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Introduction
This unit is concerned with the practice of healthcare in extreme environments. It starts with generic considerations before moving on to examine the following extreme environments in detail: cold, high altitude, desert, maritime, underwater, aviation, and space. The challenges of working each environment are considered, followed by an examination of the physiological changes that occur, and finally the pathophysiology and clinical presentations encountered.
Summary
| Unit name | Medicine in Extreme Environments |
| Unit code | CAM619 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Medicine |
| Discipline | Medicine |
| Coordinator | Doctor Gemma Ruddick |
| 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
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/2/2027 | 15/3/2027 | 18/4/2027 | 12/6/2027 |
* 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 characteristics of an extreme environment from a social, psychological, and medical perspective and apply this information to provide solutions to challenges associated with living and working in such environments
- Explain the processes of acclimatisation and adaptation to extreme environments, where this is physiologically feasible
- Explain common pathophysiological processes and clinical conditions associated with extreme environments
- Assess and apply strategies for prevention of medical problems in extreme environments
- Integrate specialised medical and non-medical knowledge to develop solutions for emergency treatment of medical problems associated with extreme environments
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Individual Study 8 hours weekly for 5 weeks; Individual Study 10 hours weekly for 7 weeks; Tutorial (Online) 2 hours weekly for 5 weeks. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Contribution to on-line discussion (20%)|Written Assignment (30%)|Written Assignment (50%) |
| 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.