Master of Science in Space Health

The objective of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students, who have that developed a high level of knowledge in the field of human space exploration, with expertise in specific aspects of space studies, space settlements, space systems,R&D in space science, and excellence in writing and oral communication. M.S. graduate will possess a strong foundation on which they can be highly successful in science-related positions in government, industry, and other institutions, or carry out high quality research at the PhD level. Graduates of the program go on to become the future stewards of their discipline. They will generate knowledge and contribute to the future of space exploration.

The M.S. in Space Health program guides students through the challenges to human health while living and working in space. The program provides opportunities for those interested in the health and well-being of space communities to support the achievement of long-duration space missions. Students examine key methods and strategies on identifying, monitoring, and prevention strategies to minimize the impact of the space environment on human health that will enable humanity to thrive beyond Low Earth Orbit.

SHE 500: Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits)

This course studies anatomy and physiology through an integrated study of the relationship between the structure and function of the human body and its adaptations to harsh environments. Focus is on the circulatory, immune, endocrine, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students will gain an understanding of acute and chronic responses by the human body to various environmental conditions, such as the effects of spaceflight on the human body, microgravity, high altitude, underwater, and heat and cold.

SHE 510: Prevention and New Therapies (3 credits)

This course provides an overview of understanding on how the mechanisms used to regulate processes in the human body undergo change in microgravity. Focuses on how to mitigate the risks to human health and performance during long-duration spaceflight and deep space exploration missions. Students will develop strategies for translating knowledge about processes into new therapies for humans living and working in space. Topic areas may include physical health surveillance of human health wellness and performance on space missions; augmented medical knowledge and guidance on deep space missions; health state monitoring and early onset detection; diagnosis and treatment.

SHE 520: Health Technology (3 credits)

This course covers the interdisciplinary principles of continuous monitoring, ongoing tracking of health indicators, and the impact of the space environment on human health, wellbeing and performance. Early intervention allows to minimize the impact of disease, crew downtime, and amount of medical consumables required to return crewmembers to a healthy state. Students will examine health metrics for the purposes of identification of changes in a crewmembers’ health, and eventually the detection of early onset and/or the prediction of potential disease states using diagnostic devices, crew health monitoring and imaging systems, and analysis of health data.

SHE 545: Independent Study – Space Health (3 credits)

This course provides for the independent study of a current topic in space health designed to encourage students to conduct research. Students will carry out independent library research, explore experimental work, prepare a written report and make a presentation to other students in the course of the research plan and preliminary results. An independent study course is intended to foster initiative in students by supporting them to address their own learning needs related to their thesis research or research in general, and extends a student’s learning beyond the available prescribed and elective courses.

SHE 549: Research Project - Special Studies in Space Health (3 credits)

This special study option enables students to undertake specific projects in space health. The topic of the special study will be determined in consultation with a faculty member and the individual student. The project may be theoretical and/or experimental and can be selected from a range of topics related to the course as suggested by teaching staff, your employer or even focused on your own area of interest. Students are responsible for making appropriate arrangements with faculty member prior to registration for the course.

SHE 597: Thesis I (Space Health) (3 credits)

For M.S. Degree, Thesis-Based. Research studies in Space Health. Students will actively engage in the research process, write the thesis and be examined on the thesis. The research may be on any topic, subject to approval and availability of faculty supervision.