Biology Major

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BIOLOGY (Bio)
Offered by the Department of Biology.

Biology 210. Foundations of Biology with Laboratory. This course establishes a foundation for further study in the biological sciences. It is required for Biology majors, and recommended for those pursuing advanced courses in biology (e.g., cadets pursuing careers in the Medical, Dental, Nursing, and Biomedical Sciences Corps). Biology 210 serves as a core substitute for Biology 315. The course presents the concepts essential for understanding modern biology. Course content includes: cell biology, metabolism, genetics, biotechnology, and evolution. Discussions address application of the scientific method, ethical issues of modern biology, and the influence of biological factors on Air Force planning and operations. Laboratories reinforce concepts, promote critical thinking, and introduce essential laboratory skills.

Biology 315. Introductory Biology with Lab. An overview of biological systems, their structure and function and the concepts and vocabulary essential to understanding biology today. Cadets learn how biological systems are organized and operate throughout the biological hierarchy. Decision-making based on an understanding of biological systems is applied to Air Force operations, and to the health and fitness of the Air Force officer. Concepts are reinforced through critical thinking exercises, hands-on activities, and laboratory experiences.

Biology 320. Biomechanics. A comparative study of the physical, anatomical, mechanical and physiological basis for motion focused on the human. Joint and muscle physiology will be explored as a basis for functional activities. Physics and mechanical engineering concepts are applied to describe, investigate and compare the ways we initiate and control movement. Students will also learn the effects musculoskeletal injury may have on normal motions.

Biology 330. Zoology. An integrated study of the principles of invertebrate and vertebrate zoology presented with a phylogenetic approach. Examines the behavior, ecology, morphology, physiology, reproductive biology, classification and evolutionary relationships of animals. Functional aspects of respiration, circulation, osmoregulation, excretion, metabolism and thermoregulation are highlighted through comparisons within and among animal groups. Through laboratory exercises students will learn and recognize structural, physiological and evolutionary features of selected animals.

Biology 331. Botany. An integrated study of the biology of plants is presented from molecular to community levels of organization. Course content is organized into five units of study: the plant system, plant anatomy and morphology, plant physiological ecology, plant reproductive biology and plant evolution and classification. Although this course focuses primarily on seed plants, other programs such as fungi, algae and lichens are explored. The study of plants is important because of their relevance to nutrition, drugs, celebration and objects from daily life such as paper products, clothing, furniture and flowers. A botanical perspective enriches an understanding of the natural world. Laboratory and fieldwork is required.

Biology 332. Microbial Diversity. Microscopic organisms are intimately involved in our daily lives, where they produce many familiar foods and medicines, impact health, and play important roles in natural and engineered systems. This course will survey microbial groups that include algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, viroids, prions and selected invertebrates. Each group will be considered in terms of structure, classification, biochemistry, ecology, and economic and medical significance. Relevance to the Air Force mission, such as deployment health issues and biowarfare defense, is reinforced throughout the course. Includes integrated labs and demonstrations.

Biology 345. Aerospace Physiology. This course provides in-depth knowledge as to how human performance relates to the warrior and aircrew members. Specifically, it includes a survey of the physiological stresses associated with the aerospace environment. Topics include: effects of pressure changes with altitude, hyperbaric environments, respiratory and circulatory physiology, hypoxia and hyperventilation, pressurization and aircraft decompression, effect of “G” forces, self-imposed stresses, thermal stresses, human factors, crash dynamics and escape systems, sensory physiology, spatial disorientation, and space physiology. This course is suitable for cadets majoring in any academic discipline, including the divisional majors or other programs.

Biology 360. Cell and Molecular Biology. A comprehensive examination of the cell, the fundamental unit of life. Emphasis is placed on eukaryotic cells, cellular organization and processes and how the cell structure and activity ultimately determine structures and function at the organismal level. Lesson topics include biomolecules, organelles, membrane structure and transport, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, intercellular connections and communication, cell division, fertilization, and development. Fundamental cellular concepts will be illustrated and reinforced through discussion of gamete formation, specialized cells (e.g., muscle and nerve cells) eukaryotic cell evolution, immunology, natural and man-made drugs and toxins (e.g., caffeine, cocaine, spider venoms, nerve gases), and various human pathologies (e.g., cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis).

Biology 363. Genetics. A comprehensive study of the inheritance patterns of individuals and populations, including the mechanisms by which these patterns are expressed and changed. Additional emphasis is placed on current technologies (including genetic engineering), their role in exploring the nature of life and the ethical burden this has placed on society. Laboratory work stresses an understanding of classical and molecular aspects of genetics. Optional field trip.

