Adventures in Environmental Physiology

Course Description

Welcome to "Adventures in Environmental Physiology," an exciting and immersive journey into the fascinating world of how our bodies respond to various environmental challenges. This unique course, offered by StanfordOnline, goes beyond traditional online learning by creating a truly engaging educational experience. You'll follow the adventures of Corey and Dr. Friedlander as they explore the limits of human physiology through a series of wild and exciting experiments.

What students will learn from the course

In this course, you'll gain a deep understanding of the human body's incredible adaptability to different environmental stressors. You'll learn about:

  • The body's response to extreme cold and heat
  • Physiological changes associated with aging
  • How stress affects our bodies
  • Adaptations to high altitude environments
  • The effects of variable pressures on the human body, including g-forces, zero gravity, and deep-water diving

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course

While the course is designed to be accessible to everyone, a basic understanding of human physiology will be beneficial. However, don't worry if you're not a scientist – the course provides additional resources and glossaries to help you navigate the material. The most important prerequisite is an excitement for learning about the human body!

What the course will cover

  • Cold environments: Thermoregulation, hypothermia, and cold adaptation
  • Heat stress: Hyperthermia, cooling techniques, and heat injuries
  • Aging: Age-associated changes, preventable and inevitable effects
  • Stress: Acute and chronic stress responses, stress management techniques
  • Altitude: Acute and chronic altitude exposure, altitude-related risks
  • Variable pressures: G-forces, zero gravity, and deep-water diving physiology

Who this course is for

This course is perfect for:

  • Students interested in biology, physiology, or environmental science
  • Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers
  • Healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge
  • Anyone curious about how the human body adapts to extreme conditions

How learners can use these skills in the real world

The knowledge gained from this course has numerous practical applications:

  • Improving personal safety and performance in extreme environments
  • Enhancing physical training and athletic performance
  • Developing strategies for healthy aging
  • Managing stress more effectively in daily life
  • Preparing for high-altitude travel or deep-sea diving
  • Understanding and mitigating environmental health risks

Syllabus

1. Cold

  • Thermoregulation laboratory experiments
  • Piloerection, hypothermia, and after-drop
  • Practical tips for dealing with cold environments

2. Heat

  • Effects of heat on the body
  • Hyperthermia and cooling techniques
  • Heat injuries and prevention strategies

3. Aging

  • Age-associated physiological changes
  • Inevitable vs. influenceable aging effects
  • Tips for healthy aging

4. Stress

  • Acute and chronic stress responses
  • Effects of stress on the body
  • Stress management techniques

5. Altitude

  • Acute and chronic altitude exposure
  • Altitude-related risks and adaptations
  • Preparing for high-altitude environments

6. Variable Pressures

  • G-forces and their effects on the body
  • Zero gravity physiology
  • Deep-water diving and pressure changes

This course offers a unique blend of scientific knowledge and real-world applications, making it an invaluable experience for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies interact with the world around us.