Mountain and Polar Expedition Medicine (EMM716)

Develop a comprehensive understanding of expedition medicine and the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a clinical practitioner in polar and mountainous environments
Mountain exploration

Mountain and Polar Expedition Medicine (EMM716)

Develop a comprehensive understanding of expedition medicine and the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a clinical practitioner in polar and mountainous environments

Key features

This module will equip students with the knowledge and skills to operate safely and independently in remote and austere, cold weather and mountain environments. They will gain understanding of how physiological, environmental and human factors integrate in decision making in the expedition setting.
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Key topics covered include: 
  • Polar and mountain medicine: cold injuries, hypothermia, frostbite and altitude medicine.
  • Trauma management in the expedition setting, including pain management.
  • Expedition planning and leadership: ethical planning, risk assessment and human factors.
  • Navigation: map reading, compass use, technological developments, route planning and natural navigation.
  • Illness and injury prevention, including personal safety in mountain environments.
  • Expedition dentistry techniques.
Module code: EMM716
Credits: 20
FHEQ Level: 7 - masters degree
Location: Blended with face to face delivery in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­
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This module is suitable for anyone with an interest in medicine who wishes to gain a practical understanding of working in remote, wilderness or expedition settings within cold or mountainous environments.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of the environmental, pathophysiological and psychological concepts that underpin mountain and cold environment medicine.
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of processes involved in the provision of safe and effective healthcare in mountain and polar expedition settings with limited resources.
  • Critically analyse and synthesise contemporary evidence to formulate comprehensive expedition plans and conduct methodical risk assessments for operations in remote, resource-limited and unpredictable mountain environments.
  • Demonstrate critical insight into the prevention of illness and injury when working as a leader or member of a flexible and adaptive team in cold environment or high altitude regions.

Module content

This module is taught through a mixture of scenarios, practical sessions, lectures and interactive debate. This is supplemented through self-directed learning, supported tutorials and completion of a written assignment.
Teaching is run across one week in early spring, on the university campus and on Dartmoor or the Brecon Beacons.
  • Cold injuries: hypothermia and frostbite assessment and management.
  • Altitude medicine: acute mountain sickness and high-altitude illness management.
  • Contemporary evidence in mountain and cold environment medicine.
  • Trauma management in the expedition setting.
  • Pain management.
  • Expedition planning and leadership: ethical planning, risk assessment and human factors.
  • Clinical decision-making in resource-limited environments.
  • Navigation: map reading, compass use, GPS and natural navigation.
  • Clinical simulation-based teaching in the field (Dartmoor/Brecon Beacons).

Module dates

8 February - 12 February 2027
Teaching is run across one week in early spring. The first half of the week is taught on the university campus whilst the second half is a practical skills based residential on Dartmoor or the Brecon Beacons.
All modules run to minimum numbers. In the event of low numbers the module may be rescheduled.
Always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit for planned dates.
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Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms. 
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
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Entry requirements

You will normally be a healthcare professional with a first degree or related academic degree. BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above, or European first cycle equivalent.
Clinicians with a lower grade or without a degree but with appropriate experience may still be eligible.
Overseas students: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent required.

Fees

TBC

Module lead

InterCity Place

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Floor 9, InterCity Place, Faculty of Health, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ PL4 6AB
Monday – Thursday 08:30–17:00 and Friday 08:30–16:30