Coon Rapids High School - Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering

Biomedical Sciences Pathway

Project Lead the Way's Biomedical Sciences curriculum is a sequence of courses, which follows a proven hands-on, real-world, problem-solving approach to learning. Working with the same equipment and tools as lab professionals, Biomedical Sciences students are empowered to explore and find solutions to some of today's most pressing medical challenges.  Students step into the roles of biomedical science professionals and investigate topics including human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health.  Students work collaboratively in teams to find unique solutions, and in the process, learn in-demand, transferable skills such as critical thinking and communication. 

Program Sequence

4-year Planning Chart

Grade 9 Planning Chart Examples  

Biomedical Sciences with Music, World Language, and HS Intermediate Algebra

Biomedical Sciences with Music, World Language, and HS Geometry
Students would take Physical Education I in grade 10 or 11.  

Biomedical Sciences with Music, World Language, and AVID
Students would take Physical Education I in grade 10 or 11.    

PLTW Honors 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 a skeletal Maniken®; 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.

PLTW Honors 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 real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

PLTW Honors Biomedical Innovation (Capstone)
In the final course of the PLTW Biomedical Science sequence, students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to work on an independent design project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution.

Computer Skills for Biomed and Engineering (taken in 9th grade)
Students will strengthen their word processing, spreadsheet, graphic, and presentation skills while learning Microsoft Office.  Students will also be exposed to computer programming.  This course is hands-on and self-directed. Skills learned in this course will be utilized throughout the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering  program and beyond.

Medical Terminology and Careers (taken in the same school year as PLTW Human Body Systems)
To compliment the PLTW Human Body Systems course, students will take Medical Terminology and Careers to develop medical vocabulary.   Skills learned in this course will be valuable for life!  Students can earn articulated college credit through this course!  

Honors English 10 Biomed and Engineering (taken in 10th grade)
Honors English with a Biomed and Engineering twist!  Students will study rhetorical analysis, interpretation and evaluation of literature and informational texts, and fiction and nonfiction.  Throughout the course, students will also work on their public speaking skills, as well as practice technical writing.  This course will build a connection between rhetoric and medicine and engineering, including medical and engineering text options and technical writing.

Human Performance and Wellness (serves as Physical Education II graduation requirement)
Through the Human Performance and Wellness course, future health professionals will be exposed to the world where athletics meets academics.  Students will research training options after a thorough investigation of various abilities and health histories of participation.  This course utilizes hands on training equipment and body sensors to optimize health and wellness of all citizens.  This course replaces the Phy Ed II requirement.

Optional Related Elective Courses