The field of Bioscience represents one of the faster growing industries in the country. There is an urgent need with our growing and increasingly aging population to develop new medicines and medical devices as well as sustainable chemicals, fuels and agricultural products.
Our students will be able to participate on the forefront of this industry through interaction with industry leaders and industry-relevant programming. The Bioscience program is designed to enable students to develop skills and capabilities in biotechnology and biomedical engineering. Students will learn fundamental and advanced skills in biotechnology lab techniques or apply engineering design processes to the development of novel prototypes such as prosthetics and devices that can help people with disabilities. Students will work closely with mentors from industry and learn what it is like to pursue a career in Bioscience.
Whether through classes or as part of one of the Bioscience clubs, students will have the opportunity to experience, in depth, the excitement of undertaking industry-relevant experiments and developing novel products in biotechnology and biomedical engineering.
Course Offerings
- Open to all 9-10th 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, Human and Animal Biometrics and Bioastronautics. In addition to the scientific learnings, students will learn communication and collaboration skills. 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 9-10th graders; no prerequisites
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 10 – 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. Students will work with several community partners to apply the data to real world problems. Students have the opportunity to receive GIS badging. This multidisciplinary course will prepare students for future careers or coursework in environmental science, social science, biology, or engineering.
- Open to all 10th-12th graders
- Prerequisites: Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 (Chemistry 1 can be taken concurrently with this class)
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.
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 survey-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 and presenting a product concept to various audiences at CSU.
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
As part of the Bioscience pathway, students use the CSU virtual reality program in the classroom environment. The students explore clinical studies and case trials in which they try to solve using the VR program.
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 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.
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) AND instructor approval.
This course provides an introduction to bioengineering through a series of team projects. Students learn, in a hands-on way, valuable engineering skills including communication, how to function in teams, and a variety of relevant project tools, such as programming microcontrollers, 3D printing, and computer-aided design (CAD). All projects and applications will be applied in the biotechnology field, but the skills learned can be applied across all fields of science and engineering.
Project Teams
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 UCHealth 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.
Partners
