ATS Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences program is open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors and is offered during both the A.M. and the P.M.

Biomedical II is only offered during the PM.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the leading provider of rigorous and innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education curricular programs used in schools. PLTW exists to prepare students for the global economy through its world-class curriculum. PLTW’s comprehensive curriculum has been collaboratively designed to promote critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving skills in students. The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they typically do not pursue, and provides them with a foundation and proven path to college and career success.

The Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program is a sequence of courses which follows proven hands-on, real-world problem-solving approach to learning. Students explore the concepts of human medicine and are introduced to bioinformatics, including mapping and analyzing DNA. Through activities, like dissecting a heart, students examine the processes, structures and interactions of the human body — often playing the role of biomedical professionals to solve mysteries. Think CSI meets ER. They also explore the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease working collaboratively to investigate and design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century such as fighting cancer with nanotechnology.

Throughout the Biomedical Sciences program, students acquire strong teamwork and communication practices, and develop organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. Along the way students investigate a variety of careers in biomedical sciences.

Biomedical Sciences courses complement traditional science courses. The program is designed to prepare students to pursue a post-secondary education and careers in the biomedical sciences.

Current Year One Courses:

Principles of the Biomedical Sciences (PBS)

• Students investigate various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases. They determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person, and investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, medicine, and research processes. This course provides an overview of all the courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and lay the scientific foundation for subsequent courses.
• Students who earn an A or B in this course are eligible to apply for three (3) credit hours of transferrable dual-credit through Missouri Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri.    

Human Body Systems (HBS)

• Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. 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 interesting real world cases and often play the roles of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries.
• Students who earn an A or B in this course are eligible to apply for three (3) credit hours of transferrable dual-credit through Missouri Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri.

The student must be enrolled as a junior or senior in high school. Students enrolling in this program should also be enrolled in appropriate college-prep science and math courses at their home high schools. The ideal student for this program is a motivated, college-bound individual who is willing to tackle the challenge of college-level work at an accelerated pace. Students should possess strong communication skills, be able to work independently and be able to work as a member of a team to achieve the course objectives. Students are expected to have a positive attitude and maintain good attendance throughout the school year.

Students enrolled in a Career Education Program are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Instruction will involve both classroom and laboratory experiences with home study required. Students will need regular access to a computer with internet in order to complete assignments — this may be at home, public library, school media center or other public facility.

Recommended High School Courses:

• Biology
• Health
• Chemistry
• College Prep Math Courses
• Proficient Computer Skills (Typing, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Internet Research)

These are not established as pre-requisites. Students that have been successful in any of these courses have historically demonstrated a higher degree of success in this career education program.

Estimated Instructional Materials Requirement:
Students will be responsible for purchasing a lab notebook for each semester, and a lab coat. All Biomedical Sciences students will register as members of HOSA (Future Health Professionals), a student-run organization. Dues are $15.00. Students will also need general supplies such as: three-ring binders, paper, pen, pencils, and a flash drive. Total estimated cost is $70.00.

College Credit Opportunity for PLTW Biomedical Sciences

Students may receive undergraduate credit from the Missouri University of Science and Technology for successfully completing any of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences courses. Students must have taken the PLTW at a certified PLTW school and received an A or B in the class AND earn a 6 or higher on the End of Course Assessment. Credit will be awarded for the first year biology electives in the S&T curriculum listed below. Each course is 3 credits. The fee is $250/course. The college credit is optional and is not a requirements to participate in the program.

Student may choose to apply for college credit at the completion of each course or may wait until graduation. The application from Missouri S&T requires that the high school transcript state the name (or abbreviation) for the course.