“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” ― Marie Curie

Empower Tomorrow's Biomedical Science Professionals Today

Whether discovering new cancer treatments or teaching healthy lifestyle choices to their communities, today’s biomedical science professionals are tackling big challenges to make the world a better place.  

PLTW Biomedical Science students are taking on these same real-world challenges – and they’re doing it before they even graduate from high school. Working with the same tools used by professionals in hospitals and labs, students engage in compelling, hands-on activities and work together to find solutions to problems. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

The Biomedical Pathway

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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. 

Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS)

A-G Lab Science (D) Course
​Honors Credit
Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. 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. 

Human Body
​Systems
​(HBS)

A-G Lab Science (D) Course
​​Honors Credit
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.

Medical Intervention
​(MI)

A-G Lab Science (D) Course
​​Honors Credit
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 project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution. 

Biomedical Innovation
​(BI)

A-G Lab Science (D) Course
​​Honors Credit

Biomedical Pathway Flowchart

  • Students encouraged to supplement pathway with either ROP paths or AP/IB Path.  
  • Physics is highly recommended for top Bio/PreMed students [4-year university candidates]
  • HOSA - club PLTW Biomed students are encouraged to join! See Ms. McCaw.
  • 4 PLTW courses are taken in order and students must meet course and grade requirements to advance to the next class.  Pathway teachers may remove students from the pathway if they are not meeting these expectations.

What's Your Path?
​Sample Schedules for the College & Career Ready Candidate

A-G Complete, Emphasis in Science, Minimum GPA (2.5) ~ 4-Year College, Trade School or Entry level job in Biomedical Industry
A-G Complete, Select AP Courses, Emphasis in Science, Minimum GPA (3.0) ~ 4-Year College/University, Trade School or Entry level job in Biomedical Industry
A-G Complete, Several AP Courses, Emphasis in Science, Minimum GPA (3.5) ~ Top 4-Year College/University, Trade School or Entry level job or selective Internship in Biomedical Industry
These schedules are only samples and are by no means the "best" or "only" path to success. Every student is different and graduation requirements may change from one graduating class to another.  When considering enrollment in classes please consult with your alpha counselor and our PLTW counselor as well as you teachers who can offer valuable advice.  Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Meet Our Team

 “TELL ME AND I FORGET. TEACH ME AND I REMEMBER. INVOLVE ME AND I LEARN.” –BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Claire Stubendorff

​Principles of Biomedical Science
​Biomedical Innovations

Email Me!
cstubendorff@erusd.org

Cecilio Alonso

Human Body Systems
Medical Interventions

Email Me!
calonso@erusd.org

Natalie Macias

Counselor
​(A-Ca) & PLTW

Email Me!
nmmacias@erusd.org