Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 35: INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CAREEssential guidance for tutorsDeliveryThis unit would benefit from being delivered by a tutor with a specialist knowledge ofmicrobiology.Small group research and presentations could be a useful means of introducing thisunit, with learners investigating the contributions of various scientists to currentunderstanding of microbiology. Some tutor input will then be needed for introductionto the microscopic agents of communicable disease, though this could be made morelearner focused through worksheets, quizzes or practical activities. If available,learners could use microscopes to examine fresh samples of microorganisms, forexample from a yeast suspension, yoghurt or blue cheese. Prepared slides oforganisms could also be viewed. Images, for example of different virus particles, canbe accessed through the internet. If appropriate facilities are accessible, simpleexperiments using yeast suspension or samples of dough can be used to explore theeffect of temperature, salt and pH on controlling microbial activity.The importance of microorganisms in human health and disease could be delivered bymeans of a combination of tutor input, small group research andpresentations/posters into specific diseases, case studies and videos/DVDs. A guestspeaker from the local environmental health department could also be useful. Smallgroup activities could also be used to share research into the benefits ofmicroorganisms, such as the production of different foods from microorganisms or theproduction of antibiotics.Further understanding relating to infection may be obtained from consideration ofscenarios relating to learners’ work experience placements, observing actualpractices in settings, or from personal experiences. Opportunity for discussion ofethical issues relating to the use of genetic engineering, vaccines, and implicationsfor health and social care of antibiotic-resistance would be useful preparation forassessment.AssessmentThis unit could be assessed by means of four assignments. An initial assignment couldbe used fairly early in the delivery of the unit in order for learners to provideevidence for P1. This could be in the form of a written assignment, or records from apresentation, such as a PowerPoint presentation and a witness statement.A second assignment could then be used for P2, P3 and M1, evidence for which willprobably take the form of a written assignment, possibly supplemented by annotateddiagrams or posters.BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007443