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Department of Biology

The Department of Biology offers a wide range of academic courses and programs tailored to meet the needs and interests of all cadets pursuing a degree in biology.

BIOLOGY MAJOR

Cadets majoring in biology must take:

-- 147 total semester hours
-- 91 semester hours of core academic classes
-- Six semester hours of foreign language
-- Five semester hours of physical education
-- 27 semester hours of core biology (zoology, botany, microbial diversity, genetics, cell biology, ecology, human physilogy and senior seminar)
-- 18 semester hours from biology, chemistry and other academic departments

CAREERS IN BIOLOGY

While most cadets who graduate with biology degrees go into Air Force careers that are not directly related, the Air Force offers several career opportunities in biology for competitive graduates. For more information on each of the specialties listed below, contact the Health Professions Office at 719-333-4886.

Medicine - The Air Force Academy sends about 15 cadets to medical schools across the country each year. The Biology Department's Health Professions Office can help cadets prepare for the Medical College Admission Test. For more information, visit the Healthcare Careers web page at AirForce.com.

Dentistry - Application to dental schools follow similar requirements and obligations as required for medical school. Contact the Health Professions Office for more information.

Nursing - The Academy sends a small number of graduates to the Vanderbilt School of Nursing each year to complete a master's program in nursing.

Physical Therapy - Physical therapists evaluate, treat and prevent orthopedic, cardiopulmonary and neurological disorders. The Academy sends a small number of graduates per year to the Army Baylor Program, where they receive a Doctorate in Physical Therapy after 2½ years of study.

Healthcare Executive - These individuals in the Medical Service Corps work to ensure the optimal use of medical resources. Their primary functional areas at hospitals and clinics include medical logistics, readiness, health plan management, patient administration and medical resource management. The Academy sends a small number of graduates per year to an 11-week training program at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

Aerospace Physiology - Aerospace physiologists are the Air Force experts on the effects of flight on human physiology. They brief aircrew members at physiological training units, fly with Airmen on a space-available basis and supervise hypobaric chamber units. The Academy sends a small number of graduates each year into this career field, which begins with seven weeks of training at the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks City-Base, Texas.

Bioenvironmental Engineering - Bioenvironmental engineers monitor workplace hazards such as chemical, biological and radiological substances both during peacetime and at deployed locations. They assess and recommend improvements to wing and unit commanders to protect unit personnel. Training begins with a 15-week course of study at the School of Aerospace Medicine.

Scientist - Air Force scientists focus on the research needed to develop and evaluate Air Force weapon systems, force structure, doctrine and resources. Officers in this field conduct and manage research, develop new concepts, methods and techniques to solve current challenges, recommend research and development projects and manage scientific programs.
Cadets can enter this field directly after graduation and may specialize in either chemistry and biology or behavioral science and human factors.