiple Choice with up to 4 different answers. Some questions have a True/False answer.
Some questions, the possible answers are result numbers, where you need to do the calculations to choose the correct answer.
The minimun aprobal threshold is 80 correct answers.

 

[Serge Tao]

Learn which law applies in a given situation. You must know the name and what it describes. Many exam question describe a situation and ask which law applies.
The best abbreviation I've seen on SB:
Boyle - breathe or your lungs explode
Maybe nasty, but it does describes the essence of Boyle's law!

 

[eponym]

Ask your instructor if you are permitted to have a formula sheet with the base formulas for the test. I know that some feel this is appropriate given the heavy math. You would still need to determine the proper formula for the respective question.

I second that. I teach that course and the test is very heavy on math using the gas laws. One could ask why a divemaster needs to be able to calculate the precise buoyancy gain in pounds for a given rise in the water column, but that's the test.

I think a reference sheet of equations and constants is a great idea, whether you prepare your own or get one from the instructor. Obviously that won't help at all if you can't decide which equation applies to a given scenario -- I'd say that's the real skill: problem analysis.

One quality of a good divemaster is quick and accurate problem analysis before launching into action.

 

[KShandkman]

Thanks for all the advice. I passed the exam with a 94%. It was pretty rough and I needed a drink afterwards though
On to Stress/Rescue, React Right, Nav, and Low vis/night diving.

 

[kensuf]

Learn which law applies in a given situation. You must know the name and what it describes. Many exam question describe a situation and ask which law applies.
The best abbreviation I've seen on SB:
Boyle - breathe or your lungs explode
Maybe nasty, but it does describes the essence of Boyle's law!

"Boyle Blew Up"
"Dalton Died Deep"
"Charles Got Cold"

 

[KShandkman]

It was a little more in depth than that. Some of the questions weren't related to the material that was covered. I understood and could do all of the math in the book, went to the test and it was completely different. Preparing for the exam was difficult but I had an understanding of the physics prior to reading the materials. -- Needless to say it was not fun and I am glad I am done with it.

 

[rick00001967]

congratulations on passing with a great mark. i also found it quite difficult to prepare for. but i got through it. and it really does give you a much better appreciation for the physics behind what we do.
advise to those reading this.......make sure you know the formulas and how/when to apply them. you also will need to know how to rearrange those formulas to solve different answers. damn algebra!!

good luck in the rest of your courses !!!

 

[KShandkman]

I see we are working the same pathway Keep me posted on your progress. I am glad I am not the only one who had problems studying for!

Jason