Biomedical (PLTW)

Career & Technical Student Organization:

Instructor Dalton Pierce

PLTW BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PATHWAY-OVERVIEW

The rigorous and relevant four-course PLTW Biomedical Science sequence allows students to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Working with the same equipment and tools used by lab professionals, PLTW Biomedical Science students are empowered to explore and find solutions to some of today’s most pressing medical challenges. Students examine the structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, all while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future; and in the process, learn in-demand, transferable skills like critical thinking and communication. Each course in the Biomedical Science sequence build on the skills and knowledge students gain in the preceding courses. LTCC and LHS offer the three PLTW Biomedical Science foundation courses plus offer the capstone course their senior year allowing students the opportunity to enroll all 4 years of high school.

PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE (PBS) (HC6109)

GRADE 9 (10 with approval) 1 CREDIT

Academy: Health Services

Pathway: Health Science

In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that lead 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, research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems. It is expected that all incoming freshmen in the PLTW Biomedical Program participate in HOSA: Future Health Professionals. HOSA stands for Health Occupation Students of America and is the Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for the Biomedical program. The mission of HOSA is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience. The cost to be a member of HOSA is $20.

HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS (HBS) (HC6108)

GRADE 10, 11 1 CREDIT

Academy: Health Services

Pathway: Health Science

Prerequisite: Passing grade in PBS (Principles of Biomedical Science)

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

*MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS (MI) (HC6107)

GRADE 11, 12 1 CREDIT

Academy: Health Services

Pathway: Health Science

Prerequisite: Passing grade in HBS (Human Body Systems) and PBS (Principles of Biomedical Science)

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 of human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options, and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

BIOMEDICAL INNOVATIONS (HC6106)

GRADE 11, 12 1 CREDIT

Academy: Health Services

Pathway: Health Science

Prerequisite: Completion of Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PBS), Human Body Systems (HBS) and Medical Interventions (MI) or completion of PBS and HBS and concurrent enrollment in MI.

In this capstone course, students apply their knowledge and skills to answer questions or solve problems related to the biomedical sciences. Students design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century as they work through progressively challenging open-ended problems, addressing topics such as clinical medicine, physiology, biomedical engineering, and public health. They have the opportunity to work on an independent project and may work with a mentor or advisor from a university, hospital, physician’s office, or industry. Throughout the course, students are expected to present their work to an adult audience that may include representatives from the local business and healthcare community.

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