Health science careers are not only in high demand, but they offer a diverse range of careers for all types of people interested in helping others. Acquire foundational knowledge required to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, and the education, training, and credentials needed to attain them. Learn basic medical terminology, principles of anatomy and physiology, and legal and ethical responsibilities. Explore communication, teamwork, and leadership techniques – providing a solid basis for those wanting to advance through the health sciences.

Unit 1: Considering a Career in Healthcare? Finding the Right Role

A rewarding career is something every young person would like to look forward to. And while health science careers are secure, as even during economic downturns everyone needs health care, an even more exciting aspect to careers in this field are the various types of work available for all different kinds of people—introverts and extroverts, the mechanically-minded, caregivers, visual thinkers, good organizers, and especially those who work well under high stress. Not only can people with different personality types find a good career in this area, but also many entry-level positions are in demand and that can lead to higher-paying jobs with more experience and further training. Health science is truly an exciting and versatile industry to explore—so let’s start the journey and discover the many career options in healthcare!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the concepts of the five career pathways in health science and provide examples of jobs in each category

• Compare the roles and contributions of different members of a healthcare team

• Research and assess the level of education and training required for specific healthcare jobs

• Develop a logical potential career path in health sciences

Unit 2: Healthcare Today: The Business of Caring

Unique! Uneven! High-cost! Hybrid! Best in the world! These and many other phrases have been used to describe the healthcare system in the United States. There is some truth to all those statements, and with the complexity of our healthcare system, you can say lots more about it. Let’s learn how the many parts of the US system of healthcare fit together to deliver care to a diverse population. From the facilities to the levels of care, we will move on to consider how health insurance and government agencies fit into this complicated system. We’ll also take a dip into the history of medicine, explore the present, and even look at some of the changes that we expect to see in the future of healthcare.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compare the services of different healthcare settings

• Explain the government’s role in the US healthcare system

• Distinguish between the delivery models of HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POSs

• Analyze the economic factors affecting healthcare

• Trace the origins of current health treatments to older practices from many cultures

Unit 3: Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology in a Nutshell

It’s all Greek to me! That’s a phrase you won’t need to say after you dip your toe into the world of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. Learning about the body is fun, but it is also exciting to be able to describe things using the precise terms that are used in the healthcare professions. We’ll learn the basic structure and function of the human body, giving you a foundation for all that you will learn in the future. Then we’ll journey into terminology, breaking words down into their parts to make them easy to understand. Mandibular fossa, anyone? Just a part of the jaw. How about cardiopulmonary resuscitation? You may already know that one is CPR, the lifesaving technique to restart the heart and breathing. Soon, you’ll know how to decipher any medical term you come across, no matter how complicated it looks!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Trace the hierarchy of the structure of the human body, from atoms up to the whole organism

• Distinguish between anatomy and physiology, and discuss the relationship of these two fields of study

• Explain homeostasis and give three examples of this process

• Describe the position and direction of movement in anatomical terminology

• Decipher complex medical terms and build medical terms from prefixes, roots, and suffixes

Unit 4: Growth and Development Throughout the Life Span

The cycle of life—from birth to death—is a process of change and growth. Each stage brings challenges but also accomplishments and joy. Each of us is on this journey of life, and here, we will trace the needs of the tiniest humans up to their great-grandparents, and everyone in between. We will look at what each stage of life needs, physically, psychologically, and socially. We will also learn two of the most prominent theories about growth and psychological motivation: Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Hop on for the ride and get an overview of the development of a human being through the lifespan.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the physical, emotional, and social needs of babies, toddlers, teenagers, and adults

• Predict healthcare needs throughout the lifespan

• Debate the value of Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development in modern times

• Apply Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to understand what motivates human behavior

Unit 5: Health and Wellness

Medical professionals only work with people who are injured and unwell, right? Wrong! Health follows a continuum from optimal wellness to severe illness and everything in between. Today’s health professionals also focus on helping people develop healthy habits to increase their wellness. From eating well and exercising to minimizing exposure, to substances and diseases, allied health workers can improve the health of a whole population with small interventions. Concentrating on physical, emotional, and social health can be an enjoyable part of any health profession as it focuses on planning for health rather than waiting for illness to set in.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Integrate healthy eating and regular exercise into daily habits

• Assess and avoid the risks associated with using substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs

• Reflect on the emotional reactions to illness and the stages of grief

• Apply wellness principles to improve health and plan for wellness

• Link the effects of chronic stress to physical health and strategize interventions for stress management

Unit 6: Effective Communication in Healthcare

“What’s up, doc?” We all communicate every day, through the words we speak and write and also through the gestures and expressions of our bodies. In healthcare, communication is key to serving patients—as errors are costly. Medical error is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and up to 30 percent of all malpractice cases report communication error as a factor. So it pays to have every healthcare worker learn the techniques needed to communicate effectively and clearly. In addition, learning to communicate no matter the barriers—whether cultural or physical or as a result of how one communicates—means that important objective and subjective information can be collected and used to treat patients. Once the information is gathered, it will be time to report the data, in both written and oral formats. With that, we will have a great start in learning how to communicate in healthcare settings.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Deconstruct communication using the sender-receiver model

• Experiment with active listening and using open-ended questions in personal and school life

• Articulate barriers to communication in healthcare settings, including cultural factors

• Adapt your body language to build trust in a professional setting

• Categorize objective and subjective data and report events in the order of occurrence

Unit 7: Health and the Law

What would you do if a patient refused treatment that would save their life? How would you handle it if your best friend asked you questions about a patient at your clinic? Just because someone is a patient does not mean they are passive—patients participate in their care and they have rights. Respecting patient rights and autonomy is an important part of the job. Get the inside scoop on informed consent and that weird beast of a law—HIPAA—that helps keep patient records confidential. Knowledge is power, so learn the laws that apply to the health professions and learn how to protect yourself from criminal or civil liability. Plus, find out what employment laws will keep you safe and happy on the job.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Advocate for your rights as a patient

• Explain the components of HIPAA to keep patient information safe

• Debate the legality of actions a healthcare worker might take

• Role-play situations with legal and ethical implications for health workers

• List workplace rights and responsibilities that apply to healthcare employees

Unit 8: Ethical Responsibilities

Do the right thing! That’s what we should all do all the time, but in healthcare, there are ethical guidelines that help us figure out what that ‘right thing’ is. Complex matters of life and death come up every day in healthcare settings, providing ethical dilemmas that require thought and consideration to sort out. Thankfully, each profession and each healthcare institution has a code of ethics to help workers find the most beneficial and least harmful course of action. Learning how to recognize and deal with ethical dilemmas, from the life-threatening to the daily small decisions, is something that all healthcare professionals can use. These ethical conundrums are some of what make the healthcare field so interesting and challenging, no matter what career you choose. Fasten your seatbelts and come along as we explore ethics in the practice of healthcare.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Apply ethical principles to healthcare decisions

• Compare and contrast the scope of practice and codes of ethics

• Debate the ethics of technological advances in healthcare

• Reflect on how empathy is related to ethical principles in healthcare

Required Materials

• Computer with internet access, a slideshow program (PowerPoint, Keynote, etc., and a word processing program (Microsoft Word, etc.)

• Digital camera or camera phone with photo and video/audio capabilities

• Large piece of paper or poster board

• Markers, pencils, and other drawing/writing implements

• Drawing paper or magazines to cut up

• Glue or tape

• Scissors

• A volunteer (friend, family member, neighbor, etc.)

Making sure that you, your patients, and your colleagues stay safe, you’ll begin analyzing your responsibilities for ensuring patient and personal safety with special attention paid to emergency procedures. Examine infection control, first-aid, CPR, and measuring a patient’s vitals. Learn about numerical data, such as systems of measurement, medical math, and reading and interpreting charts. And examine effective teamwork and leadership characteristics while building your employment skills.

Unit 1: Health, Safety, Security

Every workplace has dangers, but the risks that occur in healthcare settings are part of the everyday jobs of every player on the healthcare team. From taking care of the safety of vulnerable patients to taking care of your health so you can continue to help people, there are many things to learn about applying safety measures while working to improve the health of those in your community. Implementing standard precautions and following all hazard warnings, including reading SDSs for the chemicals you use, will ensure safer conduct. When there is an emergency, you not only need to respond to protect yourself but to operate as part of the response to any threat. Finally, we look at how to reduce medical errors in healthcare settings, creating a culture of safety on the job.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify and manage safety hazards in a healthcare setting

• Implement proper body mechanics while moving patients

• Explain how different government agencies contribute to safety in healthcare

• Prepare for and respond to emergencies

• Analyze a problem using root cause analysis

Unit 2: Infection Control

How do we get sick? Tracing the chain of infection, we will learn how pathogens can invade and cause illness. We will learn how the body defends itself and the steps that each person can take to help stop the spread of infection. Something as simple as handwashing is the strongest weapon against pathogens, helping ordinary people and healthcare workers to keep germs at bay. But healthcare workers have a special duty to fight the spread of disease, being in the center of infection control—and with the power to fight the spread of disease, both to themselves and to the public at large.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Summarize the chain of infection

• Compare levels of cleaning in a healthcare setting

• Recommend when and how to cleanse hands in a healthcare setting

• Differentiate between standard precautions and transmission-based precautions

• Link infection control practices to the fight against drug-resistant infections

Unit 3: Bloodborne Pathogens

Jobs in healthcare are on the front lines of the fight against the spread of pathogens, and none more important than the serious bloodborne diseases caused by HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. We will learn the proper techniques for putting on and taking off PPE to stay safe from bloodborne and other pathogens. Each step done properly can stop a deadly pathogen in its tracks. In addition, we will dig into what community members can do to prevent exposure or access resources if they are exposed to a bloodborne disease.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Assess the risks posed by the most common bloodborne pathogens in the United States

• Describe how bloodborne pathogens can spread in healthcare settings

• Reconstruct the steps for properly putting on PPE

• Explain the reasons for safely disposing of biohazardous waste

• Summarize the most risky behaviors for transmission of bloodborne diseases, both in a healthcare setting and in the community

