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PLTW Principles of the Biomedical Sciences (PBS)
Course Syllabus
2013-2014
Mr. Walker
email: [email protected]
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the biomedical sciences through exciting handson projects and problems. Students investigate concepts of biology and medicine as they explore health
conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious
diseases. They will determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional woman as they sequentially piece
together evidence found in her medical history and her autopsy report. Students will investigate lifestyle
choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the woman’s life and demonstrate how the
development of disease is related to changes in human body systems. The activities and projects introduce
students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes and allow students to design
experiments to solve problems. Key biological concepts including maintenance of homeostasis in the body,
metabolism, inheritance of traits, and defense against disease are embedded in the curriculum. This course is
designed to provide an overview of all the courses in the biomedical sciences program and lay the scientific
foundation for subsequent courses.
Lessons and common assessments for this course have been developed collaboratively using best
practice as a guide and Indiana State Standards and National Science Standards as a framework.
Students will be expected to complete evaluations at the end of the midterm and the semester grading
periods. The formative midterm tests are designed primarily to inform instruction, giving the teacher a
measuring stick of the student’s understanding of the essential outcomes of the course content. The
semester final exams are summative in nature and will be worth 20 % of the student’s overall grade.
Essential Outcomes:
Students will:
1. gain in-depth knowledge of numerous biomedical science careers through career journaling.
2. strengthen reading comprehension and writing skills as they preform extensive research and communicate
their understanding of advanced written materials.
3. acquire research, documentation and presentation skills necessary to succeed in subsequent PLTW
biomedical science courses and post-secondary science work.
4. understand key content knowledge related to forensics, human body systems, homeostasis, biochemistry,
genetics, microbiology, and current diagnostic medical techniques.
5. apply, evaluate and synthesize key biomedical science concepts.
Course Content: (Topics Covered, Labs, Activities, Projects)
Course topics:
1. Forensic Science, Crime Scene Observation, Autopsy, and Evidence Analysis
2. DNA Analysis, Structure, Molecular Techniques (PCR, Electrophoresis) and Extraction
3. Structure and function of important biological molecules involved in metabolism (Diabetes/Food Science)
4. Genetics and Inheritance, Genes and Chromosome Structure, Mutations, Sickle Cell Disease
5. Heart Disease, Heart Anatomy and Physiology, Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis, and Interventions,
6. Infectious Disease, Bacterial Classification, Antibiotics, Viruses and Immune System.
7. Function and interrelatedness of the 11 human body systems
8. Post Mortem analysis of Fictional Person
Labs:
sheep heart dissection, Vernier sensor data acquisition for body temperature/time of death, EKG, heart rate,
blood pressure, calorimetry and cellular respiration; microscope labs for bacteria, blood and tissue analysis,
and chromosome spreads; DNA isolation, bioinformatics, gel electrophoresis, Gram stain, antibiotic sensitivity,
and many others
Activities: Many laboratory inquiries, PowerPoint presentations, model building (DNA, carbohydrates, amino
acids, enzymes, triglycerides, hemoglobin, virus), Internet animations & tutorials, cholesterol brochure,
research reports, lab reporting, group work
Projects and Problems: Blood Spatter Analysis, The Insulin Glucose Connection, Food Testing, Diabetic
Emergency, The Future of Diabetes Management and Treatment, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, What is
Cholesterol, The Heart as a Pump, Unblocking the Vessels, Heart Disease Intervention, Lines of Defense, How
do the Parts Make a Whole
Student Evaluation:
Student grades will be figured with the following items
weighted by percentage below.
18 week grade:
Exams
Portfolio – Projects/Self Analysis
Career Journal
Labs/Activities
Quizzes
= 45%
= 20%
= 10%
= 25%
= Formative
C H S Grade
Scale
98.100 A+
94.97 A
91.93 A88.90 B+
84.87 B
81.83 B78.80 C+
74.77 C
71.73 C68.70 D+
64.67 D
60.63 D59 –Below F
Semester Grade Calculation:
18 week grade
Final exam
= 80%
= 20%
Other: The first semester final exam will cover Units 1, 2, and part of 3. The second semester final will
be an online comprehensive end of course assessment. Students need to achieve a stanine score of at
least 6 to qualify for college credit.
