Bachelor of Science in
Aerospace Physiology
The only undergraduate degree of its kind in the nation blends aerospace and life science to prepare students for new opportunities in biomedicine and space.
Are you fascinated with space? Have you ever considered pursuing a career in medicine? Are you interested in getting a head start in an emerging field? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then studying aerospace physiology might be the perfect fit for you.
The only undergraduate degree of its kind in the nation, Embry-Riddle's Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Physiology blends aerospace with life science and leverages Embry-Riddle’s many strengths to take advantage of emerging opportunities in space and biomedicine.
Physiology for the Future
Due to the absence of gravity, differing atmospheric conditions and potential exposure to dangerous radiation in space, human physiology while there is fascinating but under-researched — until now. Studies in the field of aerospace physiology are innovative, exciting and crucial to the success and safety of humankind when it comes to the future of space exploration and travel.
What You’ll Learn
Students study how extreme environments influence the intricacies of biological systems, including the impacts of microgravity and radiation on the human body. To put it simply: This program focuses on learning about and studying the body’s reaction to extreme environments, like space and the upper atmosphere. Professionals in the field of aerospace physiology have opportunities to work alongside astronauts and engineers while revolutionizing the aerospace industry.
Career Outlook
As space research and exploration continues to advance and thrive, the demand for professionals with experience in aerospace physiology grows as well. From 2021-2031, employment in healthcare fields is predicted to grow at a rate of 13%, much faster than the average rate across all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increase will result in two million new jobs, with 1.9 million openings a year just to meet growth and replacement needs.
On top of this, according to CNBC, the space industry will reach a jaw-dropping $1 trillion dollars in revenue by 2040, leading to both opportunity and salary growth in the industry.
The extensive curriculum in this program prepares students for a variety of opportunities beyond their collegiate career, not only in medical fields but also in research and development to support the aerospace industry’s need for expertise in behavioral neuroscience, stress and fatigue, nutritional biochemistry, pharmacotherapeutics, health and human performance, genomic expression and the human microbiome, among others.
Your Degree, Your Goals
For those students interested in pursuing health sciences, personalized advising tracks have been created to facilitate those applying to medical school, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, optometry, chiropractic medicine, occupational therapy, dentistry and pathologist assistant programs. Our dedicated faculty and staff want to help you find (or design) the perfect track for your own needs to ensure continued success in your educational career and beyond.
The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Physiology degree is housed in the Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology in the College of Arts and Sciences on Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus.
Embry-Riddle graduate and astronaut Nicole Stott runs on a treadmill while on board the International Space Station. (Photo: Nicole Stott)
DETAILS
About Aerospace Physiology at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
Aerospace Physiology is a growing field, creating career opportunities that range from the military and NASA to commercial space and private sector healthcare. Students who graduate from this unique program are perfectly positioned to fill these roles or go on to pursue post-graduate degrees.
The courses, taught by faculty with vast real-world experience in aerospace and physiology, ensure students have the breadth of knowledge they need, thanks to a combination of subjects that include data analysis, human factors and performance, molecular and cellular biology, and aviation.
In addition to the classwork, our groundbreaking partnerships with area hospitals allow Aerospace Physiology students to experience hands-on clinical rotations that will expose them to latest in medical innovations, treatment techniques and cutting-edge research.
