Graded
The purpose of the unit is to develop students’ understanding of the structure of pathogenic microorganisms and how the human immune system responds to protect the body. In addition the role of vaccination will be discussed.
Be able to analyse the structure and function of microorganisms, how they cause disease and how treatments work.
Examples of pathogenic organisms eg:
• Coccus (Staphylococcus aureus), Bacillus (Escherichia coli), Spirochete (Helicobacter pylori)
• HIV, Norovirus, Influenza A H3N2, Influenza A H5N1
• Plasmodium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Trypanosoma spp.
• Aspergillus spp., Tinea spp., Candida albicans
Organelle and viral component structures and how each causes a disease. The differences between Gram +ve and Gram –ve bacteria using the Gram staining protocol to help illustrate the difference in structure of the bacterial cell walls. Practical microbial examination using standard microbiological techniques to help understand microbial structure and function.
A range of diseases caused by the pathogens studied focusing on the precise mechanisms by which they cause disease. For example, the apical complex in Plasmodium spp. demonstrates the way in which the organism infects the host’s cells. The ways in which treatments work against the pathogens, for example the consequences of the action of antibiotics on peptidoglycan and bacterial cell wall production.
Explain the ultrastructure of a
(a) bacterium
(b) virus
(c) protozoan
(d) fungus.
Explain how these organisms can cause a named disease.
Explain how treatments work for the diseases explained in 1.2.
Be able to analyse the structure and function of the human immune system.
The overarching structure of the human immune response i.e. primary and secondary response components. All cells derived from pluripotent haematopoietic stem cells – i.e. common myeloid and common lymphoid families of cells. The antigen presenting cells e.g. dendritic cells as they relate to the combined immune response and allergies.
The structure of the lymphatic system and its immunological role. Manufacture of cells in the bone marrow; mature in the central lymphoid organs (bone marrow and thymus) and maintained in the peripheral lymphoid organs (lymphatic system), ready for use.
The manufacture of soluble factors and the effects they have to help clear the body of pathogens.
Explain the structure of the human immune system.
Discuss the role of the cellular components of the immune system.
Explain the immunological role of the lymphatic system.
Explain the role of the following soluble factors in the immune response:
(a) Antibodies
(b) Histamine
(c) Cytokines and Chemokines
(d) Complement
(e) Interferon.
Understand how the immune system interacts to combat infection or injury.
How the primary and secondary elements studied in LO2 work together to clear the body of a pathogen, perhaps through case studies or problem solving activities.
Explain the combined role of the innate and adaptive immune responses to infection or injury.
Understand the principles and practice of vaccination.
The principles of vaccination and the work of Edward Jenner to provide context and background only. Active immunity produced by vaccine with resulting immunity via immunological memory with very low risk of acquiring the disease itself.
The WHO Smallpox eradication programme, the MMR campaign, the Polio Global Eradication Initiative and the UK’s routine immunisation schedule. Students could also investigate global pandemics such as COVID-19 and evaluate the global or UK response to it.
Explain the theory of vaccination.
Evaluate a named vaccination programme.