Unit 4: Signs of Life: Vital Signs and CPR

The signs of life, or what we call vital signs, are the ways we can sense the mysterious quality we call “life” in a body. The right temperature, the beating of the heart, the in and out of respiration, and the pressure with which blood pumps throughout our bodies are the ways we can tell that we are alive. Anytime any one of the vital signs deviates from the normal range, it can signal a serious health problem, so healthcare workers check on these signs of life very frequently, looking for any early sign of an ailment that they can help. Knowing how to properly check these measurements and record them is an integral part of most healthcare jobs. In an emergency, when these signs are not present or are wavering, learning CPR and first aid will mean that you can help keep these vital signs going, keeping a person alive until advanced medical care can take over.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Measure and assess body temperature readings, integrating knowledge about thermoregulation

• Trace the changes in breathing and pulse rates throughout the lifespan

• Appraise the relationship between the oxygen saturation of the blood and other vital signs

• Summarize the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings

• Describe the effects that CPR can have on a patient in cardiac arrest

Unit 5: Data, Measurement, and Math

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 to apply math skills to healthcare calculations that are used every day. Fractions, decimals, and converting measurements are numerical tools that healthcare workers use all the time. Measuring time, temperature, height, weight, distance, angle, and many other parameters provide valuable data for treating patients or analyzing public health problems. Once that important data is collected, turning it into a visually interesting graph, table, diagram, or chart can help healthcare professionals and their patients understand this information quickly and easily.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Distinguish between ratios and percentages

• Name the units of measurement in imperial and metric systems

• Convert between imperial and metric measurements

• Calculate body mass index

• Interpret charts, diagrams, graphs, and tables to use numeric information

Unit 6: Technology in Healthcare

Information technology as well as simple and advanced technologies used in diagnosing and treating patients plays a crucial role in medicine today. From stethoscopes to CT scanners, all this tech requires skilled, observant workers to correctly operate and maintain. But some of the biggest changes that tech brings to healthcare are in the electronic health records (EHRs) that store all types of patient information so medical professionals can help patients to optimize their health. Of course, along with the ease of using EHRs comes the danger of compromising patient privacy—either by posting about your work on social media (a big no-no!) or simply sending a record to the wrong person. Learning how to appropriately handle medical records is therefore of the utmost importance – let’s dive in!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the different types of technology used to diagnose, treat, and track patient health

• Troubleshoot simple computer problems

• Summarize the different parts of an electronic health record (EHR)

• Evaluate the reliability of health resources on the web

• Explain steps to keep protected health information (PHI) safe as an allied health professional

Unit 7: Teamwork and Leadership

Healthcare is a team sport—each person on the team has a job, and if they all work together effectively, the goal of high-quality patient care can be met. Everyone wins when the team pulls together. But just what can each person do to be a great team member? Read on for some great teamwork tips, as well as guidance on how to become a leader. Leadership can be practiced whether you are a member of a team or leading a team. When the team comes into conflict, there are some basic strategies to manage and resolve issues so everyone can continue to work towards the goal of health for the community.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Analyze the roles of different healthcare team members

• List and explain the characteristics of good teams

• Lead or participate effectively in meetings

• Recognize resistance to change in patients and colleagues

• Apply conflict resolution techniques to disagreements

Unit 8: Employability in Healthcare

The healthcare industry has the most jobs of any sector of the US economy. Students who can demonstrate both competent skills and strong “soft” skills will likely become valuable team members. Enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong work ethic will impress potential employers, so improving these qualities in oneself is an important part of preparing for a career. Read on for some tips regarding how to find and successfully apply for job opportunities in the field.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Present a professional image through behavior, appearance, and demeanor

• Demonstrate work-ready characteristics and habits such as punctuality, dependability, discretion, and flexibility

• Analyze your career goals and assess their feasibility

• Evaluate and interpret employment opportunities in healthcare

• Create elements of a career portfolio

Required Materials

• Computer with internet access, a word processing program, and a slideshow program

• Printer or access to a printer

• Video recording device (camera phone or computer camera)

• Two family members or friends to volunteer in videos

• Soap, water, and a sink

• Hand sanitizer

• Basic cleaning supplies

• Standard growth chart from CDC or WHO

• Bathroom scale

• Measuring Tape

• Various household items to use as props to demonstrate infection control techniques (needles/sharps disposal)

• Long coat/shirt to act as a gown

• Professional attire (1 outfit)

• Gloves (single-use latex or vinyl)

• Goggles

• Face mask

Whether you plan on pursuing a career in health sciences or simply looking to gain an understanding of how the human body works, you’ll first need to understand the relationship between anatomy and physiology. Learn how to read your body’s story by understanding cell structure and their processes, and discover the functions and purposes of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and cardiovascular systems, as well as diseases that affect those systems.

Unit 1: Human Body Organization

While Anatomy and Physiology courses are required for students beginning their journeys to a career in health science, they can also be of great value to others who simply want to improve their health and well-being. Just as it’s easier to navigate a foreign country if you understand the language spoken, it’s easier to navigate the human body if you understand the terminology related to the forms and functions of this fascinating area of study. If you’re lost in Italy, hopefully, you have a translation app. If you’re lost and trying to figure out how one symptom might be a clue to a larger problem in a patient, this material will help you navigate your way through body systems.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define and discuss the terms anatomy and physiology and their relationship to one another

• Describe the levels of organization of the human body from simple to complex

• Define and describe the anatomical positions and directional terms used in human anatomy

• Locate and describe the main regions, sections, and cavities of the body

Unit 2: Chemistry of the Body

Remember how we talked about one cell being smaller than a period? It’s mind-blowing to think that something so small has so much control over all of our body systems. There are over 200 different types of cells in the body that make up a total of 100 TRILLION cells in one person. Think about it for a minute: that number is the number 1 followed by 14 zeroes!

Let’s take a look at how cells are designed to make sure the human body stays healthy and balanced. Understanding cell design and reproduction is key to understanding how each body system works and how they interact to sustain life.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Summarize the relationships among homeostasis, control systems, and feedback loops

• Explain the structure and function of typical cells

• Explain mitosis and meiosis: their similarities and differences

• Describe and discuss how damage to one type of cell and/or tissue may impact the function of other cells and tissues

Unit 3: The Skeletal System

Can you imagine what it would be like if you didn’t have any bones and were only made up of muscle and skin? You wouldn’t be able to walk very well, type on the keyboard, or, certainly, be able to dance! There are 206 bones in the adult human skeleton. When we are born, we have more than 250 bones in our bodies, and as we grow and develop, some of the smaller bones fuse to form stronger, longer, and less pliable bones. The skeleton is not only what determines the shape and size of an individual, but it allows us to walk upright and perform the activities of daily life.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the structure and function of bones

• Identify the different types of bones

• Differentiate between the axial and appendicular skeleton

• Classify joints and their specific functions

• Summarize common diseases and disorders of the skeletal system

Unit 4: The Muscular System

Sit perfectly still while you look at your computer screen. You might think that none of your muscles are moving, but they are. The diaphragm, the sheet of muscle that rests under your lungs, is contracting and relaxing to facilitate your breathing when you’re at rest or in motion. Muscles also perform other functions that you may not have considered; not only does the muscular system move your limbs, it also interacts with other body systems to support vital movements around your body. Let’s see what muscles do for you.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the structure and function of muscles and muscle tissue

• Describe the sliding filament theory

• Interpret the names of various muscles based on Latin terms

• Distinguish between a muscle strain and other muscle injuries

Unit 5: The Nervous System

Snap your fingers. Can you imagine that in the time it took you to snap, a nerve impulse could travel the length of a football field? Now, think about an amazingly fast relay race. Your nervous system is like a relay: the baton gets passed from one group of cells to the next to deliver a message with lightning speed. It’s not one individual who carries the baton the length of the football field; it’s multiple people passing the baton across the length of the impulse to make the movement or sensation happen. Once you examine all the individual parts of the nervous system and how they work together, you’ll appreciate how fascinating it is.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Outline the organization and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems

• Locate and identify the major regions of the brain and describe their functions

• Analyze the basic structure and functions of the cranial nerves, spinal cord, and special sense organs

• Discuss common diseases and disorders of the neurological system

Unit 6: The Integumentary System

The integumentary system is one of the most unappreciated in the body. Most people might guess that the brain, heart, or lungs are the most important organs in the body, but the integumentary system plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and protecting all of these other important organs. Let’s learn what makes the integumentary system so important.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Analyze the structure and function of the integumentary systems

• Discuss potential alterations in skin integrity

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skill related to performing effective hand hygiene

• Identify and analyze common diseases and disorders of the integumentary system

Unit 7: Essential Knowledge About Blood

Have you ever accidentally cut yourself so badly that your blood started to pool? As horrifying as that experience can be, it’s also fascinating to consider exactly what that deep red liquid is. Blood is a tissue that is made up of millions and millions of cells and chemicals that are dissolved within it. Like other body systems, it has multiple intricate parts that work together to perform functions within its assigned body system and coordinate activities with other body systems. It’s the levels of the various components of blood, the path they take to circulate in the body, and their relationship with our heart and lungs that contribute to maintaining homeostasis.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Distinguish between the various types of blood vessels

• Demonstrate knowledge of the composition of blood

• Identify the different ABO compatibilities

• Describe various disorders and diseases of the blood and its components

Unit 8: The Cardiovascular System and The Heart

We’ve all seen images on television of someone dramatically grabbing their chest and dropping to the ground, presumably having a heart attack. These significant injuries are a result of problems within the heart that are similar to the flickering of electricity in a room or clogged pipes in a sink. As you move through this unit, you will learn about the power grid and the plumbing in the heart, what happens when they are in top condition, and what happens when there is a service disruption.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the structure and function of the heart and circulatory pathways

• Compare and contrast systemic and pulmonary circulation

• Summarize the path for electrical conduction in the heart

• Discuss common diseases and disorders that affect the cardiovascular system

Required Materials

Physical

• Blood pressure monitor

• Video recording device

Software

• Presentation software

• Word processing software

Other

• Helper

Optional

• Art supplies

• Audio recording device

• Digital camera

• Graphic design software

• Spreadsheet software

• Writing supplies

Examine the form and function of even more body systems. Learn about the structure, function, and interrelation between the lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and endocrine systems. The reproductive system is also discussed along with hereditary traits and genetics. And discover the importance of accurate patient documentation as well as the technology used in the industry.

Unit 1: The Lymphatic and Immune System

As you’ve already learned, the lymphatic and immune system is one of the major body systems. Some texts will label this body system as simply ‘lymphatic’ and exclude the immune system perhaps because you can’t see it. For this course, however, we’re going to combine the lymphatic and immune systems so that you develop an understanding of how these two systems work together to protect the human body from bacteria, viruses, and harmful cells within the body (in autoimmune disease and cancer for example).

