Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides students with both theoretical knowledge and first-hand experience (through laboratory practicals) of how the human body responds to extreme environmental stressors (i.e. high altitude, hyperbaria, extreme heat, extreme cold), and how these conditions alter the capacity of humans to perform physical and mental tasks. Special attention will also be given to the theoretical basis of how these stressors can lead to decrements to human health in the form of injury (e.g. frostibite, heat exhaustion) and illness (e.g. pulmonary/cerebral oedema, actue mountain sickness, 'the bends'). This unit will also focus on how this information can be used to develop therapeutic, pharmacological, and/or technological interventions to improve human functioning in extreme environments and reduce the risk of illness and injury. Teaching and learning strategies include lectures, case studies and short practical assignments.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	EXSS1036
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	EXSS2032
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jacqueline Raymond, jacqueline.raymond@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Georgia Chaseling, georgia.chaseling@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sailor Anicker, sailor.anicker@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Molly McCausland, molly.mccausland@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 3 July 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q+A following presentation Question and answer session following the group presentations in weeks 2, 3 and 4. Questions will be asked to all group members.	5%	Multiple weeks	5-10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Small MCQ tests 3x MCQ tests worth 10% each (30% total) on Friday of Weeks 2, 3 and 4. These MCQ tests will be pen-and-paper, in-person during class time.	30%	Multiple weeks	3 x 45-minute in-person assessments.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Self-reflection activities MCQ and SA questions to help self-evaluate current and gained knowledge. Assessment is pen-and-paper, in-person during class time.	10%	Multiple weeks	Self-reflective MCQ and SA questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentations 3x in-person group presentations (10% each) on Friday of Weeks 2, 3 and 4, where Socrative discussion about a prescribed journal article is led by the examiner to assess students ability to present and critically appraise the selected literature.	30%	Multiple weeks	3 x 15min in-person group presentations	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q+A following final presentation Question and answer session following the final group presentation. Questions will be asked to all group members.	10%	Week 05	10-15 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Final group presentation Group presentation of a journal article, where Socrative discussion about the article is led by the examiner to asses students ability to present and critically appraise the select literature.	15%	Week 05	15 min, in-person group presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The assessment of this unit is designed to foster skills in self-reflection, research literacy, and mastery of content. In brief, the assessments for this unit will involve:

Self-reflection activities: This assessment item will be held听in-class听补苍诲听in-person. Students will particpate in two (2) self-reflection activities during the unit (Weeks 1 & 5), worth 5% each (10% total). These assessments will include a small number of multiple choice and short answer questions designed to stimulate self-reflection on current knowledge, and to highlight areas of focus moving forward. The self-reflection activities will also include a class discussion. This is a non-compulsory assessment activity.
Small MCQ tests:听At the beginning of the Friday classes in Weeks 2, 3 and 4, students will complete a small听in-person听补苍诲听in-class听MCQ test (worth 10% each). This is a compulsory assessments task. Students must attempt all 3 tests.听
Group presentations:听At the end of the Friday classes in Weeks 2, 3 and 4, students will deliver an听in-person听补苍诲听in-class听oral group presentation (worth 10% each). This is a compulsory assessment task. Students must attempt and听meangingfully contribute to each presentation.
Q+A following the group presentations (weeks 2, 3 and 4): Following the group presentation, each student in the group will be asked at least one question to respond to (worth 5% across the three weeks).听 This is an in-person and in-class assessment task.听 This is a compulsory assessment task.听 Students must attempt to respond to the questions asked following each presentation.听 AI is not permitted in this task.听
Final group presentation: Students work in small groups to create and deliver a presentation that critically evaluates听one of the research topics presented during the Week 5 Research Seminars. This is a compulsory assessment task. Students must attempt and听meangingfully contribute to the final presentation.
Q+A following the fianl group presentation听(week 5): Following the final group presentation, each student in the group will be asked several听questions to respond to (worth 5% across the three weeks).听 This is an in-person and in-class assessment task.听 This is a compulsory assessment task.听 Students must attempt to respond to the questions asked following the presentation.听 AI is not permitted in this task.听

