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Duke University

Space Medicine

Have you ever wondered what it would take for humans to travel beyond the comforts of our home planet, Earth? You are invited to join us in Space Medicine - an online experience facilitated by two recent Duke graduates in which you will learn about and engage in the most pressing medical challenges facing NASA and others advancing the future of space exploration. Space Medicine is a free, non-certificate course featuring interactive modules and weekly live discussions. Participants will reflect on questions pertinent to the future of human health in space, such as: - How do humans respond to extreme environments? - How can engineers, doctors, and scientific researchers come together to prevent space related health issues before they occur? - If future generations of humans attempt to live in space, what challenges will they face? - Which evolutionary adaptations to living on Earth are useful to surviving a months- or years-long voyage? No prior experience in science or medicine is required, as life science concepts will be introduced as necessary. At the end of the course, you will have gained valuable experience in applying modern medicine to space-based situations, from space flight to journeying to Mars.

Status: Radiation Protection
Status: Physiology
BeginnerCourse10 hours

Featured reviews

SG

5.0Reviewed Sep 23, 2022

I​ think it was very good as an introduction to space medicine. At the end of the course it would be good to have a few pointers on where to go next or suggestions to a couple of things to read next

JN

5.0Reviewed Jul 3, 2022

L​earned a lot of cool information and it was easy to follow and understand! Would recommend this course to anyone interested in space!

FB

4.0Reviewed Feb 18, 2022

Although I liked the course and they did a great job but after 6 weeks of working, I was not able to print my certificate!!! it gives me an error of not finding the page!!!!!

KG

5.0Reviewed Jan 17, 2022

Interesting overview of Space medicine with some good introductions to the major considerations for human presence in flight and in space.

NK

5.0Reviewed Sep 1, 2025

I have no backround experience in this topic, but this course didn't require me to have any experience. It was easy to understand and helped me learn so much about this topic. Loved it.

MC

5.0Reviewed Sep 23, 2025

This course was so helpful for me. I learnt a lot at this platform, I am very thankful to this, Very interesting and very helpful for upcoming generation.

TY

5.0Reviewed Jun 19, 2022

interesting and a good introduction to Space Medicine, taking you through the history of Aviation Medicine and bringing the evolving field and difficulties to light

ZS

5.0Reviewed Jan 2, 2024

It was really interesting learning about this subject online. thank you so much, there is a few courses about space industry on coursera.

EP

5.0Reviewed Feb 10, 2024

The course modules were informative and well curated for easy comprehension. I will recommend this course to anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of space missions.

SG

5.0Reviewed Feb 12, 2024

Fantastic course. Such a breadth of information, with great practical case studies and very useful guest speakers who really brought alive the topic. Thank you.

DR

5.0Reviewed Mar 13, 2022

This was a fantastic course overviewing some of our greatest challenges that lie ahead in the frontier of manned space travel. I am eager to work in the field in the near future!

SR

5.0Reviewed Apr 10, 2022

Very helpful and in depth introduction to Space Medicine and areas of it that are relevant to know about when considering this as a career choice. Thank you for making this available for everyone.

All reviews

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Aleksandra Fat
5.0
Reviewed Oct 21, 2024
Studio Filippi
5.0
Reviewed Feb 5, 2022
Paul W
5.0
Reviewed Jan 23, 2022
Gavriil Michas
5.0
Reviewed Jan 19, 2022
Dr Rashmi Periwal
5.0
Reviewed Jan 29, 2022
Juan Delgado
5.0
Reviewed Apr 28, 2022
Elena Illa Guttman
5.0
Reviewed Mar 14, 2022
Georgios Neochoritis
5.0
Reviewed Apr 14, 2022
Maxim Berger
5.0
Reviewed Jan 6, 2022
Nuzzy Sykes
5.0
Reviewed Mar 29, 2022
Jim Godman
5.0
Reviewed Jul 15, 2022
Lauri Husa
5.0
Reviewed Mar 6, 2022
David Delorme
5.0
Reviewed Apr 10, 2022
Sheida Rahmany
5.0
Reviewed Apr 11, 2022
Dwyer Roche
5.0
Reviewed Mar 14, 2022
Katharine Ganly
5.0
Reviewed Jan 18, 2022
Joselyn Al Najim
5.0
Reviewed Jul 4, 2022
Elena Zoumi
5.0
Reviewed Aug 11, 2022
Dr Madeeha Minhas
5.0
Reviewed Jul 2, 2022
Joseph Parker
5.0
Reviewed Apr 12, 2023