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the structure and function of the immune system

• Compare and contrast the different types of immunity

• Explain the relationship between the lymphatic and circulatory systems

• Discuss common diseases and disorders of the lymphatic and immune system (etiology, prevention, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation)

Unit 2: The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is important. All cells of the body require energy, and this energy cannot be obtained through chemical reactions without oxygen. The respiratory system not only provides the route to collect the oxygen that is used in each of the metabolic processes that sustain life, but it also provides the route to rid the body of carbon dioxide, the by-product of many of these metabolic processes. In this unit, you will examine the structures that support the respiratory system, explore how oxygen is brought to the sites of cellular metabolism to help maintain homeostasis and learn what happens when the respiratory system is compromised. Now, take a deep breath and read on.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system

• Compare and contrast ventilation and respiration

• Explain gas exchange

• Discuss common diseases and disorders of the respiratory system (etiology, prevention, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation)

Unit 3: The Digestive System

The digestive system is quite familiar to us since we are aware that we use it several times a day. There are so many mechanical and chemical processes, however, that take place to ensure the food we eat is digested and absorbed for use by the body. We might not realize just how complex and critical this body system is. Prepare to be amazed.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the organization of the digestive system

• Explain the structure and function of the digestive system

• Discuss the six digestive processes and the digestive enzymes

• Describe diseases and disorders of the digestive system

Unit 4: The Urinary System

We might not enjoy speaking about the functions of the urinary system in our everyday lives, but this body system is critical to our health and to our body’s ability to maintain homeostasis. It’s important to understand the urinary system but also the important relationships between this system and others, such as the circulatory system. Did you know that the bladder can hold 1000 ml—or one whole liter—of urine?

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the organization of the urinary system

• Explain the structure and function of the urinary system at both a macro and micro level

• Compare and contrast the female and male urinary systems

• Explain how urine is formed and excreted from the body

• Describe diseases and disorders of the urinary system

Unit 5: The Reproductive System and Genetics

The differences between men and women enable us to create unique and precise human offspring. How can we predict what diseases individuals will have, and how specifically do human beings grow from being tiny cells of fertilization? It’s truly fascinating to consider that each of us exists based on odds similar to winning the lottery. When someone tells you that you’re one in a million, you’re going to respond, “No, I’m one in fifteen million.” Read on to find out why!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compare and contrast the organization of the male and female reproductive systems

• Explain the structure and function of the reproductive system

• Discuss genes and chromosomes from conception to birth

• Understand how a negative is used to create an image print

• Describe common diseases and disorders of the reproductive system

Unit 6: The Endocrine System

This is the last body system that you will explore in this course. Have you decided yet which one you feel is the most important? Which one, if it fails, will impact a person’s life the most? Have you thought about whether breathing is more important than the message the brain sends to the lungs to act breathing? Is your decision firm? What if you now learn that two organ systems work together more than any others to maintain homeostasis? Would this change your mind? In this unit, you are going to learn about the intricate ways that the glands and organs of the endocrine system work with the nervous system to ensure that all the hormone, electrolyte, and fluid levels are kept in balance. After working through this unit, you’ll be asked which is truly your favorite unit and the one that you believe plays the most important role in sustaining life.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the organization of the endocrine system

• Explain the structure and function of organs of the endocrine system

• Explain how the endocrine system maintains homeostasis

• Describe diseases and disorders of the endocrine system

Unit 7: Assessing and Documenting Anatomy and Physiology

Have you ever read a journal or a personal memoir? Even a newspaper that recalls a series of events? If you have, you know that what makes them complete and informative is detail. The use of dates, times, and specific words helps the reader understand exactly what is being described by the author. A complete health assessment allows a healthcare provider to develop a full story or sequence of events that apply to a person’s situation. The recording of this information on paper or electronically ensures that care can be provided in a consistent, safe way.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the purposes of a healthcare record

• Discuss legal guidelines for documentation

• Describe confidentiality and the laws that govern patient privacy

• Describe the different methods of data collection

• Conduct a health history

• Organize a basic body systems physical assessment

Unit 8: The Science & Technology of Anatomy & Physiology

You’ve already learned that anatomy and physiology courses are required for students who are beginning their journey to a career in health science or for individuals who want to improve their health and well-being. Along this journey, you may have had questions about where it all began and what the proof is behind certain things that you read, or maybe you’ve even questioned why you would possibly need to know some of this material. This unit will bring you back to the beginnings of anatomy and physiology as a science and hopefully answer some of the remaining questions you have about why anatomy and physiology is important. You’ll also explore more about the various healthcare careers that use anatomy and physiology as a foundational tool in their scopes of practice.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the history of anatomy and physiology as a science

• Distinguish between the scopes of practice of various healthcare professions

• Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research

• Discuss examples of different types of research studies that can advance the science of anatomy and physiology

• Illustrate how healthcare professionals work collaboratively

Required Materials

• Word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word)

• Paper & pencil (optional)

• Video recording device

• Access to a variety of substances of various densities and compositions (for percussion); e.g. fruit, hollow surfaces, jugs/cartons with fluid in them, etc.

• Choice of Software

  - slideshow creator

  - video recording

  - audio recording

Learning the language is essential for careers in health science. Join word parts to form medical terms, associations within body systems, and better communicate with colleagues and patients. Build your proficiency and confidence with this course and prepare yourself for a career in health sciences.

Unit 1: Word Elements: Where It All Begins

Medical terminology is a language unique to a specialized field. To better understand medical terms, you need to first get to know the origin of words, how to dissect them, and how to build them. Part of this dissection and building process involves learning word parts and how to put those pieces together. In this unit, we will learn prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms. We will also learn about the origins of words that cannot be broken down using traditional methods. Additionally, we’ll explore how some of these terms are abbreviated and cases in which these abbreviations are not acceptable practice. So, let’s start putting the pieces of the puzzle together and learn more about this special language!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the components making up a medical term and the process for defining a word using those components

• Explain uses for prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms

• Recognize commonly used prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms

• Identify common medical abbreviations as well as those on the Do Not Use List

• Describe the origin of an eponym and give examples of common eponyms

Unit 2: The Building Blocks of the Body

The body is an amazing structure made up of many cells, tissues, organs, and systems. We can break down the way the body is built from the tiniest structure up to entire body systems. Taken as a whole, we then learn about body movement and the organization of body structures. By studying the cavities, regions, and quadrants of body organization, we can locate organs and other body structures and, by using this organizational system, healthcare providers are better able to pinpoint conditions and accurately communicate with patients. Ready to become an expert in navigating and identifying these structures? Let’s get started!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the building blocks of the body and how they are organized, from cell to system

• Define anatomic position and terms related to a change in that position

• Explain terms related to body movement and communicate body planes as related to anatomic position

• Explain the division of the body into cavities

• Describe the regions and quadrants of the abdomen and identify organs found in the different cavities, regions, and quadrants

Unit 3: Move It: Understanding Body Movement

With so many body parts, we need to be able to describe exactly how each part moves. Medical terms relating to movement allow us to do just that! By exploring the world of body movement, we find different types of movement and different types of joints that make this happen. As part of this world, we’ll learn abbreviations used commonly in medical documentation relating to these body parts and their movements. In addition, we’ll discover the many career possibilities related to the movement of body parts. Ready? Let’s get moving!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define medical terms related to body movement

• Explain movements using medical terminology

• Describe types of joints found in the body

• Identify commonly used abbreviations related to movement

• Understand occupations related to body movements

Unit 4: Breathing Easy: The Respiratory System

Breathing is an essential part of health and body function. The organs of the respiratory system make up a complex tree-like structure that helps us breathe without even thinking about it. To be an effective healthcare provider we must be familiar with the medical terminology that refers to the diseases, conditions, treatments, and tests of this system. We also need to be able to write and translate abbreviations and terms when documenting about this system. Let’s take a deep breath and explore this airy world!

• What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify and describe the functions of the organs in the respiratory system

• Recognize prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms related to the respiratory system

• Describe diseases and conditions of the respiratory system

• Explain common treatments and tests used when evaluating conditions of the respiratory system

• Write and translate abbreviations used in medical documentation for respiratory conditions

Unit 5: Going with the Flow: The Cardiovascular System

We feel our heartbeat all the time, but what’s the reason and what’s it really doing? We’ll now explore the cardiovascular system with its organs and find our answers! As we investigate the workings of this system, we’ll learn the medical terms and word parts that describe different areas. As with any part of the body, things can go wrong. Our journey will take us through some of the conditions and diseases of this system, along with tools, tests, and treatments used in this world. Let’s get our blood pumping!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the organs of the cardiovascular system and their functions

• Recognize and use the prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms related to the cardiovascular system

• Identify common diseases and conditions of the cardiovascular system

• Explain tools, procedures, and tests used in diagnosing and treating the cardiovascular system

• Use and decode abbreviations commonly used when referring to the cardiovascular system

Unit 6: Keep Calm and Explore the Nervous System

With so many organs, tissues, and cells in the body, something must be in control! That’s where the nervous system comes into play. To be an effective healthcare team member, we need to learn the functions of the nervous system, the disorders associated with it, and ways to fix it. We also need to study the language, its word parts, and ways to abbreviate it. So, who’s in control here? Let’s find out on our journey through the nervous system!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the organs of the nervous system and describe their functions

• Recognize and use prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms related to the nervous system

• Describe conditions, disorders, and diseases of the nervous system

• Explain tests, procedures, and treatments used for nervous system conditions

• Translate and use abbreviations in medical documentation related to the nervous system

Unit 7: Skin, It’s Got You Covered!

