Biomedical Science Academy

• Students currently can receive up to 2 credits through Colorado State University
• We also partner with CSU studying Anatomical Case Studies using Virtual Reality to get that real in depth experience
• Students will be able to speak to different professionals about their careers to gain valuable insight into different fields.
• Students are encouraged to apply for internships in their field of interest and shadow prospective careers as well.
• Students will have the opportunity to present their Senior Capstone in a community event through Ted-Ed.

In their Biomedical Science courses students will study the following topics:

• Infectious Disease
• Cancer Research
• Career Exploration
• Medical Terminology
• Neurological Disorders
• Anatomy and Physiology (w/Cat Dissection)
• Genetics
• Anatomical Case Studies using Virtual Reality
• Biomedical Engineering
• Research Projects and Presentations (Capstone)

Students explore the roles of biomedical professionals by engaging in real-world cases, working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future.

Developed in partnership with Colorado State University and Tufts Medical University

First Year Course: Intro to Biomedical Foundations through Tufts Medical University

This course integrates modules through the Medical department of Tufts University in Boston, MA that includes units on Infectious Disease, Metabolic Disease, Neurological Disease, Cancer, and Ebola. This course brings up to date science behind health and disease and bridges the gap between biomedical scientists and the high school classroom. Students will learn to diagnose, treat, and prevent all forms of diseases in our world. Throughout this course students complete real world case studies, create projects, and design many forms of disease intervention and technology. Students will also explore career pathways in the biomedical science field. This class will also incorporate various guest speakers and lecturers from Tufts University and the Medical field.

Second Year Course: Anatomy & Physiology

This academically rigorous laboratory science course will build on concepts learned in biology. It will focus specifically on human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis will also be placed on healthcare and veterinary careers. Through lecture, labs, and activities, students will learn how the structures (anatomy) of the human body fit their function (physiology) to maintain homeostasis of the organism and continue the species. All twelve human body systems will be included, as well as the types of tissue and cell chemistry

Third Year Courses:

Medical Terminology through CSU (Semester 1)

This course is a 1-credit course emphasizing definition and use of medical terms. It is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the medical vocabulary necessary for subsequent course work in health-related fields. This course covers the use of word parts, medical terms, word building skills, spelling, abbreviations, and medical records. Students will also review medical articles and evaluate each for all terminology and complete a thorough breakdown of the article.

Anatomical Case Studies using Virtual Reality through CSU (Semester 2)

In this course students will apply prior human gross anatomy knowledge to real medical cases. Students will work with the instructor and mentors (CSU-biomedical science graduate students) to develop a methodical approach to solving novel problems.  Both group and individual medical case studies will provide opportunities to apply their problem-solving approach throughout the semester. Medical cases will focus on relevant anatomy and the structural relationships to provide a differential diagnosis. The course will explore functional correlations of anatomy providing students an opportunity to develop critical thinking and oral presentation skills. Virtual reality (VR) will be utilized to connect FHS students to CSU mentors on a weekly basis. Using VR, students will investigate real medical data in the form of CT and MRI scans. This technology puts FHS students in a common virtual room with mentors every week to interact with and collaborate around real data sets.

Senior Courses:

Introduction to Biomedical Engineering through CSU (Semester 1)

The survey-based, 1-credit course will expose students to how mechanical engineering, chemical/biological engineering, and electrical engineering principles can be applied to current biomedical challenges. The course will also introduce current research efforts at CSU, BME career opportunities, team dynamics, and accessing/reading academic literature – all of which will be valuable as the student progresses through their program of study. Students will also design a biomedical engineering final project and presentation to promote their device or idea at the end of the semester. 

Biomedical Science Senior Capstone (Semester 2)

Students develop a capstone project that is a culmination of 4 years of study in the BMSA program at FHS. Students will outline, design, and create a project on a topic of their choice relating to their intended area of study in college. Students complete the planning required for a successful and rigorous senior capstone project. This planning includes idea generation, proposal writing, and clinical research. Students will write a formal college level thesis paper regarding their topic. Students will present their projects/research papers/design in a culminating end of year presentation to the faculty, student body, area businesses, and colleges. The presentation must contain a visual (poster board), a speech, and a slideshow. Students must also interview/observe at least 2 professionals that pertain to their topic.

The Biomedical Science Academy will prepare students for the following career paths (but not limited to):

• Clinical Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Public Health
• Medical Diagnostics
• Pre-Med
• Nursing
• Microbiology
• Physician
• Research Science
• Healthcare
• Veterinary Science
• *Plus More!