Module Description
This module will explore the medical and physiological challenges associated with human adaptation to and tolerance of extreme environments. Students will engage with historical and contemporary research in the field to gain unique perspectives on and propose novel solutions to problems in survival physiology, working at altitude, extended duration space flight, etc. Topics covered will include altitude and acceleration physiology as well as the other major stresses that occur in flight; the physical and physiological challenges of spaceflight and microgravity; hyperbaric and marine physiology, tolerance and adaptation to extremes of heat and cold; and the effects of starvation and dehydration.
Aims
By the end of this module, students will have developed a sound understanding of the environmental challenges confronting human physiology and medicine and will be able to interpret and critically evaluate research and evidence-based guidelines in proposing solutions to problems and further research in the field.
Learning Outcomes
To pass this module students need to be able to:
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key topics in physiological regulation and adaptation, acclimatisation and acclimation to environmental extremes.
2. Critically evaluate relationships between environmental exposure, survival and performance and the methods used to prepare for and protect humans in extreme environments.
3. Critically evaluate research articles and professional guidelines.
4. Develop and present detailed evidence-based arguments.
5. Coherently present ideas in written and oral form.
Syllabus
The following topics will be explored during a series of themed seminars:
1. Introduction to Survival in extreme environments
2. Human responses to food restriction
3. Tolerance to heat
4. Water and salt
5. Hypothermia
6. Survival in cold water
7. Diving and the hyperbaric environment
8. Altitude
9. Flight and aerospace physiology / Surviving oxygen pollution
10. Discussion of papers for student essay topics (no assessment)
This module will explore the medical and physiological challenges associated with human adaptation to and tolerance of extreme environments. Students will engage with historical and contemporary research in the field to gain unique perspectives on and propose novel solutions to problems in survival physiology, working at altitude, extended duration space flight, etc. Topics covered will include altitude and acceleration physiology as well as the other major stresses that occur in flight; the physical and physiological challenges of spaceflight and microgravity; hyperbaric and marine physiology, tolerance and adaptation to extremes of heat and cold; and the effects of starvation and dehydration.
Aims
By the end of this module, students will have developed a sound understanding of the environmental challenges confronting human physiology and medicine and will be able to interpret and critically evaluate research and evidence-based guidelines in proposing solutions to problems and further research in the field.
Learning Outcomes
To pass this module students need to be able to:
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key topics in physiological regulation and adaptation, acclimatisation and acclimation to environmental extremes.
2. Critically evaluate relationships between environmental exposure, survival and performance and the methods used to prepare for and protect humans in extreme environments.
3. Critically evaluate research articles and professional guidelines.
4. Develop and present detailed evidence-based arguments.
5. Coherently present ideas in written and oral form.
Syllabus
The following topics will be explored during a series of themed seminars:
1. Introduction to Survival in extreme environments
2. Human responses to food restriction
3. Tolerance to heat
4. Water and salt
5. Hypothermia
6. Survival in cold water
7. Diving and the hyperbaric environment
8. Altitude
9. Flight and aerospace physiology / Surviving oxygen pollution
10. Discussion of papers for student essay topics (no assessment)