When you look at someone, what is the main thing you see? Skin is probably not your first answer, but if you think about it, that’s probably the best answer. That’s because skin is the body’s largest organ. There’s more to this world than meets the eye though. Let’s explore this complex world of tiny accessory organs and see just how much work this underrated system does.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify organs in the integumentary system and their functions

• Translate medical terms associated with the integumentary system using prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms

• Describe common diseases and conditions associated with the integumentary system

• Explain tests, procedures, and treatments used for conditions of the integumentary system

• Use abbreviations associated with the integumentary system

Unit 8: Hold Me Up: Musculoskeletal System

What allows us to stand? What protects our vital organs? How do we move? As we journey through the musculoskeletal system, we’ll find the answers to these questions and so much more. Our exploration will help us identify terms, conditions, tests, and treatments for this system. We’ll also work on our skills in decoding abbreviations for this system. Get ready to play detective and find out what’s holding us up!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the organs of the musculoskeletal system and explain their functions

• Recognize prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms used in the musculoskeletal system

• Explain common conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system

• Identify common tests and treatments for conditions and diseases involving the musculoskeletal system

• Translate abbreviations and other medical documentation using terms related to the musculoskeletal system

Required Materials

Physical

• Audio recording device

• Posterboard

• Video recording device

Software

• Presentation software

• Word processing software

Optional

• Art supplies

• Digital camera

• Graphic design software

Discover the medical terminology associated with even more body systems to increase your ability to master prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Connect this language to real-world patients and clinical settings through practical applications and specific scenarios. Launch your health knowledge with detailed medical terms.

Unit 1: Waste Away! The Urinary System

As the body takes in the materials that it needs, there has to be a way to get rid of the materials it doesn’t need. When we explore the urinary system, we’ll find out how this happens. We’ll also look at the word parts, terms, and abbreviations that are commonly used to relay information about this system. As with any complicated system, things can go wrong, so we’ll discuss diseases that affect the urinary system and ways to treat them. Come along as we keep what’s good and waste the rest!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the organs of the urinary system and how each functions

• Identify commonly used prefixes, suffixes, and word parts of the urinary system

• Define common conditions and diseases that affect the urinary system

• Explain tests and procedures used in treating urinary system conditions

• Translate medical documentation using abbreviations and medical terminology of the urinary system

Unit 2: Creating the Future: The Reproductive System

What makes a male different from a female? As we explore the reproductive system, we’ll learn about the many organs that make these two very different! We’ll improve our translation skills as we look at word parts and abbreviations related to this system. We will also explore the diseases and conditions related to this system and the many ways to treat them. The world of medical terminology is a big one, let’s put together another piece of the puzzle!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe organs of the reproductive system and their functions

• Identify prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms related to the reproductive system

• Define common diseases and conditions that affect the reproductive system

• Explain tests, treatments, and procedures used to treat conditions affecting the reproductive system

• Translate medical terms and abbreviations related to the reproductive system

Unit 3: Carry It, Clean It, Fight It: Blood, Lymph, and Immune Systems

What does blood do other than fill the vessels? What’s it made of? How does the body defend itself against invaders? The answers to these questions lie in the exploration of the blood, lymphatic, and immune systems. These systems are so connected we explore them together! During our exploration, we’ll discover diseases and conditions as well as treatments and tests for these systems. We’ll also add another piece to our medical terminology puzzle as we learn word parts, terms, and abbreviations. Let’s see how the body transports, cleans and defends!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the parts and organs of the blood, lymphatic, and immune systems

• Identify prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms related to the blood, lymphatic, and immune systems

• Define conditions and treatments that affect the blood, lymphatic, and immune systems

• Explain the tests, treatments, and procedures related to the blood, lymphatic, and immune systems

• Translate medical documents using medical terminology and abbreviations related to the blood, lymphatic, and immune systems

Unit 4: Superpowers? No, Special Senses!

The abilities to see and to hear are remarkable characteristics that allow us to perceive the world differently. These special senses are a lot like superpowers in that they allow us to analyze our surroundings in many ways. As we dig deeper into these senses, we’ll see the conditions and treatments as well as the terminology used to refer to the eyes and ears. As we add this piece of the medical terminology puzzle, we’ll see what kind of powers we have!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the organs and parts that make up the special senses

• Recognize prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms used to make medical terms related to the special senses

• Identify conditions and diseases that impact the special senses

• Explain the tests, procedures, and treatments used in diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the special senses

• Transcribe, translate, and abbreviate medical terminology related to the special senses

Unit 5: Take What's Needed, Let the Rest Go: The Digestive System

For humans, food is one of the essential elements needed to survive, but what does the body do with that food once we take it in? We’ll now find out by tracking the course of food through the digestive system to discover the organs and the parts of those organs that make them work properly. We’ll see the many word parts and abbreviations that are used to describe this system, as well as its conditions, diseases, tests, and treatments. This journey takes many twists and turns, let’s start the adventure!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the organs and functions of the digestive system

• Recognize the prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms used to describe terms related to the digestive system

• Identify conditions and diseases that impact the digestive system

• Explain tests, procedures, and treatments used for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system disorders

• Translate and abbreviate documentation related to the digestive system

Unit 6: Taking Control! The Endocrine System

Have you ever wondered what controls the processes in the body? What makes one thing speed up but later slow down? The answer to these questions is found in the study of the endocrine system. As we explore this complicated world, we’ll investigate the conditions and diseases that occur when things go wrong. We’ll also discover the tools, tests, and treatments to fix those conditions. Before we finish our exploration, we’ll become familiar with the medical language and abbreviations unique to the endocrine system. Let’s find out how the body takes control!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the organs of the endocrine system, including their functions

• Recognize and use prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms related to the endocrine system

• Define common diseases and conditions of the endocrine system

• Explain the tools, tests, and treatments used for diseases and conditions of the endocrine system

• Translate medical terms and abbreviations related to the endocrine system

Unit 7: Providing the Foundation: Medical Specialties

As we’ve seen, the body is made of multiple, complex body systems that require vast knowledge to diagnose and treat. To provide the services needed for the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions, medical specialties rise to the occasion! We’ll now explore the prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, and abbreviations that create the medical terminology for these areas. We’ll also identify the tests, procedures, and treatments provided by each area. Let’s discover the areas that give support and provide a firm foundation for the medical world!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the functions of specialty areas like pharmacology, psychiatry, oncology, genetics, radiology, and pathology

• Recognize prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms used in pharmacology, psychiatry, oncology, genetics, radiology, and pathology

• Identify conditions and diseases diagnosed and treated by pharmacology, psychiatry, oncology, genetics, radiology, and pathology

• Explain tools, procedures, and treatments used by pharmacology, psychiatry, oncology, genetics, radiology, and pathology

• Translate medical documents that include medical terminology and abbreviations used by pharmacology, psychiatry, oncology, genetics, radiology, and pathology

Unit 8: Putting It Together: A Healthcare Perspective

As we’ve seen throughout our explorations of the various body systems, each has its own set of conditions, tests, treatments, and medical language. When working in the medical world, those systems aren’t always separate. In many cases, patients have complex issues that cross boundaries and require knowledge of all body systems. Let’s now follow a few patients and see things from a healthcare perspective!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify medical terminology of the respiratory, cardiovascular, integumentary, digestive, urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, blood, immune, nervous, and special senses systems

• Break down medical terms of the respiratory, cardiovascular, integumentary, digestive, urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, blood, immune, nervous, and special senses systems into parts using your knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms

• Translate medical documents of the respiratory, cardiovascular, integumentary, digestive, urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, blood, immune, nervous, and special senses systems using knowledge of abbreviations and medical terminology

• Recognize organs of the respiratory, cardiovascular, integumentary, digestive, urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, blood, immune, nervous, and special senses systems

• Understand tools, treatments, and tests used for diseases and disorders of the respiratory, cardiovascular, integumentary, digestive, urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, blood, immune, nervous, and special senses systems

Required Materials

Printer paper

Devices:

• Laptop or desktop computer

• Computer speakers

• Camera or video recorder

• Printer

Technical Materials List:

• Slideshow software

• Word processing program

• Video editor

From doctors and nurses to x-ray technicians and medical aides, the field of healthcare offers numerous roles that will allow you to make a difference in the lives of patients. In this course, you’ll learn all about the foundations of healthcare from how the industry works around the world, to the different professions that fall within the field. You’ll also learn medical terminology and calculations, the difference between diagnostic and therapeutic careers, and the legal and ethical considerations. Let’s start building the foundation of a healthcare career today!

Unit 1: A Trip through the Exciting World of Health Care

Global pandemics, variations in access to health care, political health issues, economic forces, noncommunicable diseases, and environmental changes all influence the world of health care as we know it today. To understand our present, we need to look at the history of this exciting world and the factors that influenced its development. As we’ll see, not all health care is created equal, and health care differs drastically from one area of the world to the next. As we explore the past, present, and future of health care, we’ll see why choosing a career in health science makes perfect sense!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define healthcare and the components that influence healthcare systems

• Describe types of healthcare systems throughout the world

• Analyze the United States healthcare system and the agencies that oversee it

• Evaluate the global impact of disease and the effects of access to quality healthcare

• Identify the factors that make health care a good career choice

Unit 2: Adventures in Healthcare Careers

Do you like technology and working with equipment or do you prefer communicating and working hands-on with patients? Whatever your skills and preferences, the healthcare world has a career for you! As we take an adventure through healthcare careers, we’ll see some skills each one requires and take a glimpse at the types of functions performed daily. We’ll also explore the personal qualities required for these types of careers and workplace expectations for someone in these roles.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe diagnostic health science careers, including duties, skills, and qualifications

• Identify therapeutic health science careers, including duties, skills, and qualifications.

