Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	Performing in Extreme Environments
School	Sport, Ex and Rehab Sciences
Department	Sport, Ex and Rehab Sciences
Module Code	03 35282
Module Lead	George Balanos
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-22 hours Seminar-8 hours Practical Classes and workshops-4 hours Guided independent study-166 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	The physiological adaptations that take place due to exposure to challenging environmental conditions provide clear insight into normal physiology and homeostatic mechanisms. The module will cover three main areas: altitude, pressure (diving, g-force, weightlessness) and cold/hot environments. In each section of the module the physiological adaptations that occur in challenging environmental conditions will be described before exploring the cost that is imposed on the human body during exercise in these conditions. The module will also cover the strategies that are commonly employed to protect human performance in these conditions and how, in some instances, environmental conditions are exploited to enhance sporting performance. Each section will have seminars and a practical component.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module,students should be able to: Critically discuss how environmental conditions influence body homeostasis at rest Critically discuss physiological adaptations to extreme environmental conditions at rest Critically discuss how physiological responses to extreme environmental conditions influence performance during exercise Critically discuss how athletes can be prepared for performing in extreme environmental conditions Critically evaluate the ways by which extreme environmental conditions can be exploited to enhance athletic performance
Assessment	35282-01 : Abstract Coursework : Coursework (50%) 35282-02 : Case Study Coursework : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Exam (50%): Practical Class report Coursework (50%): Case study report Reassessment: Re-assessment of failed components
Other
Reading List