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	听
Distinction	75 - 84	听
Credit	65 - 74	听
Pass	50 - 64	听
Fail	0 - 49	When you don鈥檛 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the听Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per outlined under Section 7A of The University of Sydney Assessment Procedures Policy (2011): /policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website听provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the听Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)听which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a听simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for听special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,听听includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy听reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to unit / Content orientation	Lecture (3 hr)
	Integrative physiology I-II	Lecture (3 hr)
	Integrative physiology III-IV	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Diving/hyperbaria	Lecture (3 hr)
	Basic skills / Breath-holding experiments	Practical (4 hr)
	Assessment and Tutorial	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Altitude	Lecture (3 hr)
	Physiological response to simulated altitude	Practical (4 hr)
	Assessment and Tutorial	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	Thermal stress	Lecture (3 hr)
	Physiological response to thermal stress	Practical (4 hr)
	Assessment and Tutorial	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Research seminars	Lecture (4 hr)
	Final presentations (alternative date)	Assessment (2 hr)
	Final presentations	Assessment (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend all lectures, practical sessions, tutorials and assessments听in-person. Given the intensive mode of this unit, we have designed our curriculum such that learning content is given on the Monday, a practical session based on that content is delivered on Wednesday, and theory/practical/research skills related to that content are assessed on the Friday of the same week. Thus, while attendance is not strictly graded, failure to attend any of these learning activities will impact your ability to perform well on the assessment items throughout the unit.听

Please note that attendance during practical sessions will be recorded for Workplace Health and Safety reasons.

高清福利片 commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand how humans respond both behaviourally and physiologically to cope with acute and chronic exposures to hot and cold environments, as well as high altitude and high pressure environments
LO2. understand how responses to different environmental extremes are proxies for human responses to certain diseases and health disorders (e.g. altitude/COPD and cardiovascular disorders)
LO3. describe how the capacity to perform different occupational activities can be compromised by different extreme environmental characteristics
LO4. explain how different therapeutic, pharmacological and/or technological interventions can be employed to improve work capacity in the face of a single and combined environmental stressor
LO5. understand the aetiology of injury and illnesses that occur secondary to environmental stressors (i.e. heat exhaustion/stroke; frostbite; hypothermia; barotrauma; nitrogen narcosis; cerebral oedema; pulmonary oedema)
LO6. estimate environmental limits at which different populations can safely perform various work activities
LO7. estimate maximum safe exposure times for work activities that take place under environmental conditions that exceed these limits.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In 2024, we incorporated some skill-building exercises at the beginning of the first practical session in Week 2 to provide students with foundational capabilities in physiological testing and measurement. We also redesigned assessment items to focus on strengthening research literacy and presentation skills. In 2025, students told us the practical nature of the journal clubs on Fridays and the practical classes on Wednesdays were two of the best aspects of the unit of study. They also appreciated the connection between the lectures, practicals and journal club assessments. These activities will be maintained in 2026.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must wear closed-in shoes (e.g. sneakers) to all practical classes. Students will be refused entry to practical class if closed-in shoes are not worn.

Students should come to practical class prepared to participate in exercise and wear appropriate clothing accordingly.听In addition, the practical classes may include the wearing of masks and other personal protective equipment听as advised by the unit coordinator and tutors, according to the recommendations by NSW Health and University policies. Please practice good hand hygiene during class.听

Students will complete a work, health and safety (WHS) checklist during their first practical class. Any student who misses this WHS checklist must complete it before attending their next practical class.听

Students must complete a pre-exercise screener (link available on Canvas) prior to exercise.听Students with existing medical conditions that may confer a risk during exercise must seek clearance from their medical practitioner prior to undertaking exercise.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

高清福利片

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

高清福利片 commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

HSBH3021: Environmental Stress and Physiological Strain

Intensive June - July, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

高清福利片 commitment

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links