Biomedical Course Syllabus

Activities take a hands-on learning approach that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving.  The teacher's role in Biomedical Science is more of a facilitator rather than the traditional teacher role.  Students are exposed to methods of researching, processing, and organizing information. Most importantly students learn how to take an active role in learning that has been proven to prepare students for a post-secondary training and career success in STEM-related fields.  There is no text book in the Biomedical Sciences program.  All PLTW course curriculum and activities are accessed via the internet at www.mypltw.org which is the PLTW Learning Management System (LMS) or Canvas.  All students will be assigned laptop for in-class use, and should their assigned laptop be damaged, students are responsible for repair or replacement cost.  

PLTW students who have completed Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PBS), Human Body Systems (HBS), Medical Interventions (MI), Biology, Chemistry, and scored above a 75% on the practice exam, qualify to take the Florida’s Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE), code CERHB001 their senior year.  All students who pass the BACE will receive the Biotechnician Assistant Certificate. In addition, a statewide articulation agreement has been established through the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) which awards up to five postsecondary credit hours at any of Florida’s state colleges offering an A.S. degree in Biotechnology such as Miami Dade College.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) assigned to the PLTW Biomedical Sciences Courses is Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA).  HOSA is the appropriate career and technical student organization for providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills.  Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Florida Department of Education Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.  HOSA is a national student organization which has annual dues of $40.00. Please contact teacher if you have questions or unable to pay for your dues. 

Students and parents please note that human anatomy/health-related topics, discussions, videos/films, pictures, and diagrams presented in the Biomedical Academy may be considered sensitive and/or graphic and will contain nudity related to the human anatomy. Students are expected to act maturely in dealing with such material.  If you have questions or concerns please contact the instructor.

Required Daily Materials

• 2.0GB Flash drive
  
• lab notebook                    
  
• #2 pencils  
  
• 1” notebook binder
• notebook paper        
  
• blue or black pens  
  
• highlighter    
  
• dry erase markers   
  
• earbuds/headphones           
  
• scientific calculator
  
• colored pencils/markers

ePortfolio

As part of the requirements of passing this course you will need to keep a current organized ePortfolio specific to this course. Instructions for creating the ePortfolio can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/resourcecentereportfolio/builde .  This ePortfolio should be organized with labeled sections to include: Resource sheets, Unit #’s, Career journals, and Reflections.  As you progress in your education and your careers, the importance of your ability to take good notes and have good organization skills are paramount. Occasionally you may use your notes on the day of the quiz or test, thus it is imperative to always come to class prepared. Do not delete or throw away any course information or assignments as you will need all materials in your future Biomedical Sciences courses.

In addition to course specific portfolios, students will maintain an overall academic ePortfolio that will showcase their best work and academic growth over the course of all courses completed at MAST@Homestead.  These will provide evidence of academic achievement and growth, and may also be used to aide in obtaining internships with biomedical professionals.

Assignments

All students are expected to submit all individual or group assignments prior to the due date and time (deadline) on PLTW Learning Management System (LMS) or Canvas.  A student who knows they will be absent from class on a particular date (due to sports, vacations, field trips, school activities etc.) is still expected to submit work that was assigned prior to the deadline.  It is also every student’s responsibility to double check their work or group work was properly submitted prior to the due date and time. Late work will not be accepted unless there is an acceptable extenuating circumstance regarding its completion.  The decision to accept any late material will be under the instructor’s discretion.

Homework Guidelines

Students will be assigned homework every night with a few excused nights here and there throughout the academic year. Homework is a continuation of the day’s lesson or preparation for the next class lesson.  Homework could involve but not limited to items such as: concept maps, outlines, reading, article reviews, labs, uncompleted classwork, and research projects.  Because of the complexity of the material, students are strongly encouraged each night to spend 20-30 minutes reviewing notes/material for the day and 20-30 minutes reading the next assignment prior to class.

Labs/Lab Reports

Each student is required to pay Biomedical Academy Lab fee of $20.00.

Students will participate in numerous dry and wet labs which include dissections throughout the school year. Some labs will be done on lab sheets and others will require students to write a detailed formal lab report following the scientific method and discussing the implications of your results in relation to the topic we are studying.  Lab reports are to be typed and must be submitted electronically via LMS. There will be a very specific format to follow when writing your lab reports; consistency and attention to detail will be of the utmost importance!  Please see your instructor if you have questions or are unable to pay the Biomedical Academy Lab fee. 

Laboratory Notebooks

Students will be required to purchase a PLTW laboratory notebook for this course. Students will be able to purchase these notebooks for $10.00 from the school. Please see Mrs. Gilliard if you have questions or unable to purchase a laboratory notebook. 

Lab Safety

Rules MUST be followed at all times for the safety of you and your classmates. A safety contract will be reviewed and must be signed by students and parents prior to participating in any labs. When doing any lab work, including dissections, listen to the instructions given, and follow them closely as we will be working with hazardous materials and using sensitive high-tech lab equipment.  Proper conduct and attire is mandatory – closed toed shoes, lab aprons, hair pulled back, gloves, goggles. Failure to do so may result in the loss of lab privileges.

Projects/ Presentations

There will be numerous individual and group projects/presentations assigned. Specific directions, expectations, deadlines and grading rubrics will be provided as each project is assigned.

Assessments

Take careful legible notes during class discussions as quizzes, tests, mid-term exam and end of course exam questions will come from readings and lecture notes, and labs. In addition, discussion based assessments are oral and will be frequently given during instruction time activities.  Quizzes will be given periodically at the end of a lesson and tests will be given at the end of each unit.  

