Extreme Physiology
| Module title | Extreme Physiology |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM213 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
Practising medicine in austere and remote environments is challenging, with limited access to resources and support. This situation is further complicated by the unique challenges posed by the environment, whether that is extreme heat, cold or altitude. An understanding of the physiology of extreme environments and the process of adaptation is therefore crucial to delivery of effective clinical care.
This module will explore this unique area and develop your understanding of how the physical environment affects health, how the human body adapts and what can go wrong. This knowledge will form the foundation of subsequent modules in developing clinical management skills appropriate for remote and austere environments.
The combination of theoretical learning, with attendance at environment-specific residential courses, offers a unique opportunity for you to develop your practical and theoretical expertise in this area, with students choosing two residential courses from a list of options provided by World Extreme Medicine that align with their specialist interests.
This module is compulsory for students taking the PGCert in Extreme Medicine, the PG Diploma in Extreme Medicine, and the MSc in Extreme Medicine.
Module aims - intentions of the module
In this module you will develop an in-depth understanding of the key aspects of human physiology in austere environments. This will be achieved through a combination of asynchronous online learning focussing on different environments, including heat, cold, altitude, aquatic and space. Teaching will focus on the unique challenges of each environment, the underlying pathophysiology of disease and adaptation, and the application to clinical scenarios.
The second part of this module involves practical teaching in remote environments. You will have the opportunity to choose two residential courses that focus on your area of specialist interest, within the extreme physiology realm. This will provide practical understanding of the issues covered in the theoretical content.
At the end of this module you will have a practical and theoretical understanding of the subject, to apply to the clinical management of extreme medicine.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of human physiological responses and adaptations to extreme environments
- 2. Evaluate the pathophysiological processes underlying diseases and disorders associated with exposure to extreme environments
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Critically assess the unique challenges posed by different extreme environments and their impact on medical practice and patient care
- 4. Apply knowledge of pathophysiology to develop a plan for safe and effective medical cover for expeditions in austere environments
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Apply research findings to clinical practice in extreme medicine
- 6. Demonstrate practical skills and decision-making abilities in simulated or actual extreme environment scenarios
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module's precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
Online learning- this will cover the physiology of extreme environments and the physiology of adaptation. This will include but not be limited to:
- Heat (jungle and desert)
- Cold (high altitude and polar)
- Altitude
- Space
- Marine and hyperbaric environments
- Endurance physiology
In-person teaching - students will choose from a selection of WEM residential courses relevant to their area of interest, that provide practical experience of physiology in extreme environments.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 96 | 204 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Guided independent study | 124 | Web based activities on ELE, preparation for practical sessions |
| Guided independent study | 80 | Reading and preparation for assessment |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 96 | Attendance at 2 WEM residential courses |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan for learning aid | 500 words | 1-6 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 2,000 words | 1-6 | Written |
| Creation of teaching aid | 50 | 15-minute presentation | 1-5 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay (50%) | Essay | 1-6 | Within 6 weeks of result |
| Creation of teaching aid (50%) | Creation of teaching aid | 1-5 | Within 6 weeks of result |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Ashcroft, F., 2002. Life at the extremes: the science of survival. Univ. of California Press.
- Gunga, H.C., 2020. Human physiology in extreme environments. Academic Press.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE –
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Le Roy et al. Human challenges to adaptation to extreme professional environments: A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Volume 146, 2023.
- Ilardo et al. Human adaptation to extreme environmental conditions. Current Opinion in Genetics & Development. Volume 53, 2018, Pages 77-82
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | n/a |
| Module co-requisites | n/a |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 14/3/25 |
