A video network course originating from NC State University and available to students at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke. Real-time, interactive class sessions will take place in Peabody Hall on the UNC-CH campus and at a place to be determined on the Duke campus.

Course Description
This course is an overview of the biology of plants, animals and humans as related to gravity and the spaceflight environment. Topics include gravitational biology, spaceflight effects on living systems, aerospace medicine, bioregenerative life support systems, satellite technology for environmental/agricultural assessment, astrobiology, origins of life, search for extraterrestrial intelligence, space program spinoffs and preparation of spaceflight experiments.

Students will become familiar with:
1) experimental approaches in gravitational / space biology;
2) mechanisms for observed spaceflight effects on living systems;
3) current and past research results in gravitational / space biology; and
4) the role that space science plays in society.

This 3-hour credit course, originating from NC State University and available at other university sites, will be given in lecture format by the instructor and guest speakers over the North Carolina Regional Electronic Network system. Some lectures will originate from NASA and Air Force installations from around the country. Grades will be based on performance on examinations, a semester project and class participation.

For information on course content contact the instructor:

Dr. Christopher S. Brown, Director of Space Programs
Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science
Department of Botany,
NC State University, Raleigh NC, 27695
919.513.2457