General Education Requirements
For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog. These minimum requirements are applicable to all degree programs
General Education List
| Communication Theory and Skills (COM 122, COM 219, COM 221) | 9 | |
| Humanities - Lower level | 3 | |
| Social Sciences - Lower level | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Lower or Upper level * | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Upper level | 3 | |
| Computer Science (CS 118 or CS 223 or EGR 115 or CYB 235) | 3 | |
| Mathematics (MA 210 required) | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences (BIO, CHM or PS from the core list) | 0 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Aerospace Physiology Core Requirements
| BIO 110 | Research Methods I | 1 |
| BIO 111 | Research Symposium | 1 |
| BIO 120 | Foundations of Biology I | 3 |
| BIO 120L | Foundations of Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 121 | Foundations of Biology II | 3 |
| BIO 121L | Foundations of Biology II Lab | 1 |
| BIO 215 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIO 215L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 305 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO 305L | Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 306 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| BIO 306L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 405 | Molecular and Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIO 405L | Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM 110 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 110L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM 111 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM 111L | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| HF 300 | Human Factors I: Principles and Fundamentals | 3 |
| HF 440 | Aerospace Physiology | 3 |
| or AS 357 | Flight Physiology | |
| MA 222 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| PS 113 | Introductory Physics I | 3 |
| PS 113L | Introductory Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 117 | Introductory Physics II | 3 |
| PS 117L | Introductory Physics II Lab | 1 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Students must select one Track
Human Physiology Track
| BIO 450 | Exercise Physiology and Human Performance | 3 |
| Specified Electives in Biology and Chemistry (with labs) | 4 | |
Select at least one of the following courses with lab(s) | ||
BIO 216 | Microbiology | |
BIO 216L | Microbiology Laboratory | |
CHM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | |
CHM 210L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | |
CHM 310 | Biochemistry | |
CHM 310L | Biochemistry Laboratory | |
| Specified Electives in Psychology, Biology, Human Factors, and Other Subject areas | 17-18 | |
*Select four to five courses | ||
BIO 216 | Microbiology | |
BIO 216L | Microbiology Laboratory | |
BIO 299 Special Topics in Biology | ||
BIO 321 | Behavioral Neuroscience I | |
BIO 322 | Behavioral Neuroscience II | |
BIO 335 | Cell Signaling and Disease | |
BIO 399 | Special Topics in Biology | |
BIO 440 | Clinical Rotation | |
BIO 444 | Immunology | |
BIO 499 Special Topics in Biology | ||
CHM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | |
CHM 210L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | |
CHM 211 | Organic Chemistry II | |
CHM 211L | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | |
CHM 310 | Biochemistry | |
CHM 310L | Biochemistry Laboratory | |
ES 315 | Space Environment and Effects | |
HF 312 | Ergonomics and Bioengineering | |
HF 321 | Psychopharmacology | |
HF 326 | Human Performance in Extreme Environments | |
HF 399 Special Topics in Human Factors | ||
HF 499 Special Topics in Human Factors | ||
ME 320 | Fundamentals of Biomechanics | |
ME 442 | Biofluid Mechanics | |
PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology * | |
PSY 310 | Sensation and Perception | |
PSY 320 | Aviation Psychology | |
PSY 335 | Physiological Psychology | |
SF 315 | Environmental Compliance and Safety | |
SF 355 | Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology | |
SP 220 | Life Support Systems | |
| Total | 24-25 | |
Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry Track
| BIO 211 | Research | 1 |
| BIO 216 | Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO 216L | Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 311 | Research | 1 |
| BIO 411 | Research Symposium II | 1 |
| CHM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 210L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM 310 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHM 310L | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| *Specified Electives (select three courses) | 9 | |
BIO 299 Special Topics in Biology | ||
BIO 321 | Behavioral Neuroscience I | |
BIO 322 | Behavioral Neuroscience II | |
BIO 335 | Cell Signaling and Disease | |
BIO 399 | Special Topics in Biology | |
BIO 444 | Immunology | |
BIO 450 | Exercise Physiology and Human Performance | |
BIO 499 Special Topics in Biology | ||
CHM 211 | Organic Chemistry II | |
CHM 211L | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | |
ES 315 | Space Environment and Effects | |
HF 312 | Ergonomics and Bioengineering | |
HF 321 | Psychopharmacology | |
HF 326 | Human Performance in Extreme Environments | |
HF 399 Special Topics in Human Factors | ||
HF 499 Special Topics in Human Factors | ||
ME 320 | Fundamentals of Biomechanics | |
ME 442 | Biofluid Mechanics | |
PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology * | |
PSY 310 | Sensation and Perception | |
PSY 320 | Aviation Psychology | |
PSY 335 | Physiological Psychology | |
SF 315 | Environmental Compliance and Safety | |
SF 355 | Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology | |
SP 220 | Life Support Systems | |
| Total | 24-25 | |
Open Electives
| Open Electives - 100-400 Level | 6 | |
| Open Electives - 300-400 Level | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Total Degree Credits | 121-122 | |
- *
PSY 101 must be taken as a Specified Elective if not completed as a lower level General Education Social Science requirement.
