Health & Biological Sciences

Program Overview:  

Program Of Study Sheet

The Biomedical Sciences Program is based on the National Standards for Science, Mathematics, and English Language Arts, and the Accountability Criteria for National Health Care Cluster Foundation Standards.  The program consists of a sequence of four courses: Principles of the Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovation.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of students pursuing careers in the biomedical sciences, including healthcare.  Students who complete the program are prepared for employment and further education at two- and four- year college levels.  Stevenson University, the Maryland PLTW Biomedical Sciences Affiliate University, will offer  four (4) transcripted credits for its first semester majors biology course (BIO 113).   The credit will be offered for those students who complete the entire PLTW biomed sequence of courses and score at least 80% on each end-of-course assessment.

At the conclusion of the program students will be able to:

• Discuss the education requirements and job responsibilities of multiple careers in the Biomedical Sciences including biotechnology, bioengineering, and healthcare.
• Conduct research using valid sources from the Internet or Library.
• Design and conduct well-controlled scientific experiments.
• Analyze and effectively present data from experiments.
• Write lab reports, research summaries, and modify grant proposals.
• Present information effectively in writing, orally, and using multimedia.
• Work as a member of a team.
• Explain how the human body is a system, consisting of the interconnections of multiple smaller systems including cardiovascular, muscular-skeletal, nervous, digestive, endocrine, immune, and reproductive.
• Explain how DNA codes for proteins and how proteins are produced.
• Build models of multiple types of biological macromolecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and explain their functions in the body.
• Analyze the relationship between food and energy.
• Discuss how feedback mechanisms and multiple communication methods are used by the cells of the human body.
• Explain why different treatment options or medical interventions are necessary for different types of diseases or medical conditions.
• Describe a variety of medical interventions that prolong life including procedures for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases or medical conditions.
• Discuss how societal attitudes affect the development and use of medical interventions.

Program Overview: 

Program Of Study Sheet

The Academy of Health Professions uses project and problem-based learning, clinical experiences, and classroom lab instruction to teach students about the field of healthcare. Students are introduced to healthcare knowledge and skills through two foundation courses: Foundations of Medicine and Health Science and Structure and Functions of the Human Body. Opportunities for students to apply what they are learning to real-life healthcare situations are offered in the specialized healthcare course and the capstone scientific research course. Students have the opportunity to earn state and/or nationally recognized certifications, and/or college credit through articulation or dual enrollment agreements with local colleges and universities.

Within the course sequence of the Academy of Health Professions students will:

• Explain the systems of the human body, their structure and function, and their interdependence on each other.
• Describe the effect of external forces upon human body systems;
• Demonstrate the scientific process, healthcare related problem-solving skills and the application of healthcare technologies;
• Use concepts of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to solve healthcare related problems;
• Apply science concepts in the assessment and delivery of medical and healthcare services;
• Demonstrate the scientific process and use problem-solving skills in medical and healthcare settings;
• Evaluate the impact of enhanced technology on the healthcare delivery system;
• Make informed decisions based on critical thinking and problem solving skills;
• Demonstrate effective communication skills through reading, writing, listening and speaking;
• Identify career areas of interest within healthcare and make informed decisions about career options, educational requirements and career preparation;
• Describe systems theory and its components;
• Perform mathematical calculations related the healthcare industry;
• Demonstrate appropriate professional behaviors required of the healthcare professional;
• Present information visually, verbally and in written form to peer and professional audiences utilizing a variety of methods

In order to prepare graduates for employment and further education, students in the AoHP program are expect to enroll in college preparatory core academic courses during each year of high school and are required to take the appropriate allied health certification and/or credentialing examinations consistent with their program of study. The CTE Director will complete and obtain the necessary signatures on articulation agreement(s) as required.