Human Health in Space Environment

Overview

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

Assessment

For assessment information, refer to the handbook link for MD Discovery 1: Foundation.

Contact Information

Topic Coordinator:

Dr Rowena Christiansen: rowena.christiansen@unimelb.edu.au