Suggested Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| BIO 110 | Research Methods I | 1 |
| BIO 120 | Foundations of Biology I | 3 |
| BIO 120L | Foundations of Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM 110 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 110L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| MA 111, MA 120 or equivalent | 3 | |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 111 | Research Symposium | 1 |
| BIO 121 | Foundations of Biology II | 3 |
| BIO 121L | Foundations of Biology II Lab | 1 |
| CHM 111 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM 111L | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| Lower Level Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| HU 14X Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 31.0 | |
Suggested Plan of Study - Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry Track
| Year Two | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| BIO 215 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIO 215L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 305 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO 305L | Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 210L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 211 | Research | 1 |
| BIO 216 | Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO 216L | Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 306 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| BIO 306L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM 211 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM 211L | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS 118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | 3 |
or CS 223
|
Scientific Programming in C | |
or EGR 115
|
Introduction to Computing for Engineers | |
or CYB 235
|
Computer and Network Technologies | |
| BIO 405 | Molecular and Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIO 405L | Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 113 | Introductory Physics I | 3 |
| PS 113L | Introductory Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| Open Elective (300-400 level) | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 14.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 311 | Research | 1 |
| HF 300 | Human Factors I: Principles and Fundamentals | 3 |
| MA 222 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| PS 117 | Introductory Physics II | 3 |
| PS 117L | Introductory Physics II Lab | 1 |
| Specified Elective (Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry Track) * | 3 | |
| Open Elective (300-400 level) | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| HU/SS Lower or Upper Level Elective | 3 | |
| Specified Elective Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry Track * | 3 | |
| Specified Elective Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry Track * | 3 | |
| Open Elective (300-400 level) | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 12.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 411 | Research Symposium II | 1 |
| HF 440 | Aerospace Physiology | 3 |
or AS 357
|
Flight Physiology | |
| HU/SS Upper Level Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective (300-400 Level) | 3 | |
| Open Elective (Any Level) | 3 | |
| Open Elective (Any Level) | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 121-122 | |
- *
Specified Electives: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry Track
PSY 101 (if not taken as LL SS Gen Ed), BIO 299, BIO 321, BIO 322, BIO 335, BIO 399, BIO 444, BIO 450, BIO 499, CHM 211 & 211L, ES 315, HF 312, HF 321, HF 326, HF 399, HF 499, ME 320, ME 442, PSY 310, PSY 320, PSY 335, SF 315, SF 355, SP 220
Suggested Plan of Study - Human Physiology Track
| Year Two | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| BIO 215 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIO 215L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO 305 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO 305L | Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| Specified Elective Biology & Chemistry (with lab) ** | 4 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 306 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| BIO 306L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| Specified Elective Human Physiology Track or Biology and Chemistry (with lab) ** | 3-4 | |
| Specified Elective Human Physiology Track *** | 3 | |
| Open Elective (300-400 level) | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0-17.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| Open Elective (300-400 level) | 3 | |
| PS 113 | Introductory Physics I | 3 |
| PS 113L | Introductory Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| CS 118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | 3 |
or CS 223
|
Scientific Programming in C | |
or EGR 115
|
Introduction to Computing for Engineers | |
or CYB 235
|
Computer and Network Technologies | |
| CHM 310 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHM 310L | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Specified Elective Human Physiology Track *** | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 216 | Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO 216L | Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 117 | Introductory Physics II | 3 |
| PS 117L | Introductory Physics II Lab | 1 |
| HF 300 | Human Factors I: Principles and Fundamentals | 3 |
| MA 222 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 14.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIO 405 | Molecular and Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIO 405L | Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| HU/SS Lower or Upper Level Elective | 3 | |
| Specified Elective Human Physiology Track (unless prior 3 are all 4 credits) *** | 0-3 | |
| Open Elective (300-400 level) | 3 | |
| Open Elective (Any Level) | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 13.0-16.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| HF 440 | Aerospace Physiology | 3 |
or AS 357
|
Flight Physiology | |
| Specified Elective Human Physiology Track *** | 3 | |
| HU/SS Upper Level Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective (300-400 level) | 3 | |
| Open Elective (Any Level) | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 121-122 | |
- **
Specified Electives in Biology & Chemistry (with labs): Human Physiology Track
BIO 216 & BIO 216L; CHM 210 & CHM 210L; CHM 310 & CHM 310L
- ***
Specified Electives: Human Physiology Track
PSY 101 (if not taken as LL SS Gen Ed), BIO 299, BIO 321, BIO 322, BIO 335, BIO 399, BIO 444, BIO 499, CHM 211 & 211L, ES 315, HF 312, HF 321, HF 326, HF 399, HF 499, ME 320, ME 442, PSY 310, PSY 320, PSY 335, SF 315, SF 355, SP 220
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