Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 15: BIOCHEMISTRY FOR HEALTHUnit 15:Biochemistry for HealthNQF Level 3:Guided learning hours: 60BTEC NationalsUnit abstractThe aim of this unit is to enable learners to gain understanding of biochemicalprinciples, knowledge of which will support them during progression through theprogramme, especially in relation to the science-based specialist units. Theknowledge and understanding gained will also be valuable for those learners who planto progress to further or higher level studies in the health sector.Initially the unit examines atomic and molecular structure, with particular focus onthe relationship between structure and the properties thus conferred, with referenceto the biological molecules and the support and maintenance of life. Learners willgain understanding of a range of molecules, both inorganic and organic.The unit goes on to examine the principles of metabolism, considering certainmetabolic pathways and the role of enzymes in metabolism. Learners will use theprinciples of the scientific method to undertake practical investigations involvingenzymes. They will then consider disorders of metabolism, the nature of these andtheir causes and effects.There are strong links with several other units in the programme, including Unit 5:Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care, Unit 13:Physiology of Fluid Balance, Unit 14: Physiological Disorders, Unit 16: Science inPractice for Health and Unit 21: Nutrition for Health and Social Care.Learning outcomesOn completion of this unit a learner should:1 Understand the molecules of life2 Understand the principles of metabolism3 Understand disorders of metabolism.BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007205