Course syllabus

Människan i extrema miljöer
Human in Extreme Environments

MAMF35, 7,5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2014/15
Decided by: Education Board E
Date of Decision: 2014-04-02

General Information

Main field: Technology.
Elective for: BME4-br
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

Provide basic knowledge about the effects on human wellbeing, health and performance associated with exposure to environmental extremes.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

 

• describe in detail the capacity and limitations of human body to manage extreme environment in respect to heavy physical work, thermal climate, diving, altitude, space and fire and polluted environments
• analyse and reflect independently over the decisive physical and physiological factors that affect human wellbeing, health and performance associated with exposure to extreme environments
• apply physical and physiological principles in order to predict environmental effects on human health and performance

 

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

 

• show ability to perform adequate measurements and data treatment considering physiological reactions to extreme environments
• identify problems and risks associated with extreme environmental exposures

 

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

 

• reflect independently over and show understanding of individual variation, resources and needs that are connected to the ability to perform in extreme environments, as well as, critically interpret information
• validate the relevance and accuracy of different assessment methods
• reflect over ones’ own development and need of more knowledge within the area

 

Contents

 

• Introduction to environmental exposure and limits of human performance
• Physical work and human performance
• Human heat balance and heat exchange with the environment
• Cold and hot environments
• Exposure to fire and toxic environments
• Cold water and diving
• High altitude and the space environment
• Preventive measures and personal protection
• Clothing and performance
• Methods for risk assessment and simulation
• National and international rules and regulations
• Exercises: exposure to heavy work, cold and hot environments

 

Examination details

Grading scale: UG
Assessment: Orally and in writing: Laboratory exercises, group and project work, and written examination. Compulsory lectures, group and project work and laboratory excercises.

Admission

The number of participants is limited to: No
The course might be cancelled: If the number of applicants is less than 16.
The course overlaps following course/s: TFRC70

Reading list

• Holmér, I.: Human performance in extreme environments. Kompendium, Lund University. 2009, Kompendium.
• Åstrand, P-O., Rohdahl, K., Dahl, H., Strömme, S.: Textbook of work physiology: Physiological bases of exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 2003.
• Auerbach P.S.: Wilderness medicine. Mosby, Elsevier. 2007.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Kalev Kuklane, kalev.kuklane@design.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.eat.lth.se
Further information: The course provides knowledge on the effect of the external environment on human, especially related to heat and cold, cold water and diving, air pressure conditions, hypoxic environments, and methods for related risk assessment and management.