This unit examines how cutting edge technologies in both physics and biology are being implemented for both detecting and curing disease. Advancements in medical treatments are pioneered through biomedical research. Diseases can be cured and prevented when governmental policies and new medical treatments are created based on the findings of biomedical research.

Students learn about the modern history of scientific research involving human subjects and what regulations and documents exist for the protection of these participants. The federal government supports millions of dollars in research grants to study health problems in America. In order to investigate cures to devastating diseases, human subjects are needed. The government ensures they are protected in the process. The researchers must help people understand the research in which they are participating. Using the issue of skin cancer, students learn about the role of government oversight in clinical studies. The issues addressed include how individuals become involved with biomedical research and an understanding of informed consent, Internal Review Boards (IRBs) and finally, how researchers explain their projects to participants.

Government protects its citizens from environmental health hazards through regulations and laws. It also develops thoughtful policies to prepare the public to meet future threats. In concert with the special interest groups involved in various areas of health, government leadership is responsible for providing high standards for clinical research, as well as motivating academia, industry, and the citizenry to work together. In this way, they can be prepared to meet new health challenges and to create innovative medicines and therapies for existing diseases.

This unit addresses the education standards for 12th grade.

Major Project - Senate Hearing
Students will participate in a simulation of a Senate hearing before the committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. http://help.senate.gov/ The subject of the hearing is to determine whether the Senate will approve a bill proposing federal regulations on the use of tanning booths by minors and a mandated education program on sun awareness. Students will take on the roles of Senate members and various special interest groups. One of the special interest groups will be scientists who are proposing a clinical study to evaluate the effects of UV exposure on the skin when received through artificial (mechanical) means. Other students will take the part of business owners, young survivors of skin cancer, or representative of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). This study would provide in-depth information about UV exposure’s impact on human skin. Language arts will support this simulated hearing by guiding the students through the writing of an informed consent document that would be used to safeguard the rights of the human subjects in the proposed clinical studies. For more information about Human Subjects Protection: http://www.irb.arizona.edu/communityoutreach.html.

Scientist Profile - Elaine & Mike Jacobson

This unit can be taken in two different stream i.e either with Biology [Matrix I] or Physics [Matrix II].