Hoosier Hills Career Center

Health & Human Services

Biomedical Sciences and Technology

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.

Anatomy & Physiology is a course in which students investigate concepts related to Health Science, with emphasis on interdependence of systems and contributions of each system to the maintenance of a healthy body. It introduces students to the cell, which is the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms, and covers tissues, integument, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems as an integrated unit. Through instruction, including laboratory activities, students apply concepts associated with Human Anatomy & Physiology. Students will understand the structure, organization and function of the various components of the healthy body in order to apply this knowledge in all health related fields.

Advanced Fire Fighting expands upon the principles and techniques of firefighting learned in Fire Fighting Fundamentals. Students will study fire protection systems, firefighter safety, and survival. Students will also learn what fire is, the chemical hazards of combustion, and related by-products of fire. Additionally, students will gain a better understanding of fire department organization, administration, operations, and basic strategies and tactic

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.

The Healthcare Specialist Capstone course will facilitate healthcare students’ acquisition of additional knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of healthcare settings beyond a long term care facility including hospitals, doctors’ offices, and clinics. Students can accomplish this goal by completing coursework that will cover topics such as Medical Law and Ethics, Electronic Health Records, and/or Behavioral Health. Schools may offer additional healthcare certifications such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Phlebotomy along with the coursework or in place of the coursework.