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Basic Sciences Division

Biology

Cadet working in biology lab

Study different facets of biology within our molecular biology lab, life sciences research center, aerospace physiology lab, genetics lab, cadaver lab and greenhouse.

About Us

Are you interested in what makes your body function? Are you fascinated by the vast diversity of living organisms on this planet? Does the idea of decoding a strand of DNA interest you? The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Department of Biology helps cadets pursue these interests through academic instruction, practical laboratory experience and individual research projects.

Our graduates pursue careers in medicine or dentistry or in the Biomedical Sciences Corps, including aerospace physiology, bioenvironmental engineering and physical therapy.

Our department boasts numerous facilities and learning resources, including a molecular biology lab, life sciences research center, aerospace physiology lab, genetics lab, cadaver lab and greenhouse. Extensive undergraduate research opportunities also exist for a variety of sub-disciplines within the department.

Learn about Biology Outreach Programs.

Biology Faculty and Staff

MAJORS & MINORS

Biology (Major)
Biology
(Major)
Basic Sciences (Divisional Major)*
Basic Sciences
(Divisional Major)*

*Restrictions Apply

Department News News From Around The Department

July 22, 2026

Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training builds readiness

Basic cadets from the Class of 2030 participate in Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 16, 2026. The training prepares cadets to protect personnel, secure installations and operate in deployed environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - At the U.S. Air Force Academy, basic cadets learn expeditionary skills that prepare them to protect personnel, secure installations and operate in tactical environments. Conducted during Basic Cadet Training at Jacks Valley, Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training develops teamwork, readiness and defensive...

Continue Reading Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training builds readiness

Basic cadets from the Class of 2030 participate in Foundational Expeditionary Skills Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 16, 2026. The training prepares cadets to protect personnel, secure installations and operate in deployed environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
November 6, 2024

Cadets tackle German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge events

Cadet 1st Class Leo Sterns Rentas, right, observes an Air National Guard Airman accomplish nuclear, biological and chemical training at the U.S. Air Force Academy Oct. 25, 2024. Cadets joined Air National Guard Airmen and U.S. Soldiers from Fort Carson, Colorado, in the German Armed Forces Proficiency Program events Oct. 25 and 28-29. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadets assisted Air National Guard Airmen and U.S. Army Soldiers during German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge events held at the U.S. Air Force Academy and...

Continue Reading Cadets tackle German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge events

Cadet 1st Class Leo Sterns Rentas, right, observes an Air National Guard Airman accomplish nuclear, biological and chemical training at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
October 15, 2024

All-female skydiving teams excel in competition, leadership

Air Force Halo skydiving team member Cadet 1st Class Abby Halasi-Kun lands at Davis Airfield during training Sept. 28, 2024. Halo is one of two all-female skydiving teams in the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachuting program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – From 11,000 feet, the two Wings of Blue all-female competitive skydiving teams enjoy a breathtaking view of the U.S. Air Force Academy below them. While three of the six team members are aspiring pilots, each parachuting cadet will be...

Continue Reading All-female skydiving teams excel in competition, leadership

Air Force Halo skydiving team member Cadet 1st Class Abby Halasi-Kun lands at Davis Airfield during training.
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Cadet Resources

HQ USAFA/DFB
2355 Faculty Drive, Suite 2P-389
United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
(719) 333-2720 | DSN 333-2720
(719) 333-2420 | DSN 333-2420