Project Lead The Way (PLTW) - Biomedical Science

Program Video

Principles of Biomedical Sciences (Project Lead the Way) 

Grade- 11, Year 1

This course provides an introduction to the biomedical sciences through exciting “hands-on” projects and problems. Student work involves the study of human medicine, research processes, and an introduction to bioinformatics. Students investigate the human body systems and various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious disease. A theme through the course is to determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person. After determining the factors responsible for the death, the students investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments 

that might have prolonged the person’s life. Key biological concepts including: homeostasis, metabolism, inheritance of traits, feedback systems, and defense against disease are embedded in the curriculum. Engineering principles including: the design process, feedback loops, and the relationship of structure to function are incorporated in the curriculum where appropriate. The course is designed to provide an overview of all the courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and to lay the scientific foundation necessary for student success in the subsequent courses. 

Human Body Systems (Project Lead the Way) 

Grade:11, Year 1

Students will engage in the study of the processes, structures, and interactions of the human body systems. Important concepts in the course include: communication, transport of substances, locomotion, metabolic processes, defense, and protection. The central theme is how the body systems work together to maintain homeostasis and good health. The systems will be studied as “parts of a whole,” working together to keep the amazing human machine functioning at an optimal level. Students will design experiments, investigate the structures and functions of body systems, and use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary actions, and respiratory operation. Students will work through interesting real world cases and often play the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries.

Medical Intervention (Project Lead The Way)- 2024-2025 

Grade: 12, Year 2

Students investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family. These interventions are showcased across the generations of the family and provide a look at the past, present, and future of biomedical science. Prerequisites:  Completion of prior PLTW Biomedical classes PBS and HBS with a 70% or better and HBS End of Course exam scores of 3 or better. $20 fee for lab coat, safety glasses and membership dues.

Biomedical Innovation (Project Lead The Way)- 2024-2025

Grade:12, Year 2

In this capstone course students apply their knowledge and skills to answer questions or to solve problems related to the biomedical sciences. Students will design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century. Prerequisites: Completion of prior PLTW Biomedical classes PBS and HBS with a 70% or better and HBS End of Course exam scores of 3 or better. $20 fee for lab coat, safety glasses and membership dues.

Juniors who take Principles of Biomedical Science and Human Body Systems will qualify to take Medical Interventions and Biomedical Innovation for their senior year.