From Antarctica to Outer Space: Surviving and Thriving in Extremes - University of Manchester course

At the beginning of 2019, Nathan and Emma started developing a new course of extremes for undergraduate students at the University of Manchester. The course adopts an interdisciplinary focus to look at human surviving and thriving in the most challenging and demanding environments on Earth and beyond. Throughout, we have sought input from expert academics and practitioners to look at the history of exploration and extreme endeavour and where that might take us next. All of the material is delivered online and covers the following areas:

• What are extreme environments?

• Historical and cultural perspectives on adventure and exploration in extremes

• Physiological and psychological basis of surviving and thriving in extreme conditions

• Why people take the risk

• Extreme stress and unusual experiences (e.g. hallucinations, social conflict, scapegoating)

• New exploration frontiers and challenge for human life

• Selecting people for extreme activities from the South Pole to the solar system

• Trauma, recovery and mental health in the aftermath of disasters and emergencies

• Leadership on the edge, in crisis and outside the norm

• What extreme environments can teach us about everyday life

Below is a little teaser video highlighting some of what we focus on.

More information on the course can be found here: http://www.college.manchester.ac.uk/units/?year=2019&semester=2&course=337

Image: Allstar/Legendary Pictures