Project Lead the Way Program

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY PROGRAM

(SE) Indicates a course that counts as a Science Credit

PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE - 3440/3441 (Two Terms)

Biology required (concurrent enrollment accepted)

Grades 9, 10, 11

Course Description: 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 –3442/3443 (Two Terms)

Prerequisites: Principals of Biomedical Science

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: This is the second of four courses in the Biomedical Sciences Academy. Students design experiments, investigate the structures and functions of the human body, and use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal manikin, work through engaging real-world cases and play the roles of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. This course does not count toward the science graduation requirement.

MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS (SE) - 3444/3445(Two Terms)

Prerequisites: Human Body Systems

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: Students will investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family. A “How-To” manual for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body, the course will explore how to prevent and fight infection, how to screen and evaluate the code in our DNA, how to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, and how to prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Students will be exposed to the wide range of interventions related to Immunology, Surgery, Genetics, Pharmacology, Medical Devices, and Diagnostics. Lifestyle choices and preventive measures are emphasized throughout the course as well as the important role scientific thinking and engineering design play in the development of interventions of the future.

Prerequisites: Medical Interventions

Grades 11, 12

Course Description: 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 21^st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to work on and independent project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution.