The Academy for Bioscience

Bioscience Course Descriptions

Click here for a sample Bioscience Course Roadmap (Gr 9-12)

Note: All students seeking to successfully complete this program must also pass either Biology or AP Biology

Introduction to Biotechnology

(CTE Level 1)

(1326) 1 credit

Full Year 🔬 🧬 🌐 Sample Syllabus

This introductory level course (the first level in the Bioscience CTE program) is a prerequisite to other courses in the Bioscience program. Students will explore the history of biotechnology, careers in biotechnology, skills needed for careers in biotechnology, laboratory safety, and products and applications of biotechnology. Students will set up and maintain a scientific notebook, learn how to select for and use equipment for measuring mass and volume, learn to prepare solutions and dilutions, use microscopes and more - while learning the foundational concepts in biology to support entry into this pathway. All students will have the opportunity to earn an OSHA-10 lifetime certificate.

Requirement: Open to students in grades 9 and 10 only

Recommendation: Successful completion of this year's science course and teacher recommendation.

Issues in Biotechnology

(CTE Level 2)

(1327) 1 credit

Full Year 🔬 🧬 🌐 Sample Syllabus

This course (the second level in the Bioscience CTE program) is focused on the various applications of DNA, genetics, biotechnology and essentially “how life works.” The course discusses medical applications that include the use of stem cells, gene therapy and xenotransplantation (transplanting animal organs into humans). It also addresses agricultural, forensic, marine, and pharmaceutical uses of biotechnology: and, discusses the ethical and social implications of biotechnology. This class would be largely based on class discussions around the ethics and importance of biotechnically and how scientists “work” with life. CMB 190 Issues in Biotechnology at University of Rhode Island is approved as a concurrent course option. Students will have the opportunity to earn 3 URI general science credits for no charge.

Requirement: Open to students in grades 10-12

Recommendation: Successful completion of Introduction to Biotechnology (with concurrent enrollment in Biology) or Biology and teacher recommendation.

Biotechnology Capstone

(CTE Level 3)

(1328) 1 credit

Full Year 🔬 🧬 🌐 🎓 Sample Syllabus

This course (the final course in the Bioscience CTE program) is focused on the refinement of laboratory skills and knowledge needed to obtain the NOCTI Workforce Ready Biotechnology Certificate (4075). Additionally, this course will include opportunities for work based learning. This course and its assessments (both content and skill) have been carefully crafted to include topics such as FDA regulations, current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), SOP writing, sterile gowning and aseptic techniques for media preparation and tissue culture, and the use of thermal cyclers and gel electrophoresis equipment. All students will have the opportunity to earn a NOCTI Workforce Ready credential for no charge. (Optional: 3 college credits are available from Excelsior College).

Requirement: Open to students in grade 12 only

Recommendation: To complete CTE program requirements - must have successfully completed: Introduction to Biotechnology, Issues in Biotechnology, and Biology/AP Biology. If taken as an elective, successful completion of Biology/AP Biology and teacher recommendation.