Defences against pathogens, the human immune system and vaccination
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Health and disease, where they explored the relationship between lifestyle factors and disease. It deepens their understanding by examining the body's defences against pathogens, focusing on the immune system and how vaccines help prevent diseases. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Medicines and new treatments for disease, where they will apply their knowledge to explore how modern medicines, such as antibiotics and monoclonal antibodies, are used to treat diseases, reinforcing their understanding of disease prevention and treatment.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Disease is a cause of ill health.
- Lifestyle factors can cause or increase the risk of disease.
- Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi.
- Ways in which pathogens can be spread.
- Some common communicable diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Health and disease, where they explored the relationship between lifestyle factors and disease. It deepens their understanding by examining the body's defences against pathogens, focusing on the immune system and how vaccines help prevent diseases. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Medicines and new treatments for disease, where they will apply their knowledge to explore how modern medicines, such as antibiotics and monoclonal antibodies, are used to treat diseases, reinforcing their understanding of disease prevention and treatment.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Disease is a cause of ill health.
- Lifestyle factors can cause or increase the risk of disease.
- Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi.
- Ways in which pathogens can be spread.
- Some common communicable diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi.
Biology
Defences against pathogens, the human immune system and vaccination
This unit explores the body's defences and immune response against pathogens, disease prevention, and vaccines. It covers plant defence responses, and disease detection, and evaluates scientific applications, considering personal, social, economic, and environmental implications.
5 lessons in unit
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