PRINCIPLES of BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

PRINCIPLES BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (PBS)

Quarter Course (1 unit)

Prerequisite: Completed or enrolled in Honors Physical Science/ Honors Algebra 1/Honors Biology

This course provides an introduction to the biomedical sciences through exciting “hands-on” projects and problems. Student work involves the study of human medicine, research processes and an introduction to bioinformatics. Students investigate the human body systems and various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases. A theme through the course is to determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person. After determining the factors responsible for the death, the students investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. Key biological concepts including: homeostasis, metabolism, inheritance of traits, feedback systems, and defense against disease are embedded in the curriculum. Engineering principles including: the design process, feedback loops, fluid dynamics, and the relationship of structure to function are incorporated in the curriculum where appropriate. The course is designed to provide an overview of all the courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and to lay the scientific foundation necessary for student success in the subsequent courses. To be eligible for college credit a student will have to have at least a B average in the course and will also have to obtain the necessary score as determined by the colleges/universities that award credit for the course. College credit will have a cost depending on the college the student decides to use for transfer credit.

There is a $35.00 lab fee (plus $15 if student wants a white lab coat) for this course.

NOTE: Priority will be given to rising freshmen and sophomores.