• Explain workplace expectations in a healthcare setting

• Differentiate between job settings in healthcare

• Analyze key components of different healthcare careers

Unit 3: Using a New Language

Have you ever heard someone explain something using technical terms and had no idea what they meant? Industries use everyday language to relay information, and unless you know how the terms apply in that setting, it’s impossible to understand their meaning. The healthcare world is no exception when it comes to language! Communication in health sciences requires understanding and properly using medical terminology and calculations that are part of everyday interactions. Using the new language effectively helps you function in this highly specific world as a valuable team member.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Examine how to decode medical terminology using prefixes, root words, and suffixes

• Differentiate between commonly used medical abbreviations and abbreviations that should not be used

• Describe body parts and movements using common medical terms

• Review common calculations used by healthcare professionals

Unit 4: Communicate Like a Pro

No matter what type of health science profession interests you, good communication skills are essential for success. From verbal to nonverbal techniques and personal to professional exchanges, the way we interact with the people around us forms the foundation for whatever we’re trying to accomplish. As we explore the various types of communication, we’ll investigate barriers to communication, cultural awareness, and ways to communicate with special populations. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to communicate like a pro!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Contrast various types of communication and the importance of active listening

• Describe the components of the communication process

• Analyze features of effective communication

• Identify potential barriers to communication and ways to overcome them

• Explain ways to effectively use technology as a communication tool in healthcare

Unit 5: Get Well, Stay Well

Healthcare professionals work to take care of health issues in patients, but they also provide patient education about preventive measures patients can use to avoid health issues. As we explore the concepts of health and well-being, we’ll look at methods people can use to identify aspects of wellness and improve their health and well-being. We’ll also discuss how healthcare workers need to remember and apply the concepts they’re teaching to patients in their own lives. As we’ll see, everyone needs to know how to get well and stay well!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the differences in health and wellness and the importance of development milestones

• Describe the hierarchy of needs and its role in health and wellness

• Analyze dimensions of wellness and strategies used to fulfill them

• Identify complementary and alternative health practices and therapies

Unit 6: Encountering Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a topic we frequently hear about in the news. Other than treating patients affected by substance abuse, this isn’t something we need to worry about, is it? Unfortunately, this question relays a common misconception about substance abuse. As healthcare professionals, although we do need to know how to provide care to patients affected by substance abuse, we also need to be aware of the risks of addiction ourselves. As we explore this topic, we’ll investigate how drug schedules help identify how addictive a particular drug is. We’ll also examine the anatomy and physiology of addiction, the effects of substance abuse, and treatment options. Let’s raise our awareness so we are better prepared to face this difficult topic.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define substance abuse and describe how substances are classified

• Analyze the physiology and cycle of substance use disorder

• Identify risk factors, warning signs, and the potential effects of substance abuse

• Explain treatment options for substance use disorder

Unit 7: Meet the Patient

Although each healthcare professional specializes in job-specific skills required to perform their role on the team, some skills are universal and must be mastered before interacting with patients. Think about a time you had an appointment at a clinic or with a nurse practitioner or doctor. What did the medical assistant, nursing assistant, or dental assistant do before, during, and after interacting with you? Even though these skills often go unseen or are so much a part of the process we take them for granted, they help providers assess the patient and promote a safe environment. Let’s get ready to meet the patient!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the causes of infection and the role of hand hygiene in its prevention

• Identify standard and transmission-based precautions

• Analyze key factors that impact patient interactions

• Explain how to measure vital signs and the normal ranges for each measurement

Unit 8: Legal and Ethical Considerations

Healthcare professionals learn skills specific to their profession, but did you know they are legally obligated to stay within certain guidelines? What tells them what they can or can’t do? As we explore these questions, we’ll investigate guiding principles and learn about legal and ethical considerations faced by healthcare providers. In addition, we’ll look at the consequences of unacceptable behavior.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain ethics and ethical behavioral standards for healthcare professionals

• Describe legal aspects related to the duties of healthcare professionals

• Identify healthcare regulatory agencies

• Analyze the role of professional associations

Required Materials

• Video recording device

• Paper and writing utensils

• Art supplies

Software

• Recipe of choice

• Presentation software

• Word processing software

• Slideshow software

Optional

• Graphic design software

• Audio recording device

• Posterboard

• Household supplies

• Helper

You’ve built a solid foundation of knowledge of the healthcare field, and now it’s time to probe deeper into the healthcare profession. In this course, you’ll review key aspects of the broad category of safety as well as learn how to assess and treat patients for an array of injuries. You’ll learn how to identify emergencies, trauma, and complex care, and the basics of CPR and life support. Lastly, you’ll explore the importance of collaborating with other team members to manage and resolve conflicts. Let’s suit up to learn how you can positively impact patients in the field of healthcare.

Unit 1: Safety in the Workplace

We know healthcare professionals perform job-specific skills, communicate with patients, and exhibit compassion each day, but who is responsible for keeping patients safe? The answer may surprise you! Anyone working in a healthcare facility plays a role in keeping the environment safe for everyone: patients, workers, and visitors. As we explore what it takes to maintain a safe workplace, we’ll investigate the types of hazards in these environments and the actions we need to take to protect everyone.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe organizations that provide safety guidelines for healthcare institutions, along with examples of patient safety goals

• Identify ways to comply with environmental safety guidelines

• Explain types of hazardous materials and waste found within a healthcare facility

• Analyze ways to reduce the healthcare worker’s risk of injury in the workplace

Unit 2: Documentation

Healthcare providers perform many job-specific tasks as they care for patients. One often overlooked but very important task is documentation. In the healthcare world, it’s often said that if something isn’t documented, it didn’t happen. When dealing with patient welfare, it’s critical to track every move taken throughout the care process to know what was done along the way. As we explore this topic, we’ll look at various types of documentation and methods to ensure accuracy no matter what profession you’re in.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Differentiate between paper and electronic record systems and identify the importance of health information technology

• Describe security measures used to protect health information and how HIPAA influences this protection

• Identify the parts of a medical record

• Analyze other systems used when documenting health information

Unit 3: On the Job

Think about some of the job responsibilities of the allied health professionals we’ve learned about so far. Each profession has some skills unique to that field, while other skills overlap from one profession to another. As we begin to look at skills used in direct patient interaction, we’ll investigate those needed by all professionals, like patient admitting and discharge requirements, communicating effectively in various situations, and patient movement and positioning. After examining these types of skills, we’ll narrow our focus to more specific ones, like assisting patients with daily living tasks and assessing patients’ range of motion. Ready to get on the job? Let’s learn more about the skills you’ll need!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define functions related to patient admission, transfer, and discharge

• Identify methods for moving patients for treatment or examination

• Analyze patient positions and proper use of support devices

• Describe skills related to assisting patients with activities of daily living

Unit 4: Collaboration in Health Care

Although most of the time we think about each healthcare professional as an individual performing functions independently, everyone in the medical world is part of a team. Think about how complex the human body is, with all of the systems working together to maintain everyday functions. Just like the various systems work together for a common goal, so do healthcare workers! No matter which healthcare profession you choose, being a valuable team member and knowing how to collaborate with other professionals puts you on the path to a successful career.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the members that make up a team and the principles of collaboration

• Assess team dynamics, including team roles and the stages of team development

• Analyze effective conflict resolution techniques in healthcare settings

• Identify leadership skills of healthcare professionals

Unit 5: Responding First

From a scraped knee and a bee sting to foreign bodies and open wounds, healthcare workers need to learn all types of skills to care for patients outside and inside medical facilities. The steps they take to care for patients when injuries happen are all first aid. Although most of us know how to deal with minor issues like a scraped knee or bug bite, we may not know how to deal with other types of wounds. Healthcare professionals need to be prepared to not only respond to all types of injuries but also react when things don’t go as planned. As we explore what it takes to respond first, we’ll analyze the steps and the skills needed to care for patients in a variety of non-trauma situations.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define the role of healthcare professionals in providing first aid

• Identify first aid skills used in treating bites, blisters, and bruises

• Explain first aid skills used in treating cuts, foreign bodies, and puncture wounds

• Describe the steps used when performing venipuncture

Unit 6: Recognizing and Reacting to Emergencies

Healthcare professionals of all specialties must be prepared to handle any type of emergency that arises inside and outside of a medical facility. To be ready to react, they need to understand and differentiate between what’s normal and what needs immediate attention. As we explore how to recognize an emergency, we’ll investigate how the body maintains its constant balance of biological and chemical processes. We’ll also examine the signs and symptoms to look for when that balance is disrupted. By recognizing these signs and symptoms, we’ll be ready to react with emergency treatments such as performing CPR, using an AED, and clearing airway obstructions.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain how the body works to maintain homeostasis

• Identify normal and abnormal signs and symptoms as they relate to an emergency

• Describe how to perform CPR and use an AED

• Define the AHA chain of survival and how to dislodge a foreign body obstruction

Unit 7: Trauma and Complex Care

Do you have what it takes to think quickly and make complex decisions related to emergency situations? How well do you adapt when a situation changes or when something doesn’t go as planned? During our exploration into trauma and complex care, we’ll see how the body changes with various conditions and investigate ways to care for patients in different situations. Additionally, we’ll discover the importance of assessing each emergent situation and adjusting decisions to reach the best possible outcome for the patient. As we’re about to learn, treating trauma isn’t just about the condition, it’s about problem-solving and adapting to the situation.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define trauma and complex care along with the importance of critical thinking in these situations

• Explain how blood flow conditions cause changes in the body that result in the need for emergent care

• Describe the impact of exposure to heat or cold on the body

• Identify types of bone and joint injuries as well as the first steps in treating them

Unit 8: What’s Next?

The world of health sciences includes a wide variety of occupations, making it possible for people to choose a career path best suited to their interests. The skills and educational training required for each career provide a foundation for pursuing that dream job. As we explore what’s next, we’ll review written and oral communication skills as they apply to the job search, including preparing application documents and interviewing. We’ll also focus on how to find job opportunities and narrow down that search. To complete the process, we’ll investigate training opportunities and the importance of staying active in the profession. With so much knowledge about health sciences, we’re ready to explore what’s next!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Research educational requirements and certification and licensure by profession and location

• Create a resume and cover letter to prepare for employment opportunities

• Complete steps in obtaining employment including conducting a job search, preparing for an interview, and completing employment procedures

• Analyze the importance of professional organizations and potential areas of career advancement in the health sciences

Required Materials

Physical

• Video recording device

• Writing supplies

Software

• Presentation software

• Word processing software

Optional

• Art supplies

• Audio recording device

• Colored pencils

• Digital camera

• Graphic design software

• Helper

• Household items

• Image editing software

• Printer

• Video recording device

There are so many mysteries that need unraveling in the world today that can help us grow better crops, cure diseases, combat pollution, solve crimes, and so much more. If you love the idea of solving problems to make the world a better place, a career as a biotechnician may be for you. In this course, you’ll learn the basics of lab safety, how to perform tasks crucial to experimentation, biological basics, and about the exciting careers available in the field of biotechnology. Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear lab coats. Grab yours and let’s get started!

Unit 1: Introduction to Biotechnology

What do cloned pets, cancer-seeking nanorobots, drug-producing produce, spider goats, lab-grown organs, meatless meat, and explosive-eating microbes all have in common? They are all produced through biotechnology! You will be amazed at all the ways that biotechnology has impacted your life and the world around you. Let’s take some time to learn what biotechnology is, how it developed, and where it might take us in the future. After considering an overview of the many fields and careers available in biotechnology, you’ll be able to make some informed choices about which area interests you most.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define biotechnology and explain the applications of biotechnology to your life

• Identify important historical milestones and advancements in the field of biotechnology

• List the different fields of biotechnology and give examples of significant advancements in each area

• Explain the bioethical issues related to biotechnology and identify potential societal impacts of advancements in this field of science

• Explore a career of interest in the biotechnology field.