Biology 370. Human Nutrition. Provide a comprehensive, thoroughly updated account of nutrition principles and their application. This course furnishes students with accurate nutrition information and teaches them how to use a critical-thinking approach in making important daily decisions about their own diet. Course material will focus on the fundamentals of nutrition, such as defining the roles of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals in metabolism; examining eating practices through individual dietary analyses, exploring the importance of nutrition in the prevention of disease; and discussing the interplay of diet options with various body systems for athletic performance, daily fitness and overall health.

Biology 380. Principles of Ecology. A study of the fundamental interrelationships between organisms and their environments, emphasizing energy flow through ecosystems, biogeochemical cycling, population dynamics, and community interactions. Emphasis is placed on how human activities affect the quality of life and the natural world. Case studies include the impact of environmental concerns on regional and global Air Force operations.

Biology 410. Anatomy and Physiology: Sensory and Motor Integration. An introduction to human sensory and locomotory systems via experimentation and dissection of the human cadaver, with dissection emphasized. The course focuses on feedback mechanisms and the integration of organ systems for homeostasis and voluntary control.

Biology 430. Vertebrate Zoology.A study of evolutionary origins, adaptations, characteristics, natural history and classification of major vertebrate groups: Fish, Reptiles, Amphibians, Mammals and Birds.

Biology 431. Microbiology. A study of classical microbiology to include environmental, industrial and medical applications; systematics and classification of bacteria and viruses; structure, function and metabolic pathways of groups of bacteria; microbial ecology of humans; disease processes and defense; microbiology of waste disposal, waste treatment; environmental microbiology and industrial microbiology; biowarfare and bioterrorism.

Biology 440. Anatomy and Physiology: Visceral Systems Integration. An introduction to systems physiology via experimentation and dissection of the human cadaver, with experimentation emphasized. This course focuses on neural and endocrine feedback mechanisms for involuntary control and maintenance of homeostasis.

Biology 459. Principles of Evolution. This course examines the principles, patterns, mechanisms, and processes of biological evolution. The course format will comprise traditional lectures, student-led discussions, guest speakers, practical exercises, video programs, and selected readings. The course will draw on examples from botany, zoology, human anatomy, cell and molecular biology, ecology, and genetics to provide a fuller understanding of evolution in terms of evidence, processes, and outcomes. Through the study of evolutionary biology, students will gain an appreciation of evolution as a unifying theme in biology, and will acquire a more complete understanding of the origins, diversity, interrelationships, geographical distributions, and adaptations of living organisms.

Biology 464. Molecular Biology Methods. A practical study of the methods and techniques used in the modern molecular biology and genetic engineering laboratory. Instructor-assisted laboratory exercises with complementary lectures will focus on bacterial genetics, preparation and analysis of nucleic acids, recombinant DNA construction, bacterial transformation, analysis of cloned gene products, chromatographic separation or biomolecules, and polymerase chain reaction applications. Selected methods used in cancer, immunology, and animal development research will be included.

Biology 480. Biology Capstone Seminar. The Biology Capstone Seminar emphasizes student participation in exploring a variety of current biological issues. Cadets are challenged to develop a deep, reflective understanding of a wide range of biological concepts as they evaluate evidence, analyze issues, clarify assumptions, and consider different perspectives. They communicate clear logical, scientific thinking through reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Biology 481. Applied Ecology. Lecture/lab study. Lecture and laboratories that address ecology and field biology. Lecture includes biotic and abiotic inputs and controls of various ecosystems. Lab exercises introduce survey techniques used in field studies. Emphasis on environmental issues that are of special interest to Air Force personnel. Includes field studies conducted on the Academy grounds.

Biology 486. Principles of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense. This course will cover the historical and contemporary use of CBRN weapons in state-sponsored warfare and terrorism. Mechanisms and biological effects of CBRN agents/weapons will be discussed. Topics covered will include various employment considerations for use of CBRN warfare agents and weapons, from state-sponsored to terrorist use, and will examine methods used for CBRN detection and identification. The current state of the CBRN defense community, including war-fighters, first responders, medical responders, and the intelligence community will also be evaluated.

Biology 495. Special Topics. Selected topics in the biological sciences.

Biology 499. Independent Study. Individual research or tutorial study in the biological sciences under the direction of a faculty member. Emphasis is on using pertinent biological literature and conducting laboratory research.