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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: Biology
Status: Occupational Medicine
BeginnerCourse10 hours

Featured reviews

JN

5.0Reviewed Jul 4, 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!

SG

5.0Reviewed Sep 24, 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

SG

5.0Reviewed Feb 13, 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.

AF

5.0Reviewed Nov 16, 2022

It was really interesting and fascinating journey diving into so specific and difficult areas as space and diving medicine areas. Appreciate creators enthusiasm creating this amazing course!

SR

5.0Reviewed Apr 11, 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.

KG

5.0Reviewed Jan 18, 2022

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

FB

4.0Reviewed Feb 19, 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!!!!!

NK

5.0Reviewed Sep 2, 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.

EZ

5.0Reviewed Aug 11, 2022

This course provided a very basic, simply explained introduction to space medicine. One of the few courses available & worth the time!

AB

5.0Reviewed Mar 1, 2024

This course help me to understand the medical terminology of what the astronauts go through and what it means to be an Aerospace Engineer.

ZS

5.0Reviewed Jan 3, 2024

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

EN

5.0Reviewed Nov 9, 2025

Was very beneficial. You don't need any previous knowledge, everything is explained very simply, although I had to rewatch some of the videos, because I don't have any background in Physics.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 246

Aleksandra Fat
5.0
Reviewed Oct 22, 2024
Studio Filippi
5.0
Reviewed Feb 5, 2022
Paul W
5.0
Reviewed Jan 24, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Jan 20, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Jan 29, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Apr 29, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Mar 15, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Apr 15, 2022
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Reviewed Jan 7, 2022
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Reviewed Mar 29, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Jul 15, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Mar 7, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Apr 10, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Apr 11, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Mar 15, 2022
Katharine Ganly
5.0
Reviewed Jan 19, 2022
Joselyn Al Najim
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Reviewed Jul 5, 2022
Elena Zoumi
5.0
Reviewed Aug 11, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Jul 2, 2022
Joseph Parker
5.0
Reviewed Apr 13, 2023