This University of Scranton intersession travel course exposes students to the stunning and diverse environments of Arizona in the course of investigating human physiological adaptation to extreme environmental and aerobic challenges.

Utilizing the student as both subject and investigator, challenges include exposure to the desert environment, prolonged bouts of exercise and extensive changes in altitude.

Participating students document their progression of cardiovascular and respiratory conditioning through the 3 1/2 week Biology course. Accompanying instruction by University of Scranton and University of Arizona faculty explores these environmental challenges, the adaptive mechanisms of native flora and fauna, and the compensatory mechanisms operating in key human physiological systems.

Extreme Physiology will next run in January, 2015!

The course is taught by Dr. Terrence Sweeney with the assistance of Professor Tara Fay. It is a 3-credit major elective for Biology and EXSC majors and it open to students who have successfully completed Biology 245 (General Physiology) lecture and lab. 

A highlight of the 2013 course was a hike of the Grand Canyon from top to bottom, with an overnight stay at the Canyon’s Phantom Ranch (http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging-704.html), on the banks of the Colorado River.

Enrollment is limited to a maximum of ten students.

Tuition is 1/3 of on-campus price for a 3 credit class

The Course Fee – $2425 in 2013, which excludes airfare– covers housing, food, transportation within Arizona, equipment and laboratory costs.

Click on the tabs at the top of this page to learn more about the course.

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