Sciences for Healthcare

Understand how cells and microorganisms affect health.

The relationship between the structure and function of plasma membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes and nucleus in animal cells. The structure of a range of specialised cell such as sperm cell, red blood cell or nerve cell, and how they are adapted for specific functions. The processes of osmosis and diffusion facilitate the movement of substances such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, dissolved food molecules, mineral ions and urea in to and out of cells.

Main characteristics of micro-organisms: bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The difference between the terms micro-organism and pathogen and how pathogens can be spread and how this can be reduced or prevented. Examples of pathogens: bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and the diseases they can cause. Communicable diseases and how an understanding of microbiology can help to prevent and treat these diseases. 

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

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

• 1.2

  Explain how substances move in and out of cells. 

• 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. 

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

Characteristics of acids and bases, including neutralisation reactions. Relative acidity and alkalinity of common substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, soap and bleach using pH scale. Applications of acids and bases e.g. to neutralise stomach acid, chemicals to neutralise drinking water, and uses in sterilisation and disinfection. 

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. 

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

Properties of longitudinal and transverse waves, including how waves transfer energy without transferring matter. The seven parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS): radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays and gamma rays. Applications of EMS and other waves in healthcare e.g. 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 and x-rays for diagnostic imaging.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Describe the properties of transverse and longitudinal waves. 

• 3.2

  Describe the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

• 3.3

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

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

Alpha, beta and gamma radiation including electrical charges and the ability to penetrate matter and to be absorbed. Hazards posed in using ionising radiation, the effects on the human body, such as genetic mutations, and protection measures, including the concept of half-life. Applications of ionising radiation in terms of diagnosis and treatment within health, e.g. alpha and gamma treatments for cancer. 

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1

  Describe the different types of ionising radiation. 

• 4.2

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

• 4.3

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

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

Physiological measurements assess the function of organ systems e.g. cardiovascular function is measured by pulse and blood pressure, respiratory function is measured by breathing rate and peak flow. Normal ranges of physiological measurements: lung volume and blood pressure.

Characteristics, purpose, maintenance, and operation of different equipment used to take physiological measurements e.g., digital blood pressure monitor and peak flow meter for lung volume.

Stages involved in preparing the environment, the equipment, the individuals and cleaning, including suitable agents, of the equipment following standard operating procedures. Accurate and safe use of equipment. Accurate recording of results using the correct and standard units. Monitoring individuals for signs of discomfort or non-compliance with procedure.

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.