Late Work Policy:
Short term deadlines: Work submitted 1 day late will receive a 25% grade deduction and 2 days late will
receive a 50% deduction. No credit will be earned on assignment if it is more than 2 days late. Long term
deadlines (2 weeks or longer or as otherwise noted) = 10% late fee per school day.
Class Expectations: Students must be highly motivated to learn and apply knowledge gained in this course.
Due to the accelerated pace of this dual credit curriculum, students are also expected to work diligently during
class time, pay attention to detail, ask questions when needed and be mindful of group work deadlines.
Students must be willing to be active, independent learners to gain maximum benefit from the PTLW
biomedical science pathway. Additionally, due to the performance-based nature of the curriculum, students are
expected to collaborate effectively when needed or produce original thoughtful pieces of work when required.
Supplies: lab manual and 3-ring binder (tabs=references/work-in-progress/graded work/portfolio), please feel
free to bring your laptop or tablet so long as you stay on task during class. I will remove the privilege of bring
your technology if games or web surfing become a problem.
Moodle: I will provide you a Moodle site to access reference materials and other resources. The enrollment
key to this site is PBS2013.
Mr. Walker’s Lab/Classroom Policies and Procedures
Classroom Policies – These are the basic guidelines I expect everyone to follow:
1.
Treat people with respect. This includes everyone in the classroom.
For example, do not talk when I am teaching unless asked to do so. I will not tolerate the
belittling of another student or teacher.
2.
Bring your materials to class (be prepared) - passes will not be given to acquire materials
(assignments will be considered late) - Students need to be in their seat when the bell
rings - Remain by your seat until bell (no lining up at the door)
3.
Do not ever go into my office or open cabinets or desks without permission
4.
Misbehavior during a laboratory session will result in a ’0’ on that particular
activity. See lab contract for more detailed guidelines.
5.
General Classroom Disruption/Distraction (by offense):
1st = warning (saying your name or somehow getting your attention)
2nd = removal to hallway and/or morning detention may be assigned
3rd = removal to hall and parents will be contacted
4th = a referral to the administration will be issued
6.
Guidelines for passes, dress, tardiness, language (detention), severe misconduct,
Saturday school, and detentions can be found in your handbook
7.
Do not bring non-course related materials to this class or they will be confiscated and
given back at the end of the day. An exception to this rule is the “ER” period.
8.
All cell phones will be confiscated and turned into office
9.
Please put all purses on the floor – they are not to be set on the desks
10. Restroom passes are only given for emergency situations – plan your bathroom breaks for
passing periods, lunch, or another time during the day.
11. Shoes must be worn at all times in a science classroom due to possible chemical or glass
hazards.
12. Laptops or tablets are not allowed in the classroom unless permission is granted
Safety in the Laboratory and Classroom
Introduction: The laboratory is a safe place to experiment if everyone uses caution and
maturity. Therefore, it is imperative that you assume responsibility for the well being of
yourself and your neighbors. Here are some safety rules to help guide you in preventing injury
to yourself and others.
1. Take all lab work very seriously. Disregard of specific safety guidelines and instructions
will not be allowed. Minor infractions will receive a warning before zero credit is given
and you are asked not to participate further.
2. Only perform teacher-authorized experiments.
3. Wear all safety equipment as per instructions.
4. Know locations of all safety equipment.
5. Report any accident, injury, incorrect procedure or broken equipment to your teacher
immediately.
6. No eating or drinking of any substance on lab days.
7. Do not pick up broken glass with your fingers. Use dust pan and brush. Place broken
glass in the broken glass container.
8. Handle chemicals carefully. Double check labels before you use the contents. Dispose
of laboratory materials according to teacher direction.
9. Keep your work area neat, clean, and organized.
10. Wipe down lab station, clean out sink, wash hands, and return materials to appropriate
places before you leave the lab.
11. Breaking any of the above guidelines will result in a warning, a discipline assignment, or
a call home to parents depending on the infraction.
12. Know the fire, tornado, and lockdown procedures for this classroom.
“I understand and agree to follow the above guidelines during laboratory sessions in Mr.
Walker’s course”
Signature = ____________________________ Date = ________
Print Name =___________________________