STEM Academy Courses

Credit: 1
Grade: 11
Elective Course
Prerequisite: DC Electronic Circuits
Fee: Yes

Students will explore foundational concepts and practices across engineering fields, emphasizing mechanics, materials science, electrical principles, and fluid dynamics. The course focuses on applying these principles to analyze, design, and optimize engineering systems. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for understanding both mechanical and electrical components in engineering applications.

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: Engineering Principles
Fee: Yes

Students will explore the fundamentals of industrial robots, including their design, operation, and applications in manufacturing and automation. The course covers robot types, kinematics, sensors, actuators, programming, and safety protocols. Emphasis is placed on integrating robots into production systems for tasks such as assembly, welding, material handling, and inspection, alongside troubleshooting and maintenance practices.

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: Junior level STEM science courses
Fee: Yes

The mentorship course at Olentangy Academy is required of all seniors. Mentorship is a year-long course that allows students to gain first-hand experience in a career of their choice. Students complete career assessments, prepare a resume and practice interview skills among other life-planning activities. Students will be released to participate in a student internship in a field of their choice. Throughout the course, students will create a portfolio of their experience and will have a mentorship presentation at the end of each semester. 

Credit: 1
Grade: 11
Elective Course
Prerequisite: None
Fee: Yes

This course explores techniques for extracting, separating, and assaying carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins from biological samples. Topics include mechanisms for regulating metabolism and gene expression. Students will describe the morphology and process of reproduction of microorganisms important in clinical disease and biotechnology applications. Students will perform assays as a diagnostic tool to detect the presence of a pathogen. Further, students will perform separation techniques including chemical separations, centrifugation, distillation, and filtration and interpret results. 

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: None
Fee: Yes

Students gain knowledge and skill in genetic principles and molecular methods of analysis. Topics include enzymology, protein purification, gene expression and organization. Students perform biomolecular applications using knowledge of nucleic acid structure and function, DNA replication, transcription, translation, chromosome structure and remodeling and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Additionally, students will use electrophoresis to separate nucleic acids and proteins to determine molecular weight. 

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: Junior level STEM science courses
Fee: Yes

Students learn medical interventions that extend and improve quality of life including gene therapy, use and development of prosthetics, rehabilitation techniques, and supportive care. Students will use 3D imaging, data acquisition software, and current scientific research to design and develop medical intervention products. Students will demonstrate current and emerging strategies and technologies used for collecting, analyzing, recording and sharing information. In addition, students will develop leadership and team-building skills that promote collaboration. 

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: Junior level STEM science courses
Fee: Yes

In this first course, students will use concepts, procedures, and equipment common to a professional medical laboratory. Students conduct problem-based studies, apply scientific methodology and use descriptive statistics to communicate and support predictions and conclusions. Students will follow procedures and protocols for handling, transporting, storing, and preparing specimens. Further, students will sample, monitor, and record environmental conditions of the facilities. Emphasis is given to demonstrating professional and ethical behavior associated with the medical field. 

Credit: 1 CCP, Opt-In
Grade: 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: Junior level STEM science courses
Fee: Yes

This OPTIONAL course provides a comprehensive introduction to the clinical research industry, including research methodologies, clinical program and trial development, and regulatory oversight. Students will explore the roles of regulatory agencies, sponsors, investigators, IRBs, and the public in clinical research, as well as the ethical considerations involved. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and professional development workshops, students will develop essential research skills, gain valuable insights into career pathways, and examine trends and opportunities in clinical research. 

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: Junior level STEM science courses
Fee: Yes

The mentorship course at Olentangy Academy is required of all seniors. Mentorship is a year-long course that allows students to gain first-hand experience in a career of their choice. Students complete career assessments, prepare a resume and practice interview skills among other life-planning activities. Students will be released to participate in a student internship in a field of their choice. Throughout the course, students will create a portfolio of their experience and will have a mentorship presentation at the end of each semester.