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Postgraduate DiplomaHealth, Biomechanics, Wearables & Operational Safety Applications open

Postgraduate Diploma in Hypoxia, Altitude and Simulation Chambers

Online 800-hour postgraduate diploma in hypoxia, altitude and simulation chambers. 8 modules with NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code, chapter on hyperbaric and hypobaric chambers), ISO 80601-2-61 (pulse oximeters) and LabChart (ADInstruments). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe the respiratory and cardiovascular physiology at altitude.

02

Recognise the acute effects of hypoxia and its warning signs.

03

Explain the mechanisms of acclimatisation and adaptation to altitude.

04

Compare the operation of hypobaric chambers and normobaric hypoxia systems.

05

Select instruments for monitoring oxygen saturation and respiratory gases.

06

Apply safe protocols for simulated hypoxia exposure.

07

Design a hypoxia training or evaluation programme.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Environmental simulation systems engineer wishing to specialise in Hypoxia, Altitude and Simulation Chambers.
  • Altitude exercise physiologist wishing to specialise in Hypoxia, Altitude and Simulation Chambers.
  • Hypobaric chamber technician wishing to specialise in Hypoxia, Altitude and Simulation Chambers.
  • Aerospace medicine specialist wishing to specialise in Hypoxia, Altitude and Simulation Chambers.
  • Sports performance laboratory manager wishing to specialise in Hypoxia, Altitude and Simulation Chambers.
  • Oxygen therapy equipment engineer wishing to specialise in Hypoxia, Altitude and Simulation Chambers.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter aviation medicine.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code, chapter on hyperbaric and hypobaric chambers)
  • ISO 80601-2-61 (pulse oximeters)
  • Directive 2014/68/EU (pressure equipment)
  • ISO 80601-2-55 (respiratory gas monitors)
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (medical devices)
  • ISO 7396-1 (medical gas pipeline systems)
  • Regulation (EU) 1178/2011 (civil aviation crew, aeromedical requirements)
Syllabus

8 modules · 800 h

  1. 1.1Atmospheric composition and barometric pressure with altitude
  2. 1.2Partial pressure of oxygen and the oxygen cascade
  3. 1.3Haemoglobin dissociation curve
  4. 1.4Ventilation, diffusion and the ventilation-perfusion ratio
  5. 1.5Hypoxic ventilatory response and chemoreceptors
  6. 1.6ISA standard atmosphere and physiological altitude
  7. 1.7Hypoxic, anaemic, stagnant and histotoxic hypoxia
  8. 1.8Hyperventilation and hypocapnia
  9. 1.9Individual differences in hypoxia tolerance
  10. 1.10Practice: calculating alveolar PO2 at different altitudes
  1. 2.1Objective and subjective symptoms of hypoxia
  2. 2.2Useful time of consciousness by altitude
  3. 2.3Cognitive, visual and psychomotor impairment
  4. 2.4Rapid and explosive decompression in the cabin
  5. 2.5Decompression sickness and barotrauma
  6. 2.6Acute mountain sickness and the Lake Louise scale
  7. 2.7High-altitude pulmonary and cerebral oedema
  8. 2.8Hypoxia in general aviation and unpressurised flights
  9. 2.9Aggravating factors: cold, exercise, alcohol and smoking
  10. 2.10Case study: analysis of a cabin hypoxia incident
  1. 3.1Physiological responses in the first hours
  2. 3.2Erythropoiesis and the role of erythropoietin
  3. 3.3Muscular and mitochondrial adaptations
  4. 3.4Live high, train low strategy
  5. 3.5Intermittent hypoxia exposure
  6. 3.6Native high-altitude populations
  7. 3.7Pharmacological prevention: acetazolamide and others
  8. 3.8Staged ascent protocols
  9. 3.9Deacclimatisation and re-exposure
  10. 3.10Workshop: designing an acclimatisation plan for an expedition
  1. 4.1Operating principles of the hypobaric chamber
  2. 4.2Vacuum systems, pressure control and ascent rate
  3. 4.3Oxygen supply and demand masks
  4. 4.4Monitoring participants during the profile
  5. 4.5Typical aeromedical training profiles
  6. 4.6Risks: decompression sickness and barotrauma
  7. 4.7Medical fitness criteria for training
  8. 4.8Emergency and recompression procedures
  9. 4.9Maintenance and verification of the facility
  10. 4.10Case study: training profile for military pilots
  1. 5.1Normobaric versus hypobaric hypoxia: differences
  2. 5.2Membrane and PSA adsorption generators
  3. 5.3Tents, rooms and simulated altitude suites
  4. 5.4ROBD devices for pilot training
  5. 5.5FiO2 control and CO2 safety
  6. 5.6Oxygen sensors and calibration
  7. 5.7Ventilation and alarms in hypoxic rooms
  8. 5.8Oxygen reduction for fire prevention
  9. 5.9Safety in oxygen-deficient atmospheres
  10. 5.10Laboratory: setting up a session with controlled FiO2
  1. 6.1Pulse oximetry: principles and limitations
  2. 6.2Arterial and capillary blood gases
  3. 6.3Capnography and measurement of exhaled CO2
  4. 6.4Heart rate variability in hypoxia
  5. 6.5Cerebral oximetry by NIRS
  6. 6.6Cognitive and reaction time tests
  7. 6.7Ergospirometry in hypoxia
  8. 6.8Recording and analysis of physiological data
  9. 6.9Session completion criteria
  10. 6.10Practice: analysis of SpO2 records during an ascent profile
  1. 7.1Hypoxia recognition training for aircrew
  2. 7.2EASA and ICAO requirements on pressurisation and oxygen
  3. 7.3Preparation of mountaineers and expeditions
  4. 7.4Training of endurance athletes
  5. 7.5Clinical research in COPD and sleep apnoea
  6. 7.6Ethics and informed consent in hypoxia studies
  7. 7.7Safety plan and emergency management
  8. 7.8Documentation of operating procedures
  9. 7.9Evaluation of training effectiveness
  10. 7.10Workshop: hypoxia training protocol for aircrew
  1. 8.1Defining objectives and population
  2. 8.2Selecting the type of simulation
  3. 8.3Facility and equipment requirements
  4. 8.4Exposure profiles and stopping criteria
  5. 8.5Physiological monitoring plan
  6. 8.6Risk analysis and emergency procedures
  7. 8.7Evaluation of results and metrics
  8. 8.8Budget and implementation plan
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is LabChart (ADInstruments), MATLAB, Python (pandas, SciPy), advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for hypobaric chambers, normobaric hypoxia rooms and exercise tests in simulated altitude. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Defining objectives and population

Describe the respiratory and cardiovascular physiology at altitude.

Selecting the type of simulation

Recognise the acute effects of hypoxia and its warning signs.

Facility and equipment requirements

Explain the mechanisms of acclimatisation and adaptation to altitude.

Exposure profiles and stopping criteria

Compare the operation of hypobaric chambers and normobaric hypoxia systems.

Physiological monitoring plan

Select instruments for monitoring oxygen saturation and respiratory gases.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Environmental simulation systems engineerAltitude exercise physiologistHypobaric chamber technicianAerospace medicine specialistSports performance laboratory managerOxygen therapy equipment engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

Work is carried out with LabChart (ADInstruments), MATLAB, Python (pandas, SciPy) and advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when enrolling.

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