Human Physiology and Adaptation

Catalog description

This course examines in depth the principles and critical elements of human physiology, to include how the human body maintains a steady state while adapting to outside conditions, a process called homeostasis. Included are human performance capabilities, challenges and adaptations in low and high-altitude/space flight, low-pressure and low-gravity environments, and other at-risk for human habitation environments. Specific topics include the physics of atmosphere, radiation environments, acceleration physiology, systemic physiological responses, sensorimotor interactions, environmental pathologies (e.g. circadian dysrhythmia, spatial disorientation, hypoxia, visual anomalies), and the effects of stimulants, disease and injury on human systems.