BioSTEM

In the BioSTEM pathway, students gain an understanding of laboratory procedures and applications of scientific principles that assist biologists/chemists in a variety of fields including agriculture, pharmaceutical, environmental, clinical, industrial products, etc.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The BioSTEM Pathway is a part of the STEM career cluster. The Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Cluster involves planning, managing, and executing research, analysis, and technical services. This cluster includes laboratory testing, and research and development in the physical sciences, engineering, and math.

Pathway Courses

Level 1 Course: BioSTEM I

BioSTEM I is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with emphasis in biotechnology. This course covers basic skills required for BioSTEM fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in both the engineering design and the scientific inquiry process. Students conduct research to develop meaningful questions, define simple problem scenarios and scientific investigations, develop fundamental design solutions, conduct basic mathematical modeling and data analysis, and effectively communicate solutions and scientific explanation to others.
Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.

Level 2 Course: BioSTEM II

BioSTEM II is a project-based learning experience for students who wish to further explore the dynamic range of BioSTEM fields introduced in BioSTEM I. Building on the content and critical thinking frameworks of BioSTEM I, this course asks students to apply the scientific inquiry and engineering design processes to a course-long project selected by the instructor with the help of student input. Instructors design a project in one of the BioSTEM fields of medical laboratory science, research science, food science, forensic science or environmental science that reflects the interest of the class as a whole; the students then apply the steps of the scientific inquiry process throughout the course to ask questions, test hypotheses, model solutions, and communicate results. In some cases, instructors may be able to design hybrid projects that employ elements of several of the BioSTEM fields. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have a thorough understanding of how scientists research problems and methodically apply BioSTEM knowledge and skills; and they will be able to present and defend a scientific explanation to comprehensive BioSTEM scenarios.

Aligned Industry Credential: Autodesk Inventor Certified User. The Autodesk Certified User - Inventor certification measures users' knowledge and technical skills for the Inventor product, which provides a comprehensive set of design tools for producing, validating, and documenting complete digital prototypes.

Level 3 Course: BioSTEM III

BioSTEM III is an applied course in the STEM career cluster which allows students to work in groups to solve a problem or answer a scientific question drawn from real-world scenarios within their schools or communities. This course builds on BioSTEM I and BioSTEM II by applying scientific knowledge and skills to a team project. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to effectively use skills such as project management, team communication, leadership, and decision making. They will also be able to effectively transfer the teamwork skills from the classroom to a work setting.

Aligned Industry Credential: Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE). BACE is an industry-recognized exam offered by Biotility designed to assess core skills and knowledge sets defined by the bioscience industry. The exam framework is based on a DACUM analysis, detailing the competencies foundational to technician level positions. Reviewed and updated annually with oversight from a national advisory board, the BACE remains current to industry needs nationwide.

Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway

Credit Type: Dual Credit
Institution: TSU - Tennessee State University
Dual Credit- Credit by assessment. Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete a college assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the test, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.

Affiliated Career & Technical Student Organization: TSA

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). TSA chapters take the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests.

Antioch High School

Engineering and Automotive Technology

AEAT MISSION STATEMENT

The Academy of Engineering and Automotive Technology Pathways