Online
Introduction
Extreme environments are so named due to the unique challenges they pose to human performance. In this online unit you will learn about the factors that characterise an environment as extreme, and how living and/or working in an extreme environment can influence human functioning. In this context, you will consider how individuals and groups can manage distress and enhance resilience. Extreme environments considered include Antarctica, outer space, military operations, disaster sites, and cults. In this unit, you will examine how intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organisational factors influence the challenges posed by extreme environments. This unit would be of benefit to students with an interest in factors which influence human performance and resilience, and to students who work in, or intend to work in, extreme environments.
Summary
| Unit name | Human Behaviour in Extreme Environments |
| Unit code | KHB701 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Psychological Sciences |
| Discipline | Psychology |
| Coordinator | Professor Kimberley Norris |
| 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
- Evaluate factors that contribute to an environment being defined as extreme
- Evaluate how extreme environments impact human functioning
- Evaluate how the impacts of extreme environments on human functioning are affected by intrapersonal (individual), interpersonal (relationship) and organisational factors.
- Apply advanced knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies to enhance human functioning in extreme environments.
- Apply effective communication skills and academic integrity principles.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Online module (asynchronous) activities 2hrs weekly, Independent Learning activities 3 hrs weekly, 6x 1hr online (synchronous) workshops |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Scenario Report (30%)|The Right Stuff applied activity (30%)|Written Assignment (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
There is no prescribed text for the unit. However, there are required weekly readings (e.g., journal articles or book chapters related to the week’s topic). Required readings are clearly identified in the relevant module content on MyLO and are available through the unit’s Reading List. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Additional recommended readings are highlighted within the MyLO content as you progress through the unit modules. All recommended readings are available through the unit’s Reading List. Some recommended readings are related to assignment topics; these are marked as such within the module content on MyLO and are also available on the Reading List. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.