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 and austere environment, lessons from the history of human spaceflight and ongoing research, and the challenges for humans spending long periods in space, whether in Earth orbit or journeying beyond to the Moon and Mars. It will highlight the translational potential of space research for health on Earth, the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and foster science communication skills. This topic would be ideal for students who have a real interest in space medicine or who wish to deepen 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