Extreme Physiology Returns to NEPA

Students in the University of Scranton’s “Extreme Physiology” program learn about the physiological effects of different training environments by experiencing them firsthand. A new four-week summer course offering has participants hiking, biking, and paddling through the often rugged terrain of northeastern Pennsylvania to earn elective credits in natural science.

“Extreme Physiology NEPA,” which debuted in 2016, is now accepting applications for summer 2017 enrollment.

PEC Vice President Janet Sweeney helped to develop the course along with her husband Terry, who chairs Scranton’s biology department. It is modeled after a similar University of Scranton program held every other winter in Arizona, where students compare cardiovascular and respiratory measurements taken before and after intense exercise in conditions such as high altitude and extreme heat.

Extreme Physiology NEPA Edition is a collaboration between the University of Scranton and the Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape that exposes the student to wonderful, close-to-home recreational opportunities while they learn about how and why these resources are managed and maintained,” Sweeney said. “Not all classrooms are indoors and this course is a prime example of how you can learn about the effects of exercise on your bodies while outside biking, hiking and kayaking.”

According to the course description, “Extreme Physiology, NEPA Edition delivers the physiology of human performance at a non-science major level while introducing ecological and community service components to the course and exposing its students to the wealth of outdoor exercise opportunities that Northeastern PA has to offer.”

The course is open to students from all universities. Find more information and register here.