The USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber will be running a weekend seminar on Advanced Decompression Physiology on April 4th and 5th. Taught by Dr. Michael Powell (Retired Head of the Environmental Physiology and Biophysics Dept. at the NASA/Johnson Space Center), this class, a fascinating journey into the world of decompression physiology, has evolved from requests for a class on diving physiology that would be suitable for advanced divers and diving leaders eager to understand the forces at work on the ocean within the body during decompression. This course is taught from the aspect of gas phase (bubble) dynamics instead of from the vantage point of decompression table theory. Students will learn what bubbles actually do inside living organisms rather than what is considered “safe” or “unsafe” according to decompression tables or dive computers.

Starting with a historical perspective of decompression research, this course covers aspects of gas exchange; oxygen toxicity; and Doppler bubble detection. Most of the program will focus on bubble development and growth; decompression sickness; gas phase research; bubble control; and the influence of diving decompression research on space decompression and vice versa. This class is a must for any diver curious about the forces affecting them on every dive.

More information about program can be found at:
http://wrigley.usc.edu/hyperbaric/advdeco.htm.

• Advanced Decompression Physiology Seminar Web Page

• Re: Advanced Decompression Physiology Seminar - April 4-5, 2009 Kendall Raine 06:30:12 03/10/09 (0)
• Logistical questions Chris 12:26:11 02/25/09 (1)
  • Re: Logistical questions USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber 13:21:23 02/25/09 (0)