Web-based Workbook
The Fundamental Space Biology and Astrobionics programs at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Ames Research Center and Universities Space Research Association’s Division of Space Life Sciences are pleased to present the Web-based workbook for the 2003 Summer Short Course: Basic of Biology for Engineers. This course is designed to bring the principles of biology to engineers and is aimed at stimulating useful dialogue between engineers and biologists. Much credit and thanks should be noted for the significant contributions made by the NASA civil servants and contractors who have dedicated their time and effort to the development of this workbook and to serve as instructors for the course.
The complete course workbook materials are posted below in Acrobat .pdf format for online viewing or downloading. NOTE: You must have the Acrobat viewer installed on your computer to view the files.
UNIT 1: Space Biology Overview
1.1 Origin and Evolution of Life
1.2 Gravity and Biology
1.3 Characteristics of an Experiment
1.4 Past Equipment and Experience
1.5 Engineering Challenges in Incorporating Life Sciences Experiments into Flight Hardware
1.6 Plans for Advanced Technology Biological and Biomedical Requirements
UNIT 2: Microbiology
2.1 The Microbe and the Microbial World We Inhabit
2.2 Microbial Mat Ecology
2.3 Lab Exercise
UNIT 3: Cell Biology
3.1 Cell Biology Survey
3.2 Cells and Spaceflight Hardware
3.3 Lab Exercise
UNIT 4: Nematodes and Insects
4.1 D. melanogaster Biology
4.2 C. elegans Biology
4.3 Lab Exercise
UNIT 5: Plant Biology
5.1 Plant Biology: Advanced Life Support
5.2 Plant Biology: Considerations for Hardware Development
5.3 Lab Exercise
UNIT 6: Rodents
6.1 Rat Physiology in Space
6.2 Reproduction & Development in Hypo- and Hypergravity
6.3 Lab Exercise
UNIT 7: SUPPLEMENTS
Unit 1.2 Supplement: “The Impact of Gravity on Life”
Unit 3.2 Supplement: Cells and Spaceflight Hardware
Unit 4.2 Supplement: C. elegans Biology
Unit 6.2 Supplement: Reproduction & Development in Hypo- and Hypergravity
Back to Summer Short Course Home Page
Last updated November 25, 2003