Level 1 Courses:

PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE 

Grade: 9-10 Credit: 1 Course #1665

Corequisite or Prerequisite: Biology 

In the introductory course in the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine the 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.

PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH SCIENCE

Grade: 9-10 Credit: 1 Course #1544 

Prerequisite: None.

The Principles of Health Science course is designed to provide an overview of the therapeutic, diagnostic, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development systems of the healthcare industry.

PRINCIPLES OF EXERCISE SCIENCE AND WELLNESS

Grade: 9-10 Credit: 1 Course #3015

Prerequisite: None

Students in this course will understand diet and exercise, as well as techniques to help patients recover from injury, illness, and disease. They will also learn about introductory health science topics such as employability skills, lifespan development, and ethical and legal standards. Students who take this course are ideally interested in such careers as physical therapy, athletic training, nutrition, personal training, and recreational therapy. 

Level 2 Courses:

HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS

Grade: 10-12 Credit: 1 Course #1667 

Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Science & Biology

Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. 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.

KINESIOLOGY I  

Grade: 10–12 Credit: 1 Course #1579

Recommended Prerequisite: Principles of Exercise Science and Wellness

Students will gain an understanding of body mechanics, physiological functions of muscles and movements, the history of kinesiology, and the psychological impact of sports and athletic performance. Students will also explore careers within the kinesiology field and be able to explain the societal demand for kinesiology-related jobs. Students will develop a foundation in Kinesiology I that will prepare them for upper-level courses that will dive deeper into the anatomical and physiological functions of the body and provide opportunities for an industry-certified exam such as a certified personal trainer. 

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Grade: 9–10 Credit: 1 Course #1543

Prerequisite: None. 

The Medical Terminology course is designed to introduce students to the structure of medical terms, including prefixes, suffixes, word roots, singular and plural forms, and medical abbreviations. The course allows students to achieve comprehension of medical vocabulary appropriate to medical procedures, human anatomy and physiology, and pathophysiology.

LIFETIME NUTRITION AND WELLNESS

Grade: 9-12 Credit: .5 Course #1851

Prerequisite: None

Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness stresses the importance of healthful eating, mindfulness and physical activity.  This class will explore how decisions affect wellness at the various stages of the life cycle.  The curriculum will be based on three keystone pillars being movement, nourishment and mindfulness.  Students will learn the physiology of how movement positively affects the health of every major body system.  Students will explore food, how it relates to the human body, diseases, growing, cooking and preparing. The study of the physiology of stress and how stress, anxiety and depression affects the health of the entire body as well as relationships with others.

Level 3 Courses:

MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS  (HONORS) 

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1669 

Prerequisite: Human Body Systems.

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; 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.

HEALTH SCIENCE THEORY

Grade: 10–12 Credit: 1 Course #1545

Prerequisites:  Biology

Recommended Prerequisite Principles of Health Science or Medical Terminology

The Health Science Theory course is designed to provide for the development of advanced knowledge and skills related to a wide variety of health careers. Students will employ hands-on experiences for continued knowledge and skill development.

KINESIOLOGY II

Grade: 11–12 Credit: 1 Course #1580

Prerequisite: Kinesiology I

The Kinesiology II course is designed to provide students an advanced level of knowledge, skills, and understanding of body composition and the effect on health, nutritional needs of physically active individuals, qualitative biomechanics, application of therapeutic modalities, appropriate rehabilitation services, and aerobic training intensity programs. The course is designed to allow students to advance their understanding of professional standards, employability skills, and ethical and legal standards. Throughout this course, students explore the healthcare/exercise business model and gain an understanding of therapeutic sports psychology. Students develop proper aerobic fitness programs and rehabilitation programs. Kinesiology II prepares students for an industry certification exam such as Certified Personal Trainer. 

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (HONORS)

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1314 

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Chemistry 

This course is designed to be an advanced study of the human body for students with an interest in pursuing a career in a health-related field. Topics include anatomical structures, physiological systems, and body functions. Students will apply the principles of physiology to human health and evaluate the applications and career implications of physiology and anatomy principles. Several field trips are offered. 

Level 4 Courses:

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (HONORS)

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1325  

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry. Recommended concurrent enrollment in Anatomy and Physiology.

The Pathophysiology course provides an in-depth study of human pathological processes, with an emphasis on the interrelationships among organ systems during disease. Topics include the causes and origins of disease, physical signs and symptoms, prognosis, and complications of common diseases and their management.

PRACTICUM IN HEALTH SCIENCE HONORS - Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Certified Medial Assistant (CCMA)

Grade:12 Credit: 2 Course #1546

Prerequisites: Health Science Theory, and Biology. 

The Practicum in Health Science course is designed to give students practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experience. NOTE: This course requires a fee. This course is limited to 20 students due to clinical placements. Please see the teacher for more details if you would like to register for this class. NOTE: This course is double blocked. 

SCIENCE RESEARCH AND DESIGN (S.T.E.M.) HONORS

Grade: 10-12        Credit:1             Course #1342

Prerequisite: Biology Pre-AP

This course combines open inquiry research, whether you are interested in Biology, coding, or psychology, etc. In this unique course, you will learn how to research and design investigations while participating in the district science fair with the ability to move on to the Austin Energy Science Festival and the Texas Science and Engineering Fair.  *Some upper-level math involved.

PRACTICUM IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP HONORS

Grade: 12 Credits: 2 Course #1632

Prerequisite: Successful completion of  two or more credits, including the completion of one or more advanced (Level 3 or 4) , in CTE courses that are part of a coherent sequence of courses in the selected CTE Program of Study.

In addition to developing advanced technical knowledge and skills needed for success in the Health Science Career Cluster, students will be expected to develop an advanced technical understanding of the business aspects of the chosen program of study. Instruction may be delivered through lab-based classroom experiences or career preparation opportunities. NOTE: This course is double blocked.   Please review the LTHS Practicum and Career Prep Handbook  before selecting a practicum or career prep course.

CAREER PREPARATION I 

Grade: 11–12 Credit: 2 Course #1626 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of two or more credits in CTE courses that are part of a coherent sequence of courses in the same CTE Program of Study.

Career Preparation I provides opportunities for students to participate in a work-based learning experience that combines classroom instruction with business and industry employment experiences. The goal is to prepare students with a variety of skills for a changing workplace. Career preparation is relevant and rigorous, supports student attainment of academic standards, and effectively prepares students for college and career success. NOTE: This course is double blocked, 1 class period, 1 work off campus period.  Please review the LTHS Practicum and Career Prep Handbook  before selecting a practicum or career prep course.