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Universities Space Research Association’s Division of Space Life Sciences, in cooperation with the Fundamental Space Biology and Astrobionics Programs at NASA Ames Research Center, presented the summer short course: “Basic Biology for Engineers” at The Moffett Training and Conference Center on August 11-16, 2003. Conducting biological research in low Earth orbit places severe constraints on both the scientists designing the experiments and the engineers building the equipment necessary to implement them. In order to insure accurate lab results and optimal equipment performance, scientists and engineers must collaboratively develop solutions to the hardware design and logistical challenges presented by the unique micro-gravity environment. The Basic Biology for Engineers course offered engineers an opportunity to become better acquainted with basic biological concepts and provided them with the tools to communicate more productively with their science-oriented counterparts. This intensive six-day course included lectures and hands-on lab exercises presented by experts in space life sciences and astrobiology. Topics for this course were selected based on their importance and relevance to NASA's priorities for biological research in space as well as the development of relevant spaceflight hardware. These topics included: (1) Prebiotic chemistry and the origin of life; (2) The biology of mainstream research specimens from microbes to mammals; and (3) Special concerns for space flight hardware design and development. Due to the hands-on nature of this course, participation was limited to fourteen individuals who were selected based on their involvement or potential involvement with the building and design of spaceflight hardware for biological experiments. Qualifications for participants: This course was suited for, but not limited to, engineers who are currently working, or may work, with scientists in the development and operation of research equipment onboard the International Space Station or automated un-crewed spacecraft. The course was open to engineers in any field or profession who desired an understanding of fundamental biology. No prior coursework in biology was necessary. Last
updated November 25, 2003 |