PLTW Biomedical Academy Program

 

 3 bio med students standing inside a lab room with safety glasses and aprons holding organ tissue

The rigorous and relevant four-course PLTW Biomedical Science sequence allows students to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Students engage in activities such as investigating the death of a fictional person to learn content in the context of real-world cases. They examine the structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, all while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future.

Foundation Courses

Principles of Biomedical Science

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

Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on MANIKEN® skeletal models; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions, such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

Medical Interventions

Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through cases, students learn about a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

Knowledge in biomedical sciences paves the way for a wide range of careers. A small sample of recent graduates who completed at least one PLTW Biomedical Science™ course reveals the array of opportunities: some students pursued post-secondary studies in microbiology, pharmacy, chemistry, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, or neurobiology; others enrolled in medical or dental school; and others began careers in forensic science or started research projects focused on immunology and cancer.

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