Bioscience

• Open to all 9-12th graders; no prerequisites

Learn about life in space!

This is an introductory course to the bioscience pathway. Students will be introduced to current research in the fields of AgInnovation and human and animal biometrics all through the concepts and challenges of Bioastronautics. Students will work with NASA to complete a NASA Hunch biomedical engineering challenge of their choice. In addition to the scientific learnings, students will learn communication and collaboration skills through numerous engineering design challenges. This course provides for experiential learning beyond the classroom, experiencing current research lab tools and methodology, and building relationships that support growing careers in the bioscience pathway.

• Open to all 9-12th graders; no prerequisites
• 9th grade encouraged!
• Offered every other year (2026-2027, 2028-2029, etc.)

Explore the world of science!  This course explores introductory laboratory fundamental principles and procedures performed in general biology, biochemistry, biogeology and physics lab settings. This course covers many basic scientific principles; however, that is not the focus of course. Students utilize lab equipment and apply the scientific method to a series of experiments across all scientific disciplines. Additionally, they will learn and be required to follow all necessary safety regulations and lab notebook documentation. This class prepares students to be critical thinkers and for future science and hands-on engineering and design courses, as well as an introduction to careers in professional lab settings.

• Open to all 9 – 12th graders 

Explore biological aspects and collect data!

The course focuses on current data collection in our local community and teaches data science skills that are highly sought after in today’s physical science world. Students will gain practical experience with data science tools and collection methods, as well as data organization and presentation used in industry today. Data collection includes sensor work and is heavy in the environmental sciences. Students will work with several community partners to apply the data to real world problems as we work with live aquatic species. Students will complete the state recognized River Watch certification that covers procedures in water quality monitoring. Additionally, there is the opportunity to receive Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping credentials and expand data visualization skills. This multidisciplinary conservation data science course will prepare students for future careers or coursework in environmental science, statistical analysis, social and forensic science, biology, or engineering.

** Industry Certificates Available **

• Open to all 10th-12th graders
• Prerequisites: Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 (Chemistry 1 can be taken concurrently with this class)
• Algebra 1 Recommended
• Concurrent Enrollment with AIMS

Learn the technology behind biology!

Introduction to Biotechnology is a course designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the scientific concepts and laboratory research techniques currently used in the field of biotechnology. Students will attain knowledge about the field of biotechnology and deepen their understanding of the biological concepts used. In addition, students will develop the laboratory, critical thinking, and communication skills currently used in the biotechnology industry. Furthermore, students will explore and evaluate career opportunities in the field of biotechnology through readings, laboratory experiments, class discussions, research projects, guest speakers, and workplace visits. Students will have the opportunity to earn the BACE industry certificate.

***Concurrent Enrollment: Aims CC // MLT 1000 Introduction to Medical Lab Technology // 2 college credits

** Industry Certificate Available **

This class will apply towards St. Vrain’s science credit graduation requirement if science credits are still needed, but it is not NCAA accredited.

• Open to all 10-12th graders
• Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and Algebra 1
• Concurrent Enrollment with Colorado State University

Creating for the future of medicine!

This lecture-based course through Colorado State University exposes students to how mechanical engineering, chemical/biological engineering, and electrical engineering principles can be applied to current biomedical challenges. The course also introduces 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 interest area. Students will also be able to go through the process of solving an engineering problem by designing and building a prototype and then presenting a product concept to various audiences at CSU.

***Concurrent Enrollment: CSU // BIOM 109 // 1 college credit

This class will apply towards St. Vrain’s science credit graduation requirement if science credits are still needed, but it is not NCAA accredited.

• Open to 10th – 12th Graders
• Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

Neuroscience Research and Design uses virtual reality to introduce real world research regarding current trends in the field of neuroscience. This advanced-level course includes an in-depth investigation about the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and brain development as well as the opportunity to manipulate live data through microscopy and report findings. This course will include problem identification, investigation design, data collection, data analysis, formulation, and presentation of the conclusions.  This course opens up many connections with potential industry partners and opportunities for students to take the Bioscience Capstone course, which will allow for neuroscience citizen science project involvement.

Check out a short video here.

This class will apply towards St. Vrain’s science credit graduation requirement if science credits are still needed, but it is not NCAA accredited.

• Open to 11th-12th graders
• Prerequisite: Biology 1, Anatomy & Physiology
• Offered every other school year

As part of the Innovation Center Bioscience pathway, students use the CSU Virtual Reality (VR) program in the classroom environment. Students explore clinical studies and case trials in which they try to solve using the VR program. Students will work with CSU mentors in virtual reality to navigate through the human body. Final case study presentations will be given to current health care professionals. By the end of this class, students will have applied medical terminology and understanding of anatomy and physiology to real world applications, as well as worked on professional collaboration with medical industry professionals. 

This class will apply towards St. Vrain’s science credit graduation requirement if science credits are still needed, but it is not NCAA accredited.

• Open to 11th – 12th Graders
• Prerequisite: Intro to Biotechnology (CTE85115) or Intro to Biomedical Engineering (CTE85110) or Neuroscience Research and Design (CTE85205) AND instructor approval.
• Offered every other year. (SY 2024-2025, SY 2026-2027, etc.)

This capstone class extends bioengineering through hands-on team projects, emphasizing essential engineering skills like communication with industry professionals, teamwork, and the use of tools like virtual reality and 3D printing. Applications span biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience, with transferable skills applicable to various science and engineering fields. The course concludes with a final showcase where students apply gained knowledge and skills to address real-world problems.

The Conservation Data Science Team is focused on conservation data science and has partners at Boulder County Open Space, Oceans First Institute, the Denver Zoo, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The Neuroscience Team merges virtual reality technologies with cognitive neuroscience to develop innovative ways to increase joy, empathy, and connection in teens in a post-pandemic world.