Unit 2: Biotechnology Laboratory Safety

What do virus hunters, biological weapons manufacturers, and biotechnicians all have in common? Unfortunately, they share the risk of potentially contracting a deadly disease when they go to work. Sound scary? Well, if you are well-trained and committed to following proper laboratory safety guidelines and regulations, working in a biological laboratory -even one with harmful or deadly organisms – should be perfectly safe. So, what are important safety guidelines, regulations, practices, and procedures you need to know? Let’s jump in and find out.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the importance of understanding laboratory safety and describe the main steps to follow to prevent laboratory accidents

• Identify the hazard posed by a chemical or biological agent using a safety sign or symbol

• Describe the most important safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) to use when working with different types of hazardous materials

• Analyze a safety data sheet to determine the safety hazards associated with a particular chemical, the most appropriate PPE and safety equipment to use, as well as the best method to safely handle, store, and dispose of the chemical

Unit 3: Biosafety and Sterility

Pathogens, disease, germs, bugs, microorganisms, viruses, fungi, bacteria . . . no matter what you call these organisms, biotechnologists work with them, study them, and even try to prevent them from contaminating their experiments. How do they do this safely? How can they mitigate the harm microorganisms can cause in research? Following important protocols and techniques while performing their work is key. But, what protocols and techniques must they follow? Here, we’ll take a closer look to find out.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compare and contrast the four biosafety levels, determine the biosafety level of biological organisms and materials, and identify the PPE, lab, and facility requirements, at each level

• Explain the importance of following aseptic techniques and protocols in biological laboratories

• Determine the correct method or tool that should be used to sterilize or disinfect laboratory equipment, workspaces, and materials

• Differentiate between proper and poor aseptic technique when performing basic laboratory procedures

Unit 4: Biotechnology By The Numbers

How big, or rather small, is biotechnology? How big is a strand of DNA, an enzyme, or an antibody? How do you work with the raw materials of biotechnology at such a small scale? Here, you will learn how to use the standard equipment and units found in nearly every biotechnology-based laboratory; you will also be able to perform important calculations and accurately use that equipment when you step into a research laboratory for the first time.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Convert, calculate, and report measurements and calculations used when working in the lab

• Prepare molar, % concentration, and mass/volume solutions

• Demonstrate correct use of a micropipette

• Identify and describe the proper use of basic equipment found in a biotechnology laboratory

Unit 5: The Molecule of Life

Think for a moment about all the different types of life that exist on our planet. It might be surprising to know that the basic blueprint for this life is found in a tiny molecule, DNA. Here, you will learn how mankind discovered DNA, how it is structured, and how this new knowledge was applied in science. You’ll get a chance to zero in on this amazing molecule, learning how to identify some of the specific information it uncovers.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Summarize the experiments that led to our understanding that DNA, not protein, is the molecule of hereditary

• Describe the structure of DNA in detail and explain how this new information was applied in science

• Understand and interpret a DNA profile

• Make a DNA profile

• Identify and label the steps of DNA replication

• Compare and contrast PCR with DNA replication

Unit 6: Gene Expression

Our bodies must constantly respond to changing conditions. Something as simple as eating a meal poses a potentially dangerous condition if blood glucose concentrations are not returned to normal shortly thereafter with the help of the protein, insulin. In fact, proteins are involved in nearly every cell process in the body. They give us our traits, serve as a source of energy, perform cellular repair, form blood cells, allow for healthy growth and development, and even play a role in our immune system. Here, we’ll learn how proteins are made by the cell, the structure and function of these proteins, and how scientists study and use them in research.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the process in which proteins are produced through transcription and translation

• Discuss the process in which proteins are developed through translation.

• Understand the role of protein structure on its function and identify the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure of proteins

• Outline the steps scientists use to study protein structure as well as purify and separate proteins in the lab

• Analyze the impacts of enzyme action on the rate of a chemical reaction using graphical data

Unit 7: Genomics and Precision Medicine

Are you interested in the past? Have you ever wondered where your ancestors came from? How about the future? Do you wonder if you will live for 100 years or develop a fatal disease right in the prime of your life? The answers to some of these questions can be found within your own DNA. Once scientists discovered the important function of DNA, they set about dissecting and decoding it. What could this hidden cache of information reveal to us? How could we use the information to understand our own health and improve the way we treat disease? Let’s find out.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe what your genome is and why studying your genome (genomics) is important

• Discuss the impact genomics can have on you

• List applications of precision medicine and types of genetic testing

• Understand the benefits and challenges of direct-to-consumer testing

• Compare and contrast different types of DNA sequencing technologies

• Identify the best method to use to perform DNA isolation and extraction and compare the benefits and drawbacks of each type

Unit 8: Experimental Design

Experimental design is at the heart of all scientific disciplines. The field of biotechnology has made so many advancements and great strides due to scientists asking important questions, setting up sound experimental designs to test their questions, and making sense of the data they collect. Here, you will learn about and practice the scientific method as you ask and use bioinformatics to answer a meaningful question related to DNA barcoding technology.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Ask a meaningful research question, write a testable hypothesis, and design an experiment to test the hypothesis

• Document your work in a legal laboratory notebook according to industry standards and guidelines

• Compare and contrast traditional taxonomy with DNA barcoding in the methods followed to perform each, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the applications

• Use a bioinformatics database to analyze DNA sequence data

Required Materials

Physical

• 1 small packet of Agar-agar powder (you can get it at many Asian food markets or on Amazon).

• 12 inches of (16 in gauge) stainless-steel wire or copper wire (all metal)

• 2 alligator clips with wires

• 2 small, transparent cups

• 3 packets of concentrated (unsweetened) Kool-Aid of your favorite flavors and sugar

• 5 9v (9 volt) batteries

• 70-95% Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol)

• Aluminum foil

• Baking soda

• Balance

• Black Pen

• Black Sharpie

• Cheesecloth

• Chemical disinfectant (or fake bottle)

• Composition notebook

• Container with a lid

• Corn syrup

• Cotton swabs

• Dish

• Distilled water

• Five – 9 volt batteries

• Flat container

• Food color

• Friend or family member

• Funnel

• Gel comb or flathead screwdriver

• Glasses or Cups

• Individually wrapped small candy bars (12)

• Jars or containers with food coloring and water

• Knife

• Liquid Food Coloring (3-4 different colors) with screw cap

• Measurement tools

• Measuring cups and measuring spoons

• Micropipette

• Micropipette tips

• Microwave

• Milk (2% or higher fat content)

• P20 micropipette

• Paper towels

• PPE: Rubber gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coat

• Printer

• Resealable plastic bag

• Ruler

• Safety glasses

• Salt

• Scale

• Scissors

• Sharp knife

• Small Tupperware container

• Spoon

• Strawberries

• Sugar

• Tall drinking glass

• Tape

• Toothpicks

• Tweezers or wooden skewers

• Video recording device

• Volumetric measuring devices such as a beaker, graduated cylinder, measuring cup, or tablespoon

• Water

• Wax paper or aluminum foil.

• White paper

• Writing utensil

Software

• Presentation software

• Word processing software

Optional

• A friend or family member

• Pretend Autoclave

• Pretend Bunsen burner

• Videoconferencing software

You’ve scratched the genetic surface of a biotechnician’s world, but now, we’re going to dive deeper into mankind’s future. In this course, you’ll explore essential topics that structure the reality of biotechnology such as the role genetics and epigenetics play in influencing human traits, the creation and purpose of recombinant DNA, and how the human immune response can be tweaked to fight disease. You’ll also explore GMOs and biofuels and how an idea becomes a reality in the biotech industry. Let’s continue learning about how you can change the world in a role as a biotechnician.

Unit 1: Genetics and Beyond: Epigenetics

Since much of what we are is due to our DNA, it is important to understand how our cells receive and translate their instructions. Not all cells develop in the same way, and each person’s cells are unique, even if their DNA comes from the same set of parents. So what influence do our parents’ genes have on our development? Are there other things that can influence how our cells express themselves? Why is it important for scientists to understand this important process? The answers to these questions can be found by looking more closely into genetic inheritance and another type of inheritance called epigenetics.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Recognize recessive and dominant Mendelian inheritance patterns

• Understand how gene expression in germ cells, stem cells, and somatic cells is controlled

• Determine the difference between genetics and the genome vs. epigenetics and the epigenome

• Cite examples of epigenetic inheritance

Unit 2: Stem Cells: Hope for the Future

What are stem cells? They are not the ethical villains that some may think of but life-giving opportunities for hundreds of thousands of grateful bone marrow transplant recipients who suffer from cancers of the blood such as leukemia and lymphoma. Stem cells may one day be able to treat degenerative diseases such as spinal cord injuries, type I diabetes, and heart disease. Let’s consider not only the science behind stem cells but also the ways scientists are using them to treat disease.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand the difference between an embryonic stem cell and a somatic stem cell, as well as the significance of iPS cells

• List the uses of stem cells, such as in bone marrow transplant

• Explain applications of research involving regenerative medicine

• Connect how cloning Dolly the sheep led to the development of iPS cells

• Evaluate the many ethical issues surrounding stem cell technology

Unit 3: Genetic Engineering: The Dawn of CRISPR

Since the discovery of DNA, scientists have continually investigated how it works and can be manipulated. This has led to the age of genetic engineering, which is already improving the lives of millions through advances in agriculture, the environment, and medicine. Many feel that the discovery of CRISPR could be our next quantum leap forward in medicine. This powerful, precise, and efficient gene-editing tool first looks for a mistake in a cell’s DNA and then cuts it out and replaces it with a new DNA sequence! Scientists are excited to apply this new technology to treat genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia and others. We’ll consider the exciting discoveries in genetic engineering that brought us to today, how they work, and what they promise for the future.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Track some of the historic discoveries that have led to our current advances in genetic engineering

• Explain the process of creating a recombinant DNA and gene expressing it in a model organism

• Understand the mechanisms involved in the gene search/edit proteins of zinc finger nucleases, TALENS, and CRISPR-Cas9

