Sciences for Healthcare

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
F/650/2484
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
48 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of evidence

Aim

The unit aims to give learners an introduction as to how concepts and techniques in biology, chemistry, and physics are applied to promote health and treat diseases.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand how cells and microorganisms affect health.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Describe the structure and functions of main organelles within a basic and specialised human cell. 

    AC1.1: Main organelles, for example:

    • nucleus
    • mitochondria
    • ribosomes
    • cell (plasma) membrane

    AC1.1: Specialised human cells, for example:

    • sperm cell
    • red blood cell
    • nerve cell
    • muscle cell
  • 1.2

    Explain how substances move in and out of cells. 

    1.2: How substances move in and out of cells, for example:

    • diffusion
    • osmosis
    • active transport
    • movement occurs through the cell membrane
  • 1.3

    Identify the characteristics of bacteria, viruses and fungi. 

  • 1.4

    Explain what pathogen means and give examples of an illness caused by a bacterium, a virus and a fungus. 

    1.4: Examples of an illness, for example:

    • bacterial
    • viral
    • fungal

2

Know the differences between acids and alkalis and their applications to health. 

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Explain the terms acid, alkaline and base. 

  • 2.2

    Test and record and the acidity and alkalinity of a range of household substances. 

  • 2.3

    Give examples of how acids and bases are used in health care. 

3

Understand he characteristics of waves, and how they can be used in medical and health care. 

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Describe the properties of transverse and longitudinal waves. 

    3.1: Properties, for example:

    • transverse waves:
    1. particles move up and down
    2. movement is at right angles to the direction of the wave
    • longitudinal waves:

    1. particles move back and forth
    2. movement is in the same direction as the wave

  • 3.2

    Describe the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

    3.2: Different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example:

    • radio waves
    • microwaves
    • infrared
    • visible light
    • ultraviolet
    • x-rays
    • gamma rays
  • 3.3

    Explain how different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used in medical or healthcare applications. 

    3.3: How different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used, for example:


    • MRI using radio frequency waves to generate images of the human body
    • ultrasound waves used for scanning unborn babies
    • infrared for wound healing and promoting circulation
    • x-rays for diagnostic imaging
4

Know the different types of ionising radiation and how they can be used in medicine and healthcare. 

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Describe the different types of ionising radiation. 

    4.1: Different types, for example:

    • alpha
    • beta
    • gamma
    • x‑rays

  • 4.2

    Explain the potential hazards of ionising radiation and what protective measures can be used. 

    4.2: Potential hazards, for example:

    • damage to cells
    • increased risk of cancer
    • burns to skin or tissues
  • 4.3

    Give an example of how ionising radiation can be used in a medical or healthcare setting. 

5

Be able to safely take basic physiological measurements to assess health. 

Assessment Criteria

  • 5.1

    Select and prepare the equipment to be used to take a range of physiological measurements. 

  • 5.2

    Carry out and record measurements of pulse rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, BMI calculations and peak flow on different people. 

  • 5.3

    Clean and maintain equipment used to take physiological measurements.