Hoosier Hills Career Center

Health & Human Services

Biomedical Sciences and Technology

Principles

Principles of Biomedical Sciences provides an introduction to this field through “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, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases. A theme through the course is determining 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 included in the curriculum are: homeostasis, metabolism, inheritance of traits, feedback systems, and defense against disease. Engineering principles such as the design process, feedback loops, fluid dynamics, and the relationship of structure to function will be included where appropriate. The course is designed to provide an overview of all courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and to lay the scientific foundation necessary for student success in the subsequent courses. NOTE: This course aligns with the PLTW Principles of Biomedical Sciences curriculum. Use of the PLTW Curriculum may require additional training and membership in the PLTW network.

Human Body Systems is a course designed to engage students in the study of basic human physiology and the care and maintenance required to support the complex systems. Using a focus on human health, students will employ a variety of monitors to examine body systems (respiratory, circulatory, and nervous) at rest and under stress, and observe the interactions between the various body systems. Students will use appropriate software to design and build systems to monitor body functions. NOTE: This course aligns with the PLTW Human Body Systems curriculum. Use of the PLTW Curriculum may require additional training and membership in the PLTW network.

Medical Interventions is a course that studies medical practices, including interventions, to support humans in treating disease and maintaining health. Using a project-based learning approach, students will investigate various medical interventions that extend and improve quality of life, including gene therapy, pharmacology, surgery, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and supportive care. Students will also study the design and development of various interventions. Lessons will cover the history of organ transplants and gene therapy with additional readings from current scientific literature addressing cutting edge developments. NOTE: This course aligns with the PLTW Medical Interventions curriculum. Use of the PLTW Curriculum may require additional training and membership in the PLTW network.

Biomedical Innovations is a capstone course designed to give students the opportunity to 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. Students have the opportunity to work on an independent project and may work with a mentor or advisor from a healthcare or postsecondary 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. NOTE: This course aligns with the PLTW Biomedical Innovations curriculum. Use of the PLTW Curriculum may require additional training and membership in the PLTW network.