Mrs. Gould's Course Descriptions

PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
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 histories, 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.  

MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
In PLTW Medical Interventions (MI), 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. This is the first exposure that some will have to the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum, however, it is the third year class in the Biomed Sequence (and so far my favorite!). 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course. This class will closely mimic one you would take in college, meaning frequent lectures, lots of reading and some very involved labs. We will be using Campbell’s Biology, the same book that over 50% of introductory Biology classes in colleges and universities use. You will be provided with all the tools that you will need to qualify for credit at the college level. I expect everyone take the AP test in May at this point. You will need to be highly committed to be successful, that means you will need to start studying immediately and often. The class will be fast paced and challenging. It will be up to you to put in the effort to meet that goal. Do not get behind and seek extra help when needed.