Human Health in Space Environment
About this topic
Overview
Please note minimum quotas apply to this topic
This topic will enable students to explore how human physiology responds to the space environment - how and why each body system adapts, and corresponding 'countermeasures'. This year-long mission will span space as an extreme environment, lessons from the history of human spaceflight, and the remaining challenges for humans journeying beyond to the Moon and Mars. It will highlight the translational potential of space research for health on Earth. This topic would be ideal for students who have a real interest in space medicine or those who want to develop further their understanding of physiology.
Intended learning outcomes
- Describe how human physiology adapts to the space environment
- Outline the important role that gravity plays in normal physiological homeostasis
- Identify the major physiological and psychological challenges for humans living and working in space
- Describe some of the countermeasures currently in use and recognise their terrestrial translational potential
- Recognise that lessons are learned from both the history of human spaceflight and ongoing research
Dates and Times
Commences semester 1 and runs through both semesters 1 and 2 for a 24-week teaching period.
Teaching and Learning
A 24-week teaching period, total time commitment of 170 hours.
A combination of synchronous and asynchronous online learning and independent activities. Weekly breakdown of learning activities: 1 hour of asynchronous online learning and approximately 3.5 hours of independent activities. In addition, 1 hour of synchronous online learning in 15 weeks.
Assessment
For assessment information, refer to the handbook link for MD Discovery 1: Foundation.
Contact Information
For any queries contact the Student and Programs Coordinator: md-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Topic Coordinator:
Dr Rowena Christiansen: rowena.christiansen@unimelb.edu.au