MYAT0111p Applied and Translational Neurosciences in Space and Extreme Environments

Faculty of Medicine
autumn 2025
Extent and Intensity
1/0/0. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Bc. Lucie Ráčková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Bc. Lucie Ráčková, Ph.D.
First Department of Neurology – Institutions shared with St. Anne's Faculty Hospital – Faculty of Medicine
Supplier department: First Department of Neurology – Institutions shared with St. Anne's Faculty Hospital – Faculty of Medicine
Timetable
Mon 15. 9. 16:00–17:40 A18/208, Mon 29. 9. 16:00–17:40 A18/208, Mon 13. 10. 16:00–17:40 A18/208, Mon 27. 10. 16:00–17:40 A18/208, Mon 10. 11. 16:00–17:40 A18/208, Mon 24. 11. 16:00–17:40 A18/208, Mon 8. 12. 16:00–17:40 A18/208, Mon 15. 12. 16:00–17:40 A18/208
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
The course aims to familiarize students with the interdisciplinary field of space and extreme environments from the perspective of neuroscience, human factors, and translational research. It introduces the specific characteristics of these environments (particularly microgravity, radiation, isolation, sensory deprivation, circadian changes, and alterations in respiratory gases) and their effects on brain functions, cognition, sensorimotor integration, neuropsychology, team dynamics, and human–technology interaction. Emphasis is placed on introducing specialized research platforms, translational potential, and the practical application of knowledge to clinical, rehabilitation, occupational, and advanced technology development contexts.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
• Define applied and translational research;
• Describe general organismal responses to extreme conditions;
• Describe the basic biological, physiological, psychological, and behavioral changes associated with selected stressors in extreme environments or space;
• Think critically and analytically about the topics presented in the course and identify relationships between factors of extreme/space environments and manifestations at the psychological, cognitive-behavioral, and neural levels;
• Describe the most significant studies that have led to the transfer of knowledge into clinical, rehabilitative, occupational, or adaptive technology applications;
• Describe basic space analogues and determine their suitability for research in specific areas and topics;
• Communicate theoretical knowledge, research methods, and findings from previous scientific studies in a professional and clear manner, and independently formulate, interpret, and develop new recommendations and conclusions related to the course topics.
Key topics
  • 1) Introduction to the course, a brief overview of the history of exploration of Earth and its extremes, low Earth orbit, the Moon, and visions for future exploration of the cis- and trans-lunar space.
  • 2) Specific characteristics of space and extreme environments (microgravity, radiation, isolation, changes in O₂ and CO₂, sensory deprivation, disruption of circadian rhythms), their effects on the nervous system, and their impact on cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and health indicators as well as work performance.
  • 3) Development and application of countermeasures to mitigate or rehabilitate the effects of space and extreme environments.
  • 4) Space analogues and other research platforms.
  • 5)–8) Expert seminars and guest lectures on topics such as: Neuroergonomics and human interaction with advanced robotics; Teams in extreme conditions; Psychology in extreme environments; Behavioral health in extreme environments.
Study resources and literature
    recommended literature
  • PIANTADOSI, Claude A. The biology of human survival: life and death in extreme environments. Oxford University Press, 2003.
  • MICHAEL, Alex P., et al. (ed.). Spaceflight and the central nervous system: clinical and scientific aspects. Springer Nature, 2022.
  • GOLDSMITH, Donald; REES, Martin. The end of astronauts: Why robots are the future of exploration. Harvard University Press, 2022.
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
Lectures and self-study.
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
The course will conclude with either an essay or a research project proposal, accompanied by a 10-minute presentation during the final class session.
The essay will provide a broader description of a selected topic related to the course content. It will be evaluated based on criteria such as the ability to independently formulate and develop arguments, critically assess and reflect on knowledge gained from the course, apply theoretical principles to practical challenges, demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach, propose realistic solutions or recommendations for future research and applications, and the quality and citation of sources. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to connect theoretical knowledge with one’s own analysis and argumentation. Essay length: 3,000–4,000 words. A list of topics and an evaluation rubric will be provided at the beginning of the semester.
The research project proposal must include: a concise review of relevant literature, a clearly defined research question and hypothesis, a detailed description of the methodology including the experimental model for space or analogue conditions, an assessment of potential limitations, risks, and mitigation strategies, an overview of ethical aspects, expected results, and their possible applications and translational potential. The evaluation will consider originality and innovativeness of the proposal, scientific validity and feasibility, ability to apply an interdisciplinary approach, use of scientific literature, clarity, and structure of the text.
Language of instruction
Czech
Study support
https://is.muni.cz/auth/el/med/ekurzy/NEUROVEDY/index-OSvJAI.qwarp
Further Comments
Study Materials
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/med/autumn2025/MYAT0111p