Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program

The Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program, a nationally recognized program, challenges Mercy Girls to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, forensic science, and public health. The goal of this three-year program is to foster collaboration and design thinking as students learn content in the context of real-world cases to examine the structure and interactions of human body systems as they explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

This program is open to qualified ninth graders and is in addition to Mercy’s foundational science courses. This three-year sequence of classes builds on the skills and knowledge gained in preceding courses. Mercy Girls enrolled in this program are challenged to tackle the most pressing healthcare issues of today and tomorrow through this unique curriculum that features engaging activities related to the role of a physician, crime scene investigation, biomedical engineering and innovation, emergency medicine, and biochemistry.

Mercy Girls in the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program prepare and present an independent research project in their specific field of interest.

The learning is hands-on and students graduate with double the required science credits. Project Lead the Way students step into the roles of physician, crime scene investigator, biomedical engineer, first responder, biochemist, and biomedical innovator. Read more about some of the skills acquired by clicking on these roles below!

List of 6 items.

Physician
- Diagnose fictional patients
- Practice suturing
- Build a model of the body’s systems from the inside out
- Perform dissections
- Measure heart rate and blood pressure
- Practice phlebotomy techniques on models and determine blood type
- Explore disease treatment and prevention
- Perform EKG and EMG tests and analysis
Crime Scene Investigator
- Collect and analyze evidence in the manner of a crime scene investigator
- Predict time of death, along with manner, cause, and mechanism
- Perform fingerprint and hair analysis
- Analyze DNA samples using gel electrophoresis
- Perform an autopsy to determine cause of death
Biomedical Engineer
- Craft a prosthetic limb
- Build models to mimic biomedical pathways
- Make presentations on biometric technologies
- Explore the developing technology of nanomedicine
- Learn and model cochlear implant technology
First Responder
- Participate in trauma simulations to practice lifesaving techniques (e.g.: controlled bleeding techniques)
- Learn about emergency medicine
- Practice taking and interpreting vital signs
Biochemist
- Plate and transform bacteria
- Purify fluorescent proteins
- Perform a microarray to identify cancer genes
- Grow a yeast culture to understand melanoma
- Learn about the pathology of disease including infectious, hereditary, and physiological diseases
- Simulate the drug design process and biomanufacturing
Biomedical Innovator
- Propose new technologies and procedures to create the future of biomedicine
- Design innovative solutions for the most pressing challenges of the 21st century
- Practice statistical analysis of data and identify data that has been manipulated
- Design and market new medical innovations
- Explore transplantation and tissue engineering
- Explore gene therapy
- Examine public health planning, policy, and clinical trials

List of 2 items.

What is evaluated in the application process?
A supplemental application is required and acceptance is limited. Mercy Girls must have the following:
- Strong grades in middle school math and science
- Strong standardized test results
- Strong High School Placement Test (HPST) results
- A student statement expressing her interest in biomedicine
- Completed supplemental application
Where can I learn more about the program?

The Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program is a nationally recognized program. More information can be found by visiting www.pltw.org.

Mercy High School

1300 East Northern Parkway
Baltimore, Maryland 21239

Phone: (410) 433-8880
Fax: (410) 323-8816

Mercy High School Baltimore is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and is a member of Mercy Education.

Mercy High School proudly partners with eCampus for textbooks and other materials for our Mercy Girls.

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