Make up work policy

Students are responsible for all work and assignments covered during class, including assignments made when you are absent. Students will have one (1) day to make up work for each excused day missed. Please make arrangements to make up quizzes, tests with me outside of class, which may be different from the original assignment or assessment.  In most cases missed labs will also be a different assignment. Unexcused absences will result in a zero for the missed assignment or assessment.

Extra Credit

On occasion, students may have the opportunity to earn extra credit.  Extra credit opportunities may be in the form of extra test/quiz questions or research/position papers or projects.  If the student is missing any assignments, no extra credit will be allowed.

Classroom Rules

1. Be in assigned seated before the bell rings and remain in your assigned seat.

2. Be Respectful. Respect the learning environment and raise your hand to be recognized.

3. Be Prepared and Productive.  Enter class ready to work and raise your hand to be recognized.

4. Be sure all cell phones and electronic devices are used for instructional use only and are not visible and turned off during all assessments. 

5. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum in class.

6. Using electronic devices to photograph, videotape, or record during instructional time without your instructor’s permission in the classroom in strictly prohibited. 

Failure to do so will result in the following consequences:

1^st infraction: Visual Warning (THE LOOK) or Verbal Warning.

2^nd infraction: Conference with student regarding conduct and strategies to improve behavior

3^rd infraction: Contact parent/guardian to explain the inappropriate behavior

4^th infraction: Parent Teacher Student Conference

5^th infraction: Referral to the administration

Daily Classroom Procedures

• Each day, please quietly enter the classroom, sit in your assigned seat, and begin working on the daily assignment posted the board.

• If you need assistance, wish to answer or ask a question, or for any other reason wish to get my attention, raise your hand and wait to be called on.

• Do not interrupt another student when they are speaking, unless called upon to contribute.

• If you need to leave the classroom for any reason, you must get my permission and sign out/in.

• At the end of class, please put your chairs back, throw your trash away, replace your text book and any equipment used, and wait for me to dismiss you.

Restroom policy

Each student will be allowed to use the restrooms for emergencies only.  Please make restroom plans during your breaks between classes. 

Academic integrity

Students are responsible for honesty and independent effort at MAST@ Homestead.  Failure to uphold these high academic standards includes but is not limited to the following: copying, plagiarizing work or projects, cheating on exams or assignments, and collusion on an exam or project.  When there is clear evidence of cheating, plagiarism, or collusion, your teacher will take disciplinary action including but not limited to: assigning a grade of zero and student’s parent/ guardian and administration will be notified.  

Teacher’s Discretion

The instructor reserves the right to modify the course scope and sequence and syllabus.

Successful completion of your course requires dedication and commitment from the student.  Remember, students are preparing for a university program and have aspirations in a career in the healthcare/medical research field. This class will be rigorous and, challenging, fascinating, and fun. The curriculum motivates most students to work hard, learn to work well with others, improve higher-level thinking skills and it ultimately results in a deep understanding of how the human body is organized, how it works, what can go wrong and how medical interventions can help.  Approach your studies with that thought in mind every day.  This syllabus was designed to help you better understand what will be expected of you in the Biomedical Academy.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your instructor immediately.  Emails are welcomed for a faster response. I look forward to an exciting and productive year with you! 

Dear Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Please read the provided syllabus concerning Biomedical Sciences Academy at MAST@Homestead for the 2015-2016 school year. Once you have read and understand it, please complete the form, sign, and return it to Mrs. Gilliard/Mrs. Barreto.

I have read and completely understand the Biomedical Science Academy guidelines, procedures, and expectations. I agree to abide by them in the interest of the school, and the class in maintaining a quality education for all. I also understand that it is my responsibility to make sure I succeed in this class and will ask my instructor for any additional help that I may require.

Student printed name ____________________________Date ______________

Student signature _______________________________Date ______________

As parent/guardian, I have read the attached syllabus and give my son/daughter permission to participate in all activities in the Biomedical Academy course.  If I have any questions or concerns I will contact the instructor by email and/or telephone.

Parent/guardian signature ________________________________Date_________

Please fill out the following information for my class records.

Mother’s/Guardian’s name _____________________________________

home#______________________________

work # _____________________________

cell # ______________________________

email ______________________________

Father’s/Guardian’s name _____________________________________

home# ______________________________

work # ______________________________

cell # _______________________________

email _______________________________

Is there a preferred parent/guardian to contact? If yes, then please identify which parent/guardian and best time with number.

_________________________________________________________________________________

If there is anything I need to know or any special needs of your child, or special concerns you may have, please feel free to include that below.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MDCPS Safety Manual

Laboratory Safety Rules and Contract

Rules:

• Know the primary and secondary exit routes from the classroom.
• Know the location of and how to use the safety equipment in the classroom.
• Work at your assigned seat unless obtaining equipment and chemicals.
• Do not handle equipment or chemicals without the teacher’s permission.
• Follow laboratory procedures as explained and do not perform unauthorized experiments.
• Work as quietly as possible and cooperate with your lab partner.
• Wear appropriate clothing, proper footwear, and eye protection.
• Long hair should be tight in the back.
• Report all accidents and possible hazards to the teachers.
• Remove all unnecessary materials from the work area.
• Completely clean up  the work area after the experiment
• Always make safety your first consideration in the laboratory.

Safety Contract:

I will:

• Follow all instructions given by the teacher.
• Protect eyes, face and hands, and body while conducting class activities.
• Carry out good housekeeping practices.
• Know where to get help fast.
• Know the location of the first aid and firefighting equipment.
• Conduct myself in a responsible manner at all times in a laboratory situation.

I, _______________________, have read and agree to abide by the safety regulations as set forth above and any additional printed instructions provided by the teacher. I further agree to follow all other written and verbal instructions given in class.

Student Signature: ____________________________Date: ___________________

Parent Signature: _____________________________Date: ___________________