In this course, the third course in the Biomedical Science pathway, students will follow the life of a fictional family as they investigate the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Students will study real-world cases as well as interventions and careers related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.
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Unit
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Timeframe
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Big Ideas (Statements or Essential Questions)
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Major Learning Experiences from Unit
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Unit 1 -
How to Fight Infection
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September - November (~10 weeks)
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What are medical interventions?
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How has advanced technology, such as bioinformatics, changed disease detection?
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Why can bacterial cells transfer genes from one bacterial cell to another and why is this important?
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What actions are humans taking that are contributing to bacteria becoming resistant to commonly used antibiotics?
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What are the bioethical concerns related to the use of cochlear implant technology?
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How has vaccination impacted disease trends locally and globally?
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Why are plasmids important tools in genetic engineering?
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- DNA sequencing
- Contact tracing
- ELISA testing
- Serial dilutions
- Antibiotic therapy
- Antibiotic resistance
- Anatomy of hearing
- Hearing loss
- Vaccinations
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Unit 2 -
How to Screen What Is In Your Genes
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November - December
(~7 weeks)
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How do genetic counselors assist patients with decisions related to reproduction or personal disease risk?
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What is the relationship between phenotype and genotype?
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What medical interventions and lifestyle modifications can help a pregnant woman have a healthy pregnancy?
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What are the ethical implications of genetic testing?
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How can genetic diseases be cured if scientists replace faulty genes?
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How might gene therapy open the door to genetic enhancement?
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What are some of the ethical dilemmas surrounding current and future reproductive technology?
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- Gene therapy
- Genetic counseling
- PCR
- Gel electrophoresis
- Maternal and child health
- Reproductive technology
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Unit 3 -
How to Conquer Cancer
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January - March
(~8 weeks)
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How does the development of cancer relate to the cell cycle?
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What information can gene expression patterns tell scientists?
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How can behavioral, biological, environmental, and genetic risk factors increase or decrease the chance that a person will develop cancer?
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How can molecular tests be used to detect inherited genetic mutations associated with certain cancers?
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How do medical professionals design the most appropriate treatment plan for a cancer patient?
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How do advances in technology allow for the development of artificial limbs that look and move like actual human limbs?
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How do physical and occupational therapists help patients with disabilities or patients recovering from surgery or injury?
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How are clinical trials set up to ensure all data collected is valid and that all human subjects are treated ethically?
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- Risks of cancer
- Diagnostic imaging
- Cell division
- DNA microarray
- Pearson correlation coefficient
- Breast cancer
- Cancer screenings
- Cancer treatments
- Prosthetics
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Medicine
- Clinical trials
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Unit 4 -
How to Prevail When Organs Fail
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April - June
(~6 weeks)
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How can genetic engineering be used to produce proteins such as insulin?
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How is it decided who should receive a donated organ?
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What are the factors that determine whether a donor and a recipient are a compatible match?
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What are the pros and cons of minimally invasive surgery over traditional open procedures?
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What determines whether an organ or tissue in the body can be replaced?
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How can technology help remodel or enhance the human body?
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What role do medical interventions play in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease?
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- Protein electrophoresis
- Bioengineering
- Organ failure
- Transplantations
- Suturing
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