• List current applications of CRISPR technology

• Acknowledge the ethical issues involved in gene-editing technologies

Unit 4: Immunology: Our Great Defender

Microscopic organisms make us sick and can even kill us, but evolution has not left us defenseless. All organisms, from bacteria to humans, possess some sort of immune system that recognizes invading pathogens and rallies a force to destroy them. We can prime our immune system and jumpstart this process through vaccination. We can even engineer specific immune cells called CAR T cells to seek out and destroy cancer cells. Biotechnology even harnessed the power of antibodies for routine clinical tests such as ELISA and Western Blotting. Let’s dive into this world of immunology and learn about the vigilant army of cells that are programmed and ready to protect us.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define a pathogen and distinguish the difference between a bacterium and a virus

• Compare primitive immune systems like RNAi and CRISPR with human adaptive and innate immune systems

• Outline the mechanism of action of a traditional vaccine and compare this process to the novel COVID mRNA vaccine

• Explain what CAR T cells are and why they act like a magic bullet directed toward cancer cells

• Discuss the versatility of antibodies in the laboratory and how they are used in the ELISA or Western Blotting procedures

Unit 5: Model Organisms

How do scientists determine which gene to turn off to prevent cancer cells from growing or figure out how to activate immune cells to respond to a virus? Instead of using themselves as guinea pigs, scientists begin by experimenting with model organisms. Here, we will consider how model organisms are related to humans, which ones are generally used in the lab and some of the important discoveries that have come from their use. We’ll also consider some of the ethical issues that arise from experimenting on non-humans and how scientists balance these issues with the greater good.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Gain an appreciation for the evolutionary relationship between different model organisms and where they fit on the phylogenetic tree of life

• List advances like gene expression and the process of recombinant DNA technology due to experiments on coli

• Compare the use of simple eucaryotes in biotechnology, recognizing their advantages and disadvantages

• Understand the ethical concern with the use of vertebrates as model organisms

• Describe applications that scientists use with the plant Arabidopsis thaliana

Unit 6: Biotechnology in Agriculture and the Environment

What do the issues of world hunger, the oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon rig and our growing carbon footprint all have in common? The solutions to these problems are being made possible by biotechnology! We will consider which biotechnologies are being used to accomplish these tasks, as well as learn more about some of the ethical issues that may arise in their use. We will also discuss the important work of organizations such as the US Food and Drug Administration, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Agriculture to provide oversight. Let’s learn more about genetic engineering uses in agriculture and the environment to see how these advances are affecting us now and will continue to do so in the future.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain how agriculture has benefited from genetically engineered crops and the regulations that oversee their use

• Outline the steps in making a GMO or transgenic plant and understand the contribution CRISPR has made to the process

• Recognize the use of biotechnology in environmental applications such as the cleanup of oil spills and contaminated land as well as the production of biofuels

• Discuss the controversial issues surrounding the use of GMOs in agriculture and environmental science and be knowledgeable about the ongoing debate

Unit 7: Starting Your Job in the Industry

A biotech manufacturing facility is a vibrant exciting microcosm of the outside world and one of the most exciting places you can be fortunate enough to work! So what goes on in a biotechnology company? Let’s learn about the different departments you may one day get a chance to work in, and how they contribute to creating, developing, and manufacturing lifesaving medications. We will also consider how the government oversees these companies and works alongside their employees to make sure the final products are safe for consumers.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discuss the day-to-day responsibilities of a biotechnician at the workplace including ethical behavior, safety requirements, and use of GLPs

• Describe how research & development identifies, experiments with, and tests a potential drug

• List the stages of bioprocessing of a recombinant DNA product using the production of Genentech’s recombinant human insulin as a model

• Explain the vital tasks performed by quality control to provide a safe product for consumers

• Appreciate the role that quality assurance departments play in making sure all procedures and products follow FDA regulations

Unit 8: Scientific Communication in Biotechnology

A life-changing discovery is made after hours of painstaking effort in the laboratory… CRISPR technology has the potential to cure genetic diseases! How do we effectively communicate this information in a way that is credible, believable, honest, and in a format that both the expert and layman can appreciate? Effective communication is key. If scientific research is successfully communicated, it has the potential to raise the public’s awareness of exciting scientific topics as well as create a sense of wonder about the world around us. Researchers must therefore have strengths with both written and verbal communication skills. Avenues of communication include publication in trusted peer-reviewed journals, presentations at local and national meetings, and high-quality education in the classroom.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Recognize the components of authentic science and describe the steps that must be taken in communicating credible discoveries

• Explain the importance of peer review in determining the credibility of a scientific discovery

• Understand how written journal articles, verbal presentations, and social media communicate scientific research and the values of each

• Learn how to read a journal article and dissect the components of a journal article

• Analyze an article and organize a journal club presentation

Required Materials

Physical

• Audio recording device

• Digital camera

• Pencil and paper

• Scissors

Software

• Presentation software

• Spreadsheet software

• Word processing software

• Graphic design software

Optional

• Pens

• Posterboard

Are you ready to have an authentic, positive impact on human life? In this course, you will dive even deeper into the role of a biological technician to understand how genetic engineering works. You will explore managing a biotech laboratory, Microscopy and Spectroscopy, mammalian cell culture, what the day-to-day duties of a biotechnician involve, and more. You will also explore experimental design as it relates to genetic engineering to plan your experiments. Get ready to break down the building blocks of human design!

Unit 1: Managing a Biotech Laboratory

A biotechnology laboratory is a vibrant, exciting place to work, but there are also many potential hazards if supplies and equipment are not well cared for or are used incorrectly. Each lab presents its unique safety challenges, but one thing is for sure: safety is the responsibility of every member of the research team! The proper labeling, inventory, and storage of all solutions and chemicals is also a joint responsibility. Every team member should exhibit the highest level of ethical behavior and practice professional work habits to ensure the laboratory is safe and effective for all.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Apply safety training techniques in a lab environment including the use of information available from OSHA, SDSs, and SOPs

• Understand how a research team works together to keep the lab safe and functioning

• Accurately label and properly store laboratory solutions, Petri dishes, and samples

• Manage an inventory of laboratory chemicals and supplies

• Maintain and use laboratory equipment safely and effectively

Unit 2: Experimental Design

Did you know that scientists have created mice, monkeys, cats, and even a beagle that “glow in the dark”? These experimental animals are assets for researchers in the study of diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s, and diabetes. And it all started with a simple experimental question: why does the jellyfish A. victoria glow in the dark? From here, the scientific method was deployed to learn about a green fluorescent protein (GFP) and even identify the gene that codes for it. The discovery and applications of the GFP are shining examples of scientific ingenuity at its finest and serve as an exemplary model of good experimental design. By learning about the journey of the GFP—from curiosity to application—you can apply these methods to your experimental design someday!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the scientific method and how findings are reported in a scientific journal

• Outline the criteria for an evidence-based scientific experimental design

• Discuss the many applications to medicine and research by the green fluorescent protein from the jellyfish victoria

• Identify sources of bias in the interpretation of scientific data

• Use statistics to minimize bias and quantitate the reliability of data

Unit 3: The Spectrophotometer and the Microscope

A biotechnologist often relies on a dynamic duo of tools in the lab: the microscope and the spectrophotometer. If you intend to purify a protein or the gene coding for a protein, how do you quantify its purity after each step of your procedure? Spectroscopy can be used to do just this! Spectroscopy is also used to measure enzyme activity and perform routine tests that monitor the health of your heart, kidneys, and liver. How do you observe objects that are invisible to the naked eye? The microscope can visualize cells and tissues using various lenses to magnify the images up to 500,000 times their original size! Both of these tools equip the biotechnician to quantitate macromolecules and visualize living cells. How would you use these tools if you were working in a lab?

What will you learn in this unit?

• Organize the basic equipment list needed for a GFP experiment

• Discuss the theory of spectroscopy and the use of various types of spectrophotometers

• Calculate a standard curve to determine the concentration value for an unknown sample

• Describe how to use a light microscope and the function of each component

• Explain how spectroscopy is used to quantitate DNA, protein, and enzyme activity on ELISA plates

Unit 4: Preparing Solutions

One of the first things a biotechnician does each morning is prepare their solutions for the day. Understanding formulas to properly create solutions and buffers is essential to success—and safety—in the lab environment. One wrong calculation can cause disastrous results. The measure of concentration in the laboratory is molarity or moles per liter. This measure is used in making solutions and buffers, diluting solutions, and more. Math and science go hand in hand—especially in the biotechnology lab. Everyone in the lab must measure correctly and calculate with precision to ensure that experiments are reliable and that everyone is safe. Get your calculators ready—it’s time to prepare our solutions!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe solutions and molarity

• Prepare a 1 molar stock solution

• Determine the best glassware to use for measuring volume

• Perform a dilution from a stock solution

• Select the appropriate buffer for an application

Unit 5: Bacteria in Biotechnology

Did you know that the total number of bacterial cells in your body outnumbers your human cells? Most bacteria in the body are helpful, but harmful bacteria have the potential to be lethal. Before the discovery of antibiotics, bacteria caused plagues that killed millions of people. We now grow and culture bacteria in the biotechnology laboratory to create products that save lives. Let’s learn all about bacteria and its impact on the field of biotechnology!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify bacteria responsible for major world pandemics

• Follow procedures for growing pure bacterial cultures in the laboratory

• Describe bacterial cell texture, transparency, and pigmentation of a pure culture

• Classify and identify bacteria based on gram staining, oxygen requirements, shape, and morphology

• Explain metabolism and fermentation and differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic respiration

Unit 6: Genetically Engineering Bacteria

Bacteria have made genetic engineering possible. Through the miracle of recombinant DNA technology, a desired human gene can be selected and inserted into a bacterial plasmid. Once the recombinant plasmid is taken up by bacteria, it is gene-expressed by the normal cellular machinery because all life recognizes the same genetic code. In this way, a human protein can be made by bacteria on an industrial scale. Biotechnology has turned bacteria into microscopic factories that produce drugs and proteins that help mankind. Let’s learn more about this process and how you can design your genetic engineering experiment!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Outline the process of bacterial transformation and give examples of how engineered bacterial products are used in everyday life

• Explain the differences between DNA and RNA and the steps involved in prokaryotic gene expression

• Understand the steps needed to create a cDNA library from a specific tissue and isolate a specific gene of interest

• Map a plasmid and design a strategy for using restriction enzymes to create a recombinant DNA pBR322 or pGLO plasmid

• Design an experiment that transforms bacteria to produce a recombinant protein of choice using the pGLO procedure as an example

Unit 7: Mammalian Cell Culture

Most biopharmaceutical drugs today are produced using cultured mammalian cells. Production of proteins in eukaryotic cells instead of bacteria is an advantage because these cells are accurately folded by the eukaryotic machinery and post-translationally modified. Mammalian cells can be cultured from primary or transformed cell lines such as yeast, mammalian CHO cells, and human skin-derived HELA cells. Growth conditions include maintaining constant pH, CO2 levels, and physiological temperature. Specialized culturing is required for growing CAR T-cells, IPS cells, and embryonic bone marrow cells. Let’s read on to learn more about the details of mammalian cell culture.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discern the advantages that eukaryotic cell culture offers over bacterial cell culture

• Understand the differences between primary and permanent cell lines and their morphologies

• Demonstrate the conditions for growth and storage of cultured cells

• Explain the process of culturing mammalian cells and the safety concerns about this process

• Discuss the many uses of mammalian cultured cells in genetic engineering and the specialized culturing needs of hybridized CAR T-cells, IPS cells, and bone marrow cells

Unit 8: Purification of Proteins

A cell contains hundreds of proteins, each performing specialized functions. A protein can be isolated from this population by exploiting its unique physical characteristics. To start with, organelles containing that protein are separated by subcellular fractionation. Following this, different forms of chromatography are used to separate proteins based on their size, charge, hydrophobicity, and glycosylation. Lastly, proteins are characterized for purity using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by Western blotting. Let’s read on to find out more about this exciting process and how it is applied in the field of biotechnology!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Develop a strategy for the purification of a protein based on its physical characteristics and location in the cell, serum, or media

• Describe a procedure for purifying a protein using gel exclusion chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, or affinity chromatography

• Analyze the purity of an isolated protein using SDS-PAGE, HPLC, or GC and enzyme assay

• Explain a typical procedure used to purify a protein from blood, whole tissue, or bacterial cells

Required Materials

Physical

• Bag of M&M’s candy with blue, orange, green, yellow, red, and brown colors

Software

• Word processing software

Optional

• Art supplies

• Audio recording device

• Balloons

• Calculator

• Flasks with gas spigots (5)

• Glucose/sugar

• Graphic design software

• Heater

• Image editing software

• Litmus paper

• Presentation software

• Spreadsheet software

• Video recording device

• Water

• Writing supplies

• Yeast

You’ve examined the DNA of the biotechnology field, and now have a solid understanding of the day-to-day duties. In this course, you will build on the basics and learn how a career as a biotechnician could change the world! You will explore genetics- diseases, therapies, testing, AI and precision medicine, CRISPR and agricultural sciences, and much more. You will also explore job opportunities in the field of biotechnology and tips for planning a career. Get ready to engineer your understanding of biotechnology!

Unit 1: Genetic Diseases and Gene Therapy

The history of medicine can be defined in four waves. The first wave was the golden age of drug development starting with the innovation of simple aspirin. The next wave came with the discovery of antibiotics and an end to bacterial pandemics. The third was the dawn of recombinant DNA technology and production of recombinant human proteins. Currently, we are experiencing the fourth wave with gene-editing technology that holds the potential to cure genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and even common neurological diseases. Many gene therapy clinical trials are underway to eventually make the treatment of genetic diseases a reality. Let’s learn more about how biotechnology is changing medicine—and individual lives—for the better.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discuss how medicine development has evolved and recall the use of CRISPR cas-9 technology in gene therapy

• Describe the symptoms and proteins responsible for common neurological diseases

• Explain the use of in Vivo and ex vivo gene therapy for diseases such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis

• Demonstrate an understanding of CRISPR-cas9 and how it is currently used in clinical trials

Unit 2: Genetic Testing

Imagine you have discovered that a genetic disease runs in your family and now you are faced with the decision: to test or not to test, that is the question! It is a decision that should be well thought out before proceeding because although there are benefits from genetic testing, there are also risks. A genetic test that was once, not long ago, an expensive test only ordered by a physician, can now be obtained online with a keystroke. Considering the ease at which genetic testing has been made available by direct-to-consumer (DTC) companies, it’s more important than ever to stop and consider the consequences of genetic testing data to yourself and potentially your relatives who share common DNA. The benefits of genetic testing are many, as are the potential risks. Let’s learn more about this process so you can be fully informed about your options.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand the value of genetic testing and when it is appropriate to test for a genetic disease

• Describe a genetic test and how the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) protects against genetic discrimination

• Discuss the risks and limitations of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing

• Explain the privacy issues surrounding genetic testing and how to protect your DNA data

• Define the role of a genetic counselor in educating clients about their genetic disease

Unit 3: The Era of Biological Drugs

Biological drugs (also known as biologics) are different from traditional drugs such as aspirin which are chemically defined and synthesized. Biologics are produced in living cells and, as such, are far more complicated in their size and structure and more expensive to develop and produce. Production of biologics exploits a microorganism’s ability to make DNA, RNA, and different proteins to give them a blueprint for making a specific molecule. Examples of biological drugs are vaccines, recombinant proteins, and monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific for a particular disease cell and can be produced against specific antigens such as those present on the surface of cancer cells and even viruses such as COVID-19. How are these drugs changing the future of medicine? This unit will explain.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand the difference between biological drugs and traditional drugs

• Explain how a monoclonal antibody is produced and used in medicine

• Discuss specific examples of diseases treated with FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies

• Define what cancer is and how biologics can treat it

• Describe the challenges of manufacturing and distributing biologics

Unit 4: Personalized Medicine

Instead of treating an entire population of cancer patients with the same drug regardless of the differences in their physiologies, genomes, and individual tumors, personalized medicine, as the name implies, tailors the treatment to the individual. Mutations in the tumor cells are identified, then the patient’s T cells are reprogrammed and unleashed to target and destroy them with minimal impact on healthy cells. Degenerative diseases can be treated using a patient’s stem cells. The positive effects of these treatments are life-changing. Yet, the use of human embryos and cloning techniques are ethical issues in personalized medicine that must be carefully debated. How might personalized medicine affect your life one day?

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify how personalized medicine using a patient’s cells is different from traditional approaches to medicine

• Discuss personalized immunotherapies such as amplifying a patient’s tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or creating CAR T-cells

• Explain how a patient’s stem cells can be used to treat disease and describe the difference between somatic stem cells, iPS cells, and NT-embryonic stem cells

• Compare and contrast therapeutic cloning versus reproductive cloning of human embryos

• Argue the ethics and legalities of embryo modification and human cloning

Unit 5: Artificial Intelligence and Precision Medicine

The future of health care will use artificial intelligence to drive precision medicine. An individual’s health will be monitored from moment to moment, and risks of cancer and other diseases will be based on the individual’s whole genome sequence. Today, one of the most significant advances in artificial intelligence is the ability to determine the three-dimensional shape of all human proteins. This groundbreaking technology will speed up new drug development and understanding of disease.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compare and contrast artificial intelligence and machine learning

• Discuss the uses of artificial intelligence in medicine and biotechnology

• Describe how artificial intelligence can be used to make precision medicine data-driven

• Explain how artificial intelligence is used to solve the three-dimensional structure of all known human proteins

Unit 6: CRISPR and Agricultural Sciences

World agricultural leaders are scrambling to find ways to feed an ever-growing population with crops that are falling subject to disease and drought. CRISPR-Cas9 technology offers a precise, cost-effective method for producing favorable characteristics in plants and animals by knocking out genes that interfere with the expression of those characteristics. Tomatoes that produce healthy chemicals, crops that resist browning, and plants with increased productivity are just a few of the changes CRISPR is making. CRISPR-edited biofuels can offset dependency on fossil fuels. Animals are even gene-edited to enhance favorable qualities that benefit the consumer. The ethics of using CRISPR technology to resurrect ancient animals or cause the extinction of a mosquito population through the use of gene drives must be carefully debated as we move forward. These issues and many other CRISPR-related advances will be discussed in this unit.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe what CRISPR is, how it was discovered, and how it is used as a gene-editing tool in agriculture

• List ways CRISPR can contribute to feeding the world

• Discuss the many future contributions CRISPR will make towards crop improvements and affordable biodiesel

• Explain how and why animals have been modified using CRISPR technology

• Debate the ethics of using CRISPR for the de-extinction of ancient animals or the extinction of pests

Unit 7: Biotechnology Companies

There are thousands of biotech companies ranging in size from a few dozen to over 100,000 employees. Some have been around since the 1800s while some started recently in the 2000s. They provide products that range from vaccines for the prevention of disease, to monoclonal antibodies that fight cancer, to genomics that use artificial intelligence to match up the ideal drug to a patient’s genome. But these innovative products do not make a great biotech company—the employees do. A commitment to ethics, sustainability, inclusion, and diversity gives back to the community, and these are all hallmarks of a great company.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the aspects of a great biotech company from an employee’s perspective

• Define the distinctive features of a startup company

• List the biotech companies that are manufacturing biologics and cell-based therapies

• Discuss leading biotech companies that make vaccines and instrumentation vital to the biotechnology laboratory

• Describe companies that are leaders in genomics, sequencing, biomarkers, pharmacogenetics, and agrigenomics

Unit 8: Planning Your Biotech Career

Students who have earned a CTE Biotechnology Certificate are qualified to apply for many entry-level jobs in the biotechnology industry. This laboratory experience will be beneficial in obtaining a good internship in college and winning a competitive biotech position after graduation. It is important to research a company before applying to make sure its culture and climate are a good fit for your goals, soft skills, and experience. Several healthy work habits should be displayed after being hired including maintaining a strong work ethic, keeping a positive attitude, and supporting your departmental team. Where will your biotech knowledge take you in the future?

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discuss jobs you can attain with your CTE Biotechnology Certification that are consistent with your interests, experience, and soft skills

• Plan your college pathway to help achieve your future career goals

• Develop a job-seeking strategy that includes a great resume and professional network

• Prepare for your job interview and hone good work habits

Required Materials

Software

• Presentation software

• Word processing software

Optional

• Art supplies

• Audio recording device

• Digital camera

• Graphic design software

• Posterboard

• Projector

• Spreadsheet software

• Video recording device

• Writing supplies