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Humans in Space includes a multi-day workshop run by the Australasian Society of Aero-space Medicine.
In addition to the usual tuition fees, this unit attracts a field work levy of $2,000 to cover running costs.
Through participation in the ASAM workshop, students will gain direct exposure to current practice and applied knowledge in aerospace medicine. The workshop provides a unique opportunity to engage with practising aerospace medicine professionals, government and defence experts, and aviation industry specialists.
During the fieldwork component, students will:
- Explore the physiological and psychological challenges associated with human performance in aviation and space environments.
- Examine the medical and operational requirements for safe flight in extreme and confined conditions.
- Engage with aerospace medicine professionals to understand regulatory, research, and clinical aspects of the field.
- Develop an appreciation of the role of aerospace medicine in ensuring flight safety and mission success.
Each of the units within the Healthcare in Remote and Extreme Environments course provides advanced, experiential learning that cannot be replicated in a classroom or simulated environment. The field components are essential to achieving the intended learning outcomes, as they expose students to realistic, high-stakes conditions that develop critical decision-making, teamwork, and applied clinical skills in extreme or remote environments.
Introduction
Aero-space medicine is a growing sub-specialty of medicine. This unit is developed in collaboration with the Australasian Society of Aero-space Medicine (ASAM) and focuses on the environmental challenges and technological adaptions for survival in space. It explores the physiological and patho-physiological responses of humans in space and applies principles of space analogue research to inform the development of solutions to long-term space travel.
Summary
| Unit name | Humans in Space |
| Unit code | CAM632 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Medicine |
| Discipline | Medicine |
| Coordinator | Doctor John Cherry |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 |
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- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 4/7/2027 | 26/7/2027 | 29/8/2027 | 23/10/2027 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the characteristic environmental features and challenges of space flight.
- Describe the physiological, psychological and pathophysiological responses and adaptations of humans to space flight.
- Describe and apply technological solutions to combat the threats of the space environment.
- Identify problems and synthesise solutions to optimise the delivery of healthcare to humans in space.
- Assess the psychological and physiological fitness of potential astronauts and space flight participants.
- Synthesize solutions to the unique problems of exploration class missions to optimise crew performance and survival.
Fee Information
Unit fee information for 2027 will be available in September.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Individual Study 10 hours weekly for 11 weeks; Workshop (on campus) 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Workshop Exercises (10%)|Short Answer Exercises (20%)|Essay (30%)|Written Report (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings and other resources will be provided through MyLO |
|---|---|
| Recommended | You can access the reading list for this unit from the link in MyLO or by going directly to the reading lists page on the University Library website |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.