Health Professions Magnet Academy

Our Health Professions magnet program is recognized across the state and country. PLTW Biomedical Sciences is a sequence of courses, all aligned with appropriate national learning standards, which follows a proven hands-on, real-world problem-solving approach to learning. Students explore the concepts of human medicine and are introduced to topics such as physiology, genetics, microbiology and public health. Through activities, like dissecting a heart, students examine the processes, structures and interactions of the human body – often playing the role of biomedical professionals. They also explore the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, working collaboratively to investigate and design innovative solutions to the health challenges of the 21st century such as fighting cancer with nanotechnology.

Principles of Biomedical Science - In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems.

Human Body Systems - Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

Medical Interventions- Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through realworld cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

Biomedical Innovation - Senior Project- In the final course of the PLTW Biomedical Science sequence, students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to work on an independent design project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution.

During the students 11th and 12th grade year they will join the Greenville Hospital System Partnership.

Students have opportunities for many enrichment activities. These include speakers and field trips to such places as Greenwood Genetics Lab, Greenville Hospital System, and Sherman College's Gross Anatomy Lab.

Our Health Professions students also participate in HOSA- Future Helath Professions www.hosa.org or www.schosa.org This is a state and international organization promoting community service, leadership, and the opportunity to compete in events such as Medical Terminology, First Aid/CPR, Medical Reading, speaking events, Extemporaneous Health Poster, and Veterinary Science.

Click HERE to visit Miss